Hi Carantoc,
not paid..
but I've been working in the tourism industry since I was a kid (read : working with my parents, not exploited).
And I know how a few pictures take you further than 1000 words....
English being my second language I'm not sure if you're comment is about me posting too much about new cal or not ? Please do not hesitate to tell me so.
I know seabreeze is an australian community so I won't be offended.
I like sharing how great our island is.
To be honest I go to oz nearly twice a year and it amazes me that most of the people I meet have no clue where I come from or even if it's in the southern hemisphere.
And that's a shame cause we're just so close !!(2hours from brizzie and 5 flights a week from sydney)
So even if I only help a few fellow windsurfers to come over I'm happy !!
cheers
Sean
today : BLUESCOPE RACE
a downwind long distance (20 k) from the lighthouse island to anse vata beach,
open to Kite/windsurf/sup/hobbie cats/outriggers and whatever as long as it doesn't have an engine...
The rivalry between Kites and windsurf was very present and NC5 set a new record( with his unijoint broken halfway) and confirmed the supremacy of windsurf on long distance
start line :
more pics : www.diabolofunboard.com/spip.php?article2165&var_mode=calcul
Sean,
Apart from the awesome spot in the video are there other wavesailing spots that are maybe a bit more accessible? Do many people go there just to wavesail or is it more of a slalom type scene ?
Hi Brien,
One spot in town for freestyling and (small) wavesailing : Magenta.
The one in the video is really quite a distance from the city.
Hi Sean,
looking at maybe a week to 10 days in January with the family. Wife needs some r & r after a serious operation. I have two boys, one 11 the other 15. Is there much for them to do? Neither sail but I might get them some hire gear to try it, but they both skate and scooter. Do you have any skate parks there they can hang out at? As a family we tend to be one that goes out and does things rather than sitting around relaxing so I just wanted a locals perspective on what there is to do in and around Noumea. Also what sails do they hire out with the RRD boards?
Cheers. 
Hi Rex,
there is a really cool skate/scooter/bmx park approx 2km from Anse vata beach.
It's quite large and nicely set up. My son goes over there and it's very safe.
All the rental outlets have really good beginner's gear : Aloha and Naish pro center also give lessons ($); Sp8ce (rrd) does the lessons for free and the guy is irish so language is not an issue (except for the accent 
)
You should definitely take your kids snorkelling on duck island, it's just unreal !!
Your 15 yo will probably also enjoy the local charm of the chicks on the beach.....
Plenty of activities to choose from (light house day trip/cultural center/beautiful new aquarium/helicopter ride over the reef, etc)
Dining is great and wine is cheap !
As for aussie feedback you can ask Wineman/Haircut/Drift/Col555 about their opinion. They've all made different journeys here.
Col is the Lucky one he's been sailing a lot and seeing a few interesting things (duck island buoys...)
Laurent (RRD) hires Loft sails but only wave and freeride sails (up to 5.9).
No one hires slalom gear locally, too costly.
Hope this helps.
I won't be there from 1st to 18 january(I'll be in Oz) so don't hesitate to let me know when you're coming so I can tell the rental guys to give you the "mate rate"
the local avanti rider with his 2013 sail
(only 17)
The local non sponsored (only 45) yesterday
(we've had two weeks of 20/25knts, just awesome) 
Sean,
I'm loving reading all these messages of winds and warm water! I'll be in New Cal over christmas-new year. Staying at Anse Vata which look like the palce to be for some great sailing. Shame you wan't be around but I'm sure there will be plenty of others to have a sail with. Are both of the rental places good for hiring general bump and jump gear?
Cheers!
Hi Mev,
I'm leaving the country on the 1st of january, so I'll be sailing til the last minute !!!
yes the 3 rental outlets have bump and jump, your choice of anse vata is good, plenty to choose from.
wind has just dropped yesterday, probably because the kite world series are starting today......... 
Shoulb be back to a full 20 knts on thursday, at least I'll have a little rest til then....
Thanks Shaun,
Maybe I will see you on the water then. We arrive Boxing day. Thanks for the info. If you could have the kiters cleared by then, it would be appreciated
It's okay, they're not allowed on our side of the bay.(since one of them crashed on a car drving by....)
You should have a great time, get in touch we you get there !!!
Hi Sean, We are going to Lle des pins Wednesday
See you on Friday for a sail.
Julian, received your mail but can not send.
Too many crossiants. This is like paradise.
Geez Hooray, you brought a storm in your luggage, it's pouring down today !!!
Will ring you tonight !!
weather doesn't seem good at all for tomorrow : http://www.meteo.nc/previsions/bulletin
clearing up thursday and getting fine friday
lol
As a matter of fact the skill level is quite high locally, so most of the jumps are landed.
Plus you better nail your landing cause most of the time there's another guy jumping just behind you....
Hi Sean, the international skill level was lowered while I was there. Here are my tracks on the light wind day. Did not bother with gps on the 4.5m days as I was having too much fun.
Noumea is such a great place to sail and the locals are so friendly.
Thank you for your hospitality and going out of your way to make our holiday an enjoyable one.
Had 3 weeks there in 1991. Racing most afternoons, laps of the island, upwind downwind runs / races. With KZ sail numbers on, latest full race kit, every body wanted to race yah. Is Laurent still around?
Great spot
Deano
No worries Ray !!
BTW Laurent was unpacking the 2013 xfires this morning on the beach... sweeeet !!
