We’ve all heard about a hundred and one of the ‘best’s spots for windsurfing in the world right? Let’s face it, all you need is a bit of wind and a sizeable watercourse, and you’re good to go windsurfing wise, so surely any location can be good depending on the conditions? Well, yes and no. Of course, every location has it’s good spells, but there’s no doubt that there are a few spots dotted around the world which offer exceptional windsurfing conditions that elevate these locations above and beyond anything else you might have heard of as being a ‘great spot’!
Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand has always had a good reputation for windsurfing, and rightly so. In favoured spots, it can be great, and Wellington is no exception. Wellington happens to be one of the windiest cities in the world, and you’re getting an average of 20mph throughout the year, with sometimes harsh winds blowing across from Antarctica. During spring and summer, you are hard pushed not to be able to find some great conditions any day of the season.
Lac Bay, Bonaire
Lac Bay is one of those spots where everything is just right. Trade winds are a constant, as is the sunshine and an average of 80 degrees! All of this is fine if you don’t mind being in a sun kissed part of the Dutch Caribbean – and most of us don’t! You’re also windsurfing in a protected marine park, which means the water’s clean. For the adventurous, go beyond the reef and hit the ten feet waves.
Maui
Maui has been described as the windsurfing capital of the world and it’s not hard to understand why. This is the destination if you want to see the world’s best windsurfers do their thing. The temperature is almost always good, the waves are big, the wind is perfect and there are plentiful opportunities for freestylers to pull some outrageous manoeuvres out there! The only problem for us? Well that would be the sharks…!
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
The Canary Islands may be best known as an alcohol fuelled party destination for the Brits aboard contingency, but take a trip to one of the quieter of the islands, Fuerteventura, and you’ll find fabulous conditions for windsurfing. Trade winds create challenging slalom conditions for the intermediate to expert surfers, and the slightly more calm south side of the island is a great spot for people looking to take up the sport.
Paros, Greece
The Greek Isles have always had a great reputation for windsurfing. Beautiful beaches, clean and clear water, and a good breeze to get things going on the right coastlines of the islands. Paros is without a doubt the pick of the Cyclades, if not all of the Greek Islands when it comes to windsurfing. Depending on what you are looking for, you can find sheltered bays, strong cross winds, and even some challenging surf if you are up to it. To top all of this off, it’s not a bad place to be once you set foot back on dry land either! All in all Paros is a paradise for windsurfers.
