WindsurfingUK Issue 3 May 2017 | Page 54

54 ADVERTORIALTOP WINDSURF SPOTS windsurfing venue is at Le Morne on the south west of the island around one hour and 15 minutes from the airport and set below the imposing mountain of Le Morne Brabant. The lagoon is shallow with a maximum depth of four metres, a sandy beach launch and easy access to waves with a range of conditions for slalom and freestylers. Aspiring wave sailors, depending on the time of year, can see the best in the world riding the ‘professionals only’ One Eye and build up their skills on the Little reef or Manawa reef with waves from less than 0.5m up to mast high on big days. Mauritius has two seasons: from November to March temperatures vary between 24- 32°C. The best wind months are from May to December and Sportif pro coaching clinics take place between September and November with Peter Hart and Jem Hall. There are 4* all-inclusive hotels suitable for families or adults only as well as 5* deluxe, exclusive beach resorts on the spot, minutes from the water’s edge with fine dining restaurants, golf and tennis plus spas, kids clubs and range of other watersports including kitesurfing, SUP and surfing. Local excursions include trekking to the nearby Black River national park, boat and dolphin watching trips, snorkelling, scuba, fishing or historical tours and shopping trips to the port capital of St Louis. Sportif offers multi-sport discounted packages to Mauritius including rental and instruction for 1 week in windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP and surfing from £305 per person in February and March. between allowing you to jump, tack, surf or freestyle. The area in front of the landmark ‘Sunset Dune’ – famed for the gathering crowds at the end of the day, has the largest flat water expanse for freestyle with gentle breaking waves near the shoreline. Malhada, for advanced sailors only, is upwind of ‘the Point’ has the best starboard jumping ramps, a favourite for freestyle champion, Marcilio ‘Brawzinho’ Browne. Wave sizes in Jeri vary from waist to shoulder height in the main season, September to January. These peak months are busy and the best accommodation gets booked up six months in advance. You can walk from one side of the town to the other in 15 minutes and accommodation varies from budget pousadas to luxury 5* hotels with private pools and helicopter landing pads. Off the water activities include chilling waterside and watching the action or partying into the night. The area is now a National Park with protected mangroves, dunes and surrounding estuaries which you can explore by buggy or SUP boards. Sportif offer early season booking discounts with 10 days rental for the price of five in selected months and pro coaching wave clinics. Peter Hart and Jem Hall head to Jericoacoara each year for wave sailing clinics in January and September. Jericoacoara, Brazil Jeri is located in the Brazilian state of Ceara, with almost mythical conditions, streets of sand and slow pace of life – except on the water! Originally a fishing village the last 20 years has seen an increase in windsurfing tourism but still retains its charm. The conditions here live up to its reputation with the best in the world training here. There are three main sailing areas, ‘the Point’ with smooth waves leading to flat water in Sportif Travel are a specialist windsurf and sports UK tour operator offering ATOL guaranteed holidays including hotels, flights, transfers, car hire, rental and instruction sports