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Windsurfing Guide
Overview
Conditions
Wind
& Wave
Skill Levels/Abilities
Photos
Gear
Rental & Lessons
The Happy Center
Planet Windsurfing
Club Natalie Simon
What to Bring
Forgot Something?
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Margarita Island is famous
among windsurfers throughout the world. With its strong, consistent
wind, warm water, and beautiful temperature, its not surprising that
Margarita Island hosts Professional Windsurfing Association
competitions each year. Margarita is not just for the pro’s, though.
Windsurfers at all levels seek out the favorable conditions at Playa
El Yaque.
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 Conditions |
| Margarita
Island is out of the hurricane belt and El Yaque’s waters are not
plagued by jelly fish, sharks, or intrusive reefs.
The side on shore wind is generally
lighter in the morning, giving beginners the perfect opportunity to
get their bearings. Around 1:00pm, the wind fills in and blows
steadily until nightfall! El Yaque’s shallow area extends for 100m,
providing the perfect conditions for beginners and those practicing
their tricks and maneuvers.
Typically, you can sail on larger
sails/boards in the morning during the lighter winds and switch to
smaller gear in the stronger afternoon winds. |
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Wind
& Wave |
Wind
One
of the most consistent winds in the world Wind is what makes El Yaque
one of the greatest windsurfing spots. See the island
guide for a summary of the
climate and the current
conditions.
wind chart
A
combination of trade winds (the prevailing winds that blow through the
Caribbean) and a thermal wind produced by the desert-like conditions
on the west side of the island make the wind at El Yaque steady and
predictable. The wind is so consistent, in fact, that many rental shops are
able to offer wind guarantees.
Each day, a moderate
wind begins at around 9:00am. The wind builds in the
morning and around 1:00pm the strong winds kick in and blow until 5:00-6:00pm.
Wave
The water at El Yaque, Margarita Island is primarily flat with
larger ocean swells and chop further out. On a windy day these
swells provide excellent ramps and riding, however, conditions at El
Yaque do not produce large, consistent rolling waves. |
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Skill
Levels and Abilities |
| Windsurfing on Margarita
Island is enjoyable for everyone. The shallow water, moderate morning
winds, and abundance of windsurfing schools provide beginners with the
perfect learning conditions.
During the strong afternoon winds,
intermediate and advanced windsurfers hone heir skills and enjoy the
fast, flat water sailing.
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Photos |
| Ideal Conditions for
beginners/intermediate in the mornings |
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Bigger winds for more skill in the
afternoon |
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Gear
Rentals and Lessons |
- We can book your windsurfing equipment rental for you to ensure
that you have it reserved. Schools do fill up and we recommend
booking ahead.
- Discounts on gear are available when you book ahead of time
through Windfind.
- El Yaque beach is lined with
windsurfing shops and schools representing every major name. The
latest in equipment is rigged and at your fingertips at
competitive rates. Lessons are very affordable and highly
recommended. It is the best way to reduce your frustration and
increase your sailing time. Expert staff offer service and lessons
in almost any language you’ll need.
- You will find information about a
few of the equipment rental shops below. All windsurfing clubs are
within a 1 to 5 minute walk from Windfind Condos.
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 The
Happy Center |
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 The Happy
Centre has the latest windsurfing equipment and offers lessons
at very reasonable rates. The professional and friendly staff
will ensure you get the most out of your windsurfing vacation.
| Equipment |
F2
Boards
Wave 251/256/264
Air 260
Axxis 261/267/273
New Move 280
Ride 277/282
Xantos 295/310
Phoenix 320/340
Tandem 380
and beginner boards |
North
Sails
Race
Slalom
Freeride
Freestyle
Wave |
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Planet
Windsurfing |
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Looking
for a more relaxed atmosphere? Then Planet Windsurfing is the
place for you! Top of the line Mistral and F2 boards, outfitted with Gaastra sails are at your disposal. Now
if that's not enough - free daily seminars are offered on a
variety of windsurfing matters.
Equipment
Approximately 80
boards and over 100 sails |
| Mistral
Boards |
Volume
(litres) |
| Custom
Flow |
85,95,105,120,95,105,120
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| Vision |
130 |
| Super
Vision |
161,
191 |
| Malibu |
325 |
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| F2
Board Models |
Length
/ Volume (litres) |
| Maui
Project Wave |
8'2"
/ 75
8'4" / 81
8'5" / 87
8'3" / 87
8'3" / 95
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| Maui
Project Style |
8'7"
/ 105 |
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| Gaastra
Sails |
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Flow 2X
Flow Zero X
Pulse |
Grind
Manic
(all sizes available) |
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Club
Nathalie
Simon |
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Services
available include lessons, harness rental, and excursions.
| Equipment |
BIC
Rookie 335
Calypso
Techno 283
Veloce 278, 288
Saxo 264, 279
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AHD
Free Race 289
Free Speed 275
Carve 265
Wave 259, 279
Onshore 254
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boards are equipped with Neil Pryde sails
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What
to Bring |
| With the
variety of competitively priced rental options, most people prefer to
rent rather than lug their board and sails to the island. The standard
rental package includes boards and fully rigged sails (complete with
harness lines). You will, however, need to bring your own harness,
lifejacket, gloves and shoes (if you use them), and a lycra for the sun. Plenty of
sunscreen is also recommended.
If you choose to bring your rig with
you, arrangements can be made to store your gear when you are not on
the water. |
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Forgot
Something? |
| Several surf
shops stocked with the latest gear and apparel line the main street in
El Yaque to supply you with anything you left behind (and those items
you will discover you can’t live without). |
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