BonaireTalk Discussion Group
Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and Sailing: First time windsurfing in Bonaire
Bonaire Talk: Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and Sailing: Archives: Archives 2001 - 2006: Archives - 2001-01-01 to 2004-04-30: First time windsurfing in Bonaire
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Betty Chang (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 3:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My boyfriend and I will be in Bonaire for the first time in May 2003. Last year we went to Cabarete and before that Aruba. I am a beginner windsurfer so I know I'll love it there. But I hope he doesn't get bored. There are many options for lodging (hard to choose). But for a windsurfing vacation, is it better just to stay at Lac Bay - Kontiki to make life easier?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1069) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 4:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Betty,

As a beginner you will LOVE Bonaire. I too have been to AUA and didn't enjoy the wind shadow or offshore winds. Bonaire is WONDERFUL. Your partner can sail upwind to Cai for action and work on his freestyle.

Kontiki is the best choice for next to the launch accommdations. I send my clients there often and Martin, the manager is a windsurfer...

:-)

Annie
www.bonaireworldfreestyle.com

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By hillary & melissa whyte (BonaireTalker - Post #59) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 4:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Betty,
My wife, Melissa & I spent 5 days on Lac Bay sailing ourselves silly during an 8 day visit 2/26-3/7. It was Melissa's 1st time and within 3 hrs she was pointing (sailing upwind), tacking, jibing and squeezed in a few beach starts. Like skiing, I strongly recommend taking lessons for beginners & intermediates. Half the bay is thigh deep water& the winds blow on shore. May should be good winds for your other half. If you survived Cabarete, Lac Bay will be an incredible experience. Most gorgeous Bay I've ever sailed.
We considered the Kon Tiki, but decided on the Divi Flamingo instead. I am really glad we did since we could walk to town and have a wide variety of restaurants. We ate lunch 3 times at the Kon Tiki and I believe it is one of the better restaurants on the island (rumor has it that the chef came over from the Harbor Village Beach Resort). The Kon Tiki is approx 5-6 miles from just about anything. The view, however, is stunning.
Melissa & I posted quite a few sailing pics in the TRIP REPORT archives under Hillary/Melissa Wedding.
Wait 'til you see the little kids down there sail. Incredible.
-Hill-

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tillman E. Cuttino, Jr. (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 6:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My wife and I made our first visit to Bonaire for the ABK windsurf clinic the last week of January, 2003. I was early intermediate skill level, and took the clinic. She was brand new at windsurfing, and took one lesson a day at Jibe City. I feel the combination of the fabulous conditions at Lac Bay and the ABK instruction helped me progress more than a couple of years of practice! My wife says she will only windsurf at Bonaire from now on...might have to figure out a way to move there! We both fell in love with the island and its laid-back lifestyle, nature, and understated beauty (above water). Underwater is another world of its on, as our first snorkel adventures left us breathless and elated. We enjoyed staying at Eden Beach, close to town with a small beach of its on, and the beauty of the harbor and Klein Bonaire just offshore- the perfect spot to watch the sun set into the horizon. Can't wait to see your trip report on BT when you get back!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Betty Chang (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 9:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for the messages! I've also been reading the Accomodations page and I cannot believe how much info can be found on this website. Incredible! Now, I'm torn between Kontiki, Eden, Coco Palm, and Plaza (although I think that one may be too expensive). One thing I didn't find on the Windsurf site was what we should bring down there for windsurfing... The usual: SPF, harness (are there any you can buy there?), any other recommendations on what to pack? Booties?
Thanks!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Corney Ann Carter (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #154) on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 1:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We have been windsurfing on Bonaire for a couple of weeks for the last 9 years and love it there. Take the usual equipment, harness, booties, hat, gloves, duct tape, lycra skins, sun glasses, inexpensive sandals to wear to the beach, a folding cooler and medical stuff like advil and antibiotic creams. Remember to cover up as Bonaire is only 13 drgrees above the equator so the sun will be hot. You will love it there. The windsurfers are a great bunch and are very friendly.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1078) on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 4:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I am a minimalist: bikini, rash guard, sunscreen and harness or and a hat..

:-)

Annie
www.bonaireworldfreestyle.com

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Betty Chang (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 2:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hmm..I'm adding this to an older message I started and I'm not sure if it will be seen, but I am curious about theft in the windsurfing area. I've been reading a lot about theft incidences on BT at diving sites and hotels (probably should stop reading though before I get any more paranoid). But, what about at Lac Bay? I don't plan to leave a thing in our truck (not even pocket lint!), but if I take my belongings to the beach (say a backpack with some $ and other things), is there a safe place at the Windsurf rental establishments to keep it while I'm out in the water without having to worry about it? I'm not sure if I will be using Jibe City or The Place. Sorry if I sound paranoid, but getting stuff stolen while on vaca would be a real downer.
Thanks! - 4 weeks to go.
Betty

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tillman E. Cuttino, Jr. (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 9:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Steve at Jibe City will be happy to lock your wallet, keys, etc. in the shop safe. Other gear should be OK in the cubbies...theft among windsurfers would be unthinkable- worse than a horse thief :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Betty Chang (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 9:53 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks - good to know and one less worry!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joy Rubey (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 - 11:11 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We will be in Bonaire for three weeks beginning May 20, and I too have read too many theft posts on this website and am growing a bit paranoid... does anyone know if there are lockers to put personal items at Windsurf Place?

Any last advice for first timer to Bonaire?

Thanks!! Joy

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1381) on Thursday, May 6, 2004 - 10:15 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Joy, just bring your rash guards, sunscreen etc..leave the rest locked in the safe at the hotel. And remember to lock all doors and windows at night at either place.


You can set up charges at the restaurants at the beach (two of them) and then pay at the end.

It's WINDY

 


Visit: The Bonaire WebCams - Current Bonaire images and weather!
The Bonaire Insider - the latest tourism news about Bonaire
The Bonaire Information Site, InfoBonaire
Search Bonaire - Search top Bonaire Web sites


Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration