This Page About Men's Fitness: Windsurfing

Men's Fitness: Windsurfing

Windsurfing instruction should come with a warning: This sport has proven to be addictive for thousands of people, causing them to happily reconfigure their lives around the subtle workings of the afternoon breeze. I know this well. I've been a wind junkie for well over a decade. It started the first time I balanced myself on a wobbly old board off Cabrillo Beach, hauled a beginner's sail from the water, then cautiously leaned back against a warm Southern California breeze. The wind filled the sail, the board skimmed across the water and, for a brief instant before I lost my balance and tumbled in, I felt as though I were flying.

I couldn't wait to do it again. I sold off parts of my baseball card collection, including a prized Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card, to buy a board and rig. I monitored weather reports daily, noting wind speeds on a calendar for future reference. And when I got my driver's license, I headed to the local windsurfing spot every chance I got. I raced back and forth across the water, wired on the speed and power and incredible quiet of it all. No matter how crazy my life was, I always left the beach exhausted and giddily high.

Like other kinds of addicts, I eventually required a more potent fix. Within a year, I traded my longboard for a short, high-performance model, sold off a few more cards and invested in a couple of small sails. Before long, I was windsurfing off the rugged Central California coast in giant whitecaps and towering swells, trying to nail my first big jump.

After several botched attempts, I steadied my board, raked back my sail and screamed toward a building swell. My board raced up the wave, then took flight. For a magical moment, I soared high above the water. I landed seconds later, but for days I felt as though I were flying. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face.

These days, it's hard to find much time to windsurf, despite my addiction; the demands of work get in the way. Maybe that's why I appreciate my time on the water more than ever. I find ways to get my fill, heading to the Central California coast, Oregon's wind-blown Columbia River or a pristine beach in Baja at least once a year. And every summer I visit the local waves in Cabrillo, where the afternoon breeze rarely fails to churn whitecaps off the beach. I rig a big sail, jump on my board and speed silently across the water, feeling as free as I did the first time I leaned back and trusted the wind.

Windsurfers could not ask for a better spot than Lac Bay on the East Coast of Bonaire. What has made the area so popular is the 90% chance of favorable winds and the 100% assurance of a sheltered, shallow bay to challenge the experts to sail and entice the novice into learning this fast paced sport. While not all windsurfing activity takes place at Lac, that is where the surf shops are located and the most people tend to congregate.

We have a special section called BonaireWindsurfing.com sponsored by several properties and windsurf shops dedicated to bringing great windsurfing to Bonaire's visitors. Info includes wind speed, air/sea temperatures, races and events, the BonaireKids, places to stay, and rent gear.

Lac bay, protected by the Bonaire Marine Park rules and regulations, has the most beautiful turquoise water and balmy breezes. It is approximately 8 square kilometers and free from boat traffic. There is plenty of room to let loose and enjoy the feel of the board slicing through the calm waters at Lac.

Beginners can start to learn the sport in knee deep water allowing for easy recovery from falls while the bay's protective barrier reef lets them gain confidence on the calmest of waters. More experienced sailors can venture out into the more challenging blue-green swells where there is still some protection from large waves. It is here that the wind kicks up a few clicks and the thrills of the sport are realized. The even more experienced and adventurous can sail Lac Bay's outer edges where the mast high swells and strong winds guarantee sailing conditions that are world class.

Lac Bay is one of the most beautiful spots on Bonaire and for that matter, in the Caribbean. Since it has come under the protection of the Bonaire Marine Park, it has been designated as a recreation area for Bonaireans and visitors to enjoy. There will be no building of additional hotels and Lac Bay Resort and Sorobon Beach Resort will remain the area's only developments.

The two windsurf shops, Jibe City, managed by Ernst van Vliet and The Place, managed by Elvis Martinus are located right on the edge of the bay itself. They rent top quality equipment and offer all levels of instruction. Some of the resorts also offer windsurfing to guests.

There are two distinct windsurfing seasons on Bonaire. The higher winds prevail generally from the middle of December through August. September until December 15th is light wind season, however it is during this period that the island celebrates Regatta Week every October during which there are sailboat and windsurfing races. Bonaire also hosts professional surf-sailing contests during the windy season.

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