December 23, 2009
Hey, all you wind addicts:
January is at your door with its "arctic" temperature, snow and ice. Many of you might dream about a paradise with good winds, turquoise warm waters and lush green palm trees. Well, here is a piece of a warm paradise waiting for you - a Caribbean pearl famous for its steady winds throughout the year:
Windsurf and Kitesurf in Antigua
People that live in Antigua like to say that they have a different beach for every day of the year. The beaches here are truly countless and spectacular. Most of them are protected by coral reefs and the sand is often sugar white. The average winter temperature here is 25°C (77°F). Antigua has the most sunshine out of the eastern caribbean islands.
The trade winds blow here during the months of December through April with an average of 17-19 knots. The best waves here are from December to February. Most sailing is going on at the eastern part of the island; the wind direction there is usually side-on shore which is great for all skill levels.
Jabberwock Beach at Shallow Bay is the major wind and kitesurfing beach. This beach has an excellent long sandy launch for kiters with fairly steady, side to side shore winds. It is a perfect place to learn how to kite or to windsurf or to take your sailing to the next level. There are windsurfing and kite surfing schools and shops. Kitesurf Antigua school located there will rent you full kite gear for $60 US a day (experienced kiters only). You can also take a beginner course for $260 US. Windsurf Antigua located there can rent you a full windsurfer gear for $75 US a day. 2 hours beginner lessons including equipment would cost you about $70 US.
Another very good location is Dickenson Bay which is one of the island's finest beaches with its wide strip of sand and calm turquoise waters. Windsurfing competitions in Antigua are held here. Halcyon Cove on Dickenson Bay has a big windsurfing and kite surfing center.
Although there is a small Bed & Breakfast right on Jabberwock Beach, called Lord Nelson Beach Hotel, it is quite run down. If you can afford a bit upgraded accommodation we recommend Blue Waters Hotel and Dickenson Bay Cottages. Both accommodations have modern clean rooms and perfectly maintained facilities. The later also have fully equipped kitchens.
As for the other activities, the picturesque coasts of Antigua famous for yacht cruising has many harbours and little islets for exploration. Once on Antigua, rent a yacht or a catamaran and take your family on enjoyable day of cruising around.
If you like snorkelling, on the north side of Dickenson Bay, you will find secluded beaches with coral reefs just offshore. Or take a boat to Paradise Reef, a 1-mile long coral garden of stunning beauty. Hiking at Nelson's Dockyard National Park will take your breath away; the views are truly spectacular!
Check out more info about Antigua on our website.
Happy Sailing,
Windresorts Administration.
We don’t sell travel, our goal is to provide unbiased info and advice on wind destinations in the Caribbean.
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