Windsurfing # Week 1
Other stuff
# Week 2
51 picked up around lunchtime – so did the swell . My wife and I enjoyed two sessions with fun ramps to boost from , with chop increasing in punch and size the further left you sailed – a shallow sand bar area can be found here which I can see being extremely good fun should the wind really crank . Experienced windsurfers would love the air time .
So yep , scoring a 50 % hit rate , in terms of wind , wasn ’ t too bad . Whether this is reflective of how the season will pan out remains to be seen . We ’ re certainly not complaining though !
Windsurfing # Week 1
Joining us for the first week of our Italian jaunt was former PWA competitor ( and now Red Paddle Co head ) John Hibbard and family . Being in such esteemed windsurfing company made the prospect of full power conditions a tantalising prospect . But would Airone deliver ?
Being a brand new resort , with staff having little experience of conditions , there was much debate and chin scratching during the first day . Wind speeds were close but no cigar . As such it was a flick flack light wind freestyle day . As Italian sun beat down , and gin clear water reflected rays from beneath , this was no bad thing . I ’ d already made peace with having a nonplaning holiday so wasn ’ t really that bothered .
The following day things changed . By early afternoon gusts were full power ( for big kit truckin ’ at least ). Being on dad duty meant I didn ’ t get afloat until late – the missus having priority . She enjoyed a stacked session with me following later .
With the sun setting behind the hills it was pure bliss blatting back and forth across flat water , banging in turns at either end . The only one out I was acutely aware of not going too far downwind , even though Neilson do operate full safety cover . Before long it was time to head back in and make use of the hotel ’ s brand new Piazza bar .
The first week saw only two more windsurfing sessions occur , this time featuring onshore winds . Blowing up around lunchtime it was almost reflective of proper sea breeze conditions . Considering initial expectations I ’ d decided we ’ d done better than expected – especially if that was it for puff .
Other stuff
For those not bothered by windsurfing fear not . There ’ s plenty more to get your teeth into , activity wise . Or simply kick back with a good book in the sun . Novices will be well served : Neilson staff can show newbies the ropes and give guidance / tips where needed .
For families Neilson ’ s Airone kid ’ s club and staff can ’ t be faulted . Working tirelessly nannies ensure wee ones are kept entertained and have as fun a holiday as mum and dad . This also includes taking older kids afloat , along with beach staff help when needed .
A huge thank you to everyone working at Neilson ’ s Airone Beachclub . Nothing was too much trouble and everyone went out of their way to help make our trip as good as it could be . Both the Italian and English staff are a credit to the company .
If you fancy hitting up Neilson ’ s Airone Beachclub , or any of Neilson ’ s other resorts , then check out the website for more info : www . neilson . co . uk / beach / italy / airone-beachclub
Also big up CE Photo who supplied many of the images accompanying this article . For any aspiring photographers looking for overseas work using their behind the lens skill check out : www . cephoto . uk / workwith-us /
# Week 2
The following week and Airone had an influx of new guests with many more windsurfers touching down . Standing beachside , with baby asleep , I was asked how conditions had been . Whilst chatting the wind started to build …
Before long we were on ! The wind was offshore with plenty of riders making use of Severne / Starboard rig / board combos . I ’ m not sure what the beach staff thought as 10- 14 sailors hooned across pan flat water – this was , after all , supposed to be a light wind resort .
The day after was also a strong wind one , with ( apparently ) the Mistral in full effect . Again , offshore , but proper wind ( 25 knots )! It was , however , the following that featured the best conditions , for me . Switching back to onshore gusts
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WIND SURFING