May 01, 2009
Hey, all you wind addicts:
Get away in May for the best deals all year. The weather may be getting good in your back yard; but the sailing and kiting season is at it’s peak in many locations. May, is a great time to get way since it is the beginning of the low season in some destinations and not yet the opening of the tourist season in other areas. This month, we visit two very different location; the very popular and well known Cape Hatteras, in the North-Eastern U.S. and the exotic hidden treasure in the southern Caribbean, Tobago.
This month’s picks:
Cape Hatteras
Cape Hatteras, is a secluded stretch of land, over 100 km long and only a few kms wide. It is one of the few places that you can ride endless kms of flat, waist deep water and just across the road is an equal selection of wave, swell and surf to ride. This is paradise for groups of different levels; everyone will find their prefect spot. You can sail, kite or surf virtually anywhere along the entire length of the Cape.
A little known fact; if there isn’t much wind where you are drive north or south; as northerly winds are strongest in the north and southerly in the south. Spring, can bring huge winds, you may have to rent smaller equipment if you are not prepared. NO PROBLEM, you can find everything to buy, rent or demo. There is not much beyond the beach, on the Cape, except for a few hotels, a hand full of bars and restaurants; travel with friends and family and make your own entertainment.
A couple of ideas, if you need a break from the beach; head north to Kitty Hawk (45min) and visit the sand dunes (great fun and you can try Hang Gliding) or at the southern end of the Cape take the Ferry over to Ocracoke; drive into town it is wonderful, great cafés, restaurants and people watching. If you have a 4X4 try some off-roading in the sand dunes (great fun but don't get stuck).
The accommodations range from camping, to motels, but the ideal choice is to rent one of the hundreds of private homes directly on the beach (some are magnificent, including hot-tubs, private swimming pools and every type of convenience that you could dream.
Here are a few sites to check out: www.surforsound.com, www.MidgettRealty.com and www.hatterasrealty.com
Tobago
Tobago is like no other island. Unspoiled by tourism, you won’t find Mega all inclusive Hotels; but great, reasonable priced places, warm people, and sailing, kiting or surf that very few have ever experienced. This is an island to be explored; rent a car, the drive around the island (½ day trip) is not to be missed and make sure to stop at Argyle Falls (pack a swim suit and towel).
Sail at Pigeon Point or Plantation Beach, rental equipment is available at both.
The trade winds blow all year, peaking in June with average days over 20 knots. This is the middle of the dry season with more sunshine than you should take (Don’t forget the sunscreen).
The best flat water sailing and kiting anywhere is at Pigeon Point. The water is waist to chest deep for most of the huge bay. Just outside the bay (about 1km out) is a beautiful reef break. You won’t believe just how beautiful the water is here. Sail out to the Nylon Pool and loose yourself. You may never leave Pigeon Point; but, for real wave sailing and surf; head over to the windward side of the island to Plantation Beach (this is not for beginners). Look for accommodations in Bon Accord, Tobago Plantations or the Crown Point area. A great choice is the Conrado Hotel, just at the gates to Pigeon Point. Book a room on the second floor on the beach side. The rooms are very basic, but clean and comfortable with an amazing view.
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.
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