“ Testing your limits is part of what makes us human , right ? Well , as we found out , the limits in Bonaire are really rather different .”
26TRAVEL BONAIRE
New flat water winter locations
Until recent years , Bonaire , a small island in the Dutch Antilles , has attracted few UK windsurfers , perhaps due to our desire for direct flights and because we tend to choose the Caribbean Islands which have a history with the UK such as Barbados , Tobago , Trinidad and Jamaica . So , Bonaire has been off the radar , and the stunning blue water of Lac Bay , its consistent trade winds , which makes it an incredibly beautiful spot ideal for beginners and intermediates has been kept a secret .
Upon arriving we were not to be disappointed , winter in Bonaire means 28 degrees air and water temperature , steady trade winds every day and the stunning crystal clear shallow lagoon for everyone to enjoy , practising and improving their windsurfing skills in an incredibly safe , forgiving environment .
Aside from the fantastic conditions , which are just beckoning you to get out onto the water every day , whatever the wind strength , something which makes Bonaire even more of a unique spot is that it has an amazing mixture of windsurfers encouraging and helping each other to enjoy the best sport in the world .
You are probably thinking , I ' ve heard this all before ...
You are possibly in one of two camps ; reminiscing about a past windsurfing life that you believe just isn ' t possible anymore , or a dedicated windsurfer pushing to improve and learn that next move . Testing your limits is part of what makes us human right ? Well as we found out , the limits in Bonaire are really rather different .
Windsurfing has so much to offer : being at one with nature , a great challenge ( varying conditions mean that what you can achieve one day might not be so easy as the wind or chop builds ) as well as the obvious physical and health benefits . There ’ s all the other stuff too , which can be really difficult to explain , which helps us all to connect and which keeps so many of us hooked . Despite all this windsurfing struggles to attract newcomers and it is even harder to encourage retirees and to convince them that getting out on the water is possible and really very good for you : fresh air , balance , dexterity , fitness , fun , etc .
Bonaire is a truly fabulous location and there are many people who have inspired us , opening our eyes to how much is really possible when you have the right conditions . Three people in particular come to mind :
So , there ' s an American guy , in his 60s , who last winter was cycling most days to the beach towing
uk
WIND SURFING
“ Testing your limits is part of what makes us human , right ? Well , as we found out , the limits in Bonaire are really rather different .”
his trailer full of windsurfing equipment . He has something in it for most conditions , so he can maximise his time on the water , and often sails all day . That ' s dedication right ? Now factor in that this guy has a prosthetic leg , one which he uses for walking , running and cycling ( his ' everyday ' leg ), and another he brings to the beach in his backpack , his ‘ windsurfing leg ’ which he designed and made to work with the boards he ' s also adapted just to allow him to get out and enjoy the wind . He made quite a few prototypes before he came up with one that worked , but it really impressed us that he didn ’ t give up and it doesn ’ t stop him from going windsurfing .