May 28, 2009
Hey, all you wind addicts:
Planning a vacation in June? Wondering if there are any good deals to get away to a windy spot? Your local beaches may have sunshine and wind but the water is still headache freezing.
Windresorts’ June picks are the famous Caribbean town of Cabarete and Hawaii best kept secret Kailua.
Cabarete
Cabarete is a small resort town on the north shore of the Dominican Republic. The waters are warm all year round (26°C /79°F). The bay is huge and has a nice sandy bottom. Here you will find tons of rental centers. Don’t commit right away; shop around for the best selection and price. June brings flat water to Cabatere with wind ranging from 13-22 knots. The 2009 windsurfing competition is scheduled for July; coming here in June will save you from the crowds, overbooked hotels and restrictions.
In Cabarete, everyone is special; kiters have Kite Beach and windsurfers have their own space.
Good choices for accommodation are Valero Beach Resort, Viva Wyndham Tangerine (all inclusive) and Kite Beach Hotel. Beach condo rentals are another popular option. The food is cheap, so don’t worry if you did not get an all-inclusive deal, your wallet will not have to loose much weight. As for the flights, the nearest airport is Puerto Plata which is only a 20 min drive from Cabarete. Please, do not fly to Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. That’s half way across the country… and it is a big country.
There are endless night clubs, bars, restaurants and beach parties. The night life doesn't stop until sunrise accompanied by merengue, bacchata and salsa rhythms. Hey, if you want to get a real feel of local culture take a merengue dance lesson; it is easy and so much fun. Early in the morning the wind is light so you can sleep-in after the party or you can please your family by taking them on an eco tour in the morning.
Kailua
Kailua bay is located on the windward coast of Oahu island in Hawaii, only 30 minutes from the capital, Honolulu. This unknown treasure, is probably Hawaii's most stunning beach. Just imaging a wide golden strand with dunes, palm trees, panoramic views and offshore islets. Did I mention the wind…lots of wind. Robbie Naish, windsurfing's greatest champion, grew up on Kailua bay - lucky guy! Perfect side-on trade winds blow year round and can range from 12-25 knots. Water conditions are quite safe (mild to moderate shore break);If you are a windsurfer, be careful, you can lose a fin; some areas of the bay are very shallow.
The wave break on the outer reef offer great jumping and wave riding for experienced riders. The water is usually about 26°C (78°F), the views are spectacular, and the setting is pacific-idyllic, just like on those magazine covers.
Best of all, the big crowds haven't found it yet. Kuilua has no mega hotels, unlike busy Waikiki beach, only small cozy bed & breakfast. Private beach bungalows can be rented alternatively. Windsurfing and kitesurfing rentals are available just outside the park. As for kitesurfing rentals, well sad news guys, you can get only rent a board and a harness, no company in Hawaii rents kites. I know, I know… but it’s the local law.
Get a little adventurous, some of the isles in the bay are easily reached. Behind a few flat islets depending on the wind direction, the water can be as smooth as silk.
Oahu locals keep this place as a secret sending all the tourists to Diamond Head or Waikiki. Well, you can’t blame them. Watch carefully, may be that cool local body surfer you just passed is president Barac Obama on his secret vacation to his home island.
Check out www.windresorts.com for all the free info you need; we don’t sell travel, our goal is to provide unbiased info and advice on wind destinations in the Caribbean.
Happy Sailing,
Windresorts Administration.
Comments? Ideas? Feedback? We'd love to hear from you? Just reply to this e-zine and tell us what you think.