I'm heading to Europe in late June/early July and was hoping for some windsurfing action in Spain about that time. Does anyone know any good spots that would suit both advanced and beginner sailors? I know about Tarifa and Gulf de Roses but they seem to be not so beginner friendly (deep water). Any other destination I should check out??
Cheers
Brett
hey bmanners,
June/ early July? man brace yourself for the crowds as this is the most busy time of the year.
as for Tarifa, if you go down to the sand dune even a beginner should be doing ok. The only problem there is once the wind really kicks in things get out of control pretty quickly.
In my experience the wind at that time of the year can be 30 days of 30-50 knts. or 30 days of 10-15 knts. It's really variable from year to year.
The Bay of Rosas can have a summer thermal wind but it's not that strong and the northerly wind usually only blows once or twice a month at that time of the year.
There is also the Canary Islands but of course they are a two day ferry ride from main land Spain. Ibiza and Mallorca can be good in winter but also need a ferry hop from Barcelona.
Other than that Spain isn't that great a windsurf destination if you want consistent wind. Your best bet for knee deep water with gentle wind is probably to hop across the border to France and give the Etangs around Leucate a go. The wind usually doesn't get to full force there in summer either...
Other than that make sure you have travel insurance. Summer there is also peak season for petty theft and car break-ins. When I used to go to Spain for windsurfing it was almost a given that you had your car broken into. In the end I would padlock the doors with steel cables. The things is that over there windsurf gear actually has value unlike here in Australia where it's tricky to offload stolen gear. BTW, if you have too much stuff for them to carry they will usually take the entire car.
That said, I went to Spain a couple of years ago during February and experienced no crowds, no car breakins (except for pick pockets in Madrid and Barcelona), empty beaches, cheap hotels and most importantly friendly locals. For me... I'll never go there again during June/ July/ August/ September.
I hope this helps.
If you can Brett get over to the Canarie Islands. You can fly or take the Ferry from Cadiz.
Fuerte Ventura (North for waves South for flat water) and Grand Canaria are good destinations. And even Lanzarote.
Like stehsegler says Tarifa is going to be packed. The levante and Poniente winds can drive you nuts as they blow day and night when they come in. Tarifa is all pretty much chop hop or flat water blasting. But its got great night life.
If you can Brett get over to the Canarie Islands. You can fly or take the Ferry from Cadiz.
Fuerte Ventura (North for waves South for flat water) and Grand Canaria are good destinations. And even Lanzarote.
Like stehsegler says Tarifa is going to be packed. The levante and Poniente winds can drive you nuts as they blow day and night when they come in. Tarifa is all pretty much chop hop or flat water blasting. But its got great night life.
Gincho in Portugal is another spot
If your skill level is up for it, Gran Canaria (pozo -summer, bahia feliz -winter) or Tennerife (El Medano)
From your post it sounds as if you are looking for some very safe conditions.
There is a place in France, close to the Spanish border, called Gruissan. This place enjoys a hot offshore wind that comes from the mountains and blows out ouver the sea. It's got a few bays that might be save options.
Check out http://www.gruissan-windsurf.com/uk/spots.htm to see if that is what you are looking for.
Lake Garda in Italy is another place where the wind blows frequently. Garda gets choppy though.
If you want a spot for beginners, don't waste your time in Spain, just go to Port Leucate, in the South west of France. You will be able to sail on the internal lakes, knee deep in most places.
It's not far from the Spanish border, so if you want to see Spain, just cross over for a few days of wild partying!
In the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is probably the only spot accessible to beginners, or else the south of Fuerteventura.
Enjoy!
If you are going to spain you must check this place out:
Absolutely.
And the nightlife doesn't START until midnight. So dont go out like we did at 9 and wonder why the place is dead!
There are a few bars in Tarifa that open about 2am. Good because the sea breeze can kick in quite late somedays.
All med coast is good in summer for thermal winds, which tend to be between F4 and F6. From what you say tarifa may not be for you as a great many days it blows F8 or F9. you have "el mar menor" in land sea, in murcia, waist deep with plenty of jellys to make sure your jibes are good, Leucate also flat water venue, very close to spain.
If you want more action, try canaries, tarifa, guincho (portugal). Summer months very crouded "everywhere". Balearic islands also good, but better in winter as to many tourists and no waves in summer.
most of spain is on the wrong side of the ocean...there are some amazing spots in portugal,......i think Ericia was one of many....
Drive to Morocco, head to Essaouria for beginner conditions - flat, consistent wind and not too deep, then either head down the bay for waves or go to Sidi Kaiouki or Mouley Bouchershom for some reef action. It's been a while since I've been so I'm sure the spellings are no where near right!!
Tarifa is awesome as well, just not great for waves. How about Gunicho?
