In Search of Wind: Isla De Margarita, Venezuela Travel Report 2/98

May your board be fast, your water be clean,
your jibes be smooth and far between...

--Brian "The Dog" Cunningham

Bay:
The Great South Bay is great for learning to windsurf. I taught there for several years.   Lauching in Ocean Beach is a bit difficult because of the bulk-heads everywhere and best left to experienced windsurfer. Shallow, and easier areas are available in front of Seaview to the east, and Corneille/Summer Club to the west.

The advanced group finds strong North and North-East winds (5 to 6 sq.m.) mostly in the early and late season and during the summer for usually 6-8 hours when a cold-front comes through. South-West winds during summer afternoons (thermal) can reach 6 to 7 sq.m. The Bay offers these conditions: bump&jump ( in the channels/deep water) and pure speed sailing (shallow areas). Great opportunity to work on jibes. Weed-Fins are a must most of the time, except spring.

Ocean:
The ocean offers in my opinion and sailing skill (advanced intermediate) little sailing. The shore break is rather difficult to get through in solid on-shore conditions. Off-shore conditions are left only to the expert. Hello Steve, if you see this, please write me a commentary.

For definitions of wind strength and terms go to this page.