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Diony Guadagnino at the Margarita Wild Winds in 2009
If you want to learn to freestyle, there’s arguably not a better windsurf spot than Isla Margarita, the tiny island off the coast of Venezuela. A winter training ground for many of the world’s best freestyle windsurfers, including Jose “Gollito” Estredo, Marcilio Browne, Andre Paskowski and more, this windsurfing spot offers some of the most consistent high-wind sailing in the Caribbean.
You’ll get there by flying first to Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, and then catching a quick 35-minute flight (there are seven or eight flights a day) to Isla Margarita. Once you’re on the island, a quick taxi ride gets you to the beachfront surf town of El Yaque, where hotels, bars, restaurants and windsurfing rental operations occupy 300 yards of sand. “It’s windsurfing paradise,” says Colette Guadagnino, who runs the Surf Paradise shop when she’s not competing on PWA tour events. “All the gear is rigged and ready just 50 feet from the water, and the breeze blows 4.5 to 5.3 from November to June.”
So, what if you’re not up to the speed of freestyle sailors? Margarita is still a great place to sail. “The bay is shallow and the bottom is sandy, so it’s great for intermediates working on their skills,” says Colette. “There can be sailors during the peak of the season — but it’s such a big sailing area, there’s plenty of room. You can even sail to Coche [another island nearby] and ride in the perfectly flat water with offshore winds — just watch out for the kiters!”
When you’re done with your session, walk the gear a few feet up the beach and then head back to your hotel — the farthest hotel from the beach is still within walking distance. Then head out for dinner and El Yaque’s always-exciting night life. Paradise, indeed.
How to go:
Hook up with the Surf Paradise Hotel or velawindsurfing.com.
Don’t miss:
The Margarita Wild Winds competition offers incredible pro sailing action in late May.
Don’t forget:
Sunscreen. Lots and lots. Isla Margarita is equatorial, and that sun shines bright.
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Just got back from Margarita for my first trip and it was great! Sailing was perfect for an intermediate windsurfer with mostly 15 to 20 winds. Be sure to book your boards, etc early as I know someone who tried to rent on the spot and none were available. VALUE is the word as the dollar is 8 to 1 to the Bolivar! (half price or better). Third world country with slow restaurant service but if you want great windsurfing, instructors, and value this is the place to go!!
John King