Bonaire / Windsurfing at Lac Bay

Windsurfing at Lac Bay

Bonaire has long been known as one of the finest windsurfing destinations in the world, attracting experts for high-energy competitions as well as novices in search of a quiet, steady breeze. The foundations of the island's windsurfing appeal are its location and topography--Bonaire basks in the midst of extraordinarily steady trade winds, and the very shape of the island breaks this current into a range of intensities. In spots like Lac Bay, this combination of wind, water, and land has created an ideal windsurfing environment. Winds across the bay's eight square kilometers are as reliable as sunshine in Bonaire, and its unique shape creates three distinct zones, each perfectly suited to particular skill levels. A protected marine park, Lac Bay holds turquoise waters as balmy as the air, and just about as clear.

First-time windsurfers start out on the beach side of Lac Bay. The shallow waters here allow easy recovery from falls, and the bay's protective barrier reef ensures smooth-water sailing. More experienced sailors strike out for the blue-green swells across the bay. In this intermediate area there's still some swell protection offered by the island's outstretched arms, but the energy of the wind and the water are raised a few notches. For experts in search of greater challenge there's an even more adventurous option at Lac Bay's outer edges. Here the mast-high swells of the Caribbean and the unadulterated, steady strength of the trade winds create sailing conditions of unequaled consistency and excitement.

Lac Bay's beaches remain unspoiled by high-rise hotels and casinos. Its only two resorts--Lac Bay Resort and Sorobon Beach Resort--are likely to remain the only developments, since Lac Bay has been declared a protected marine park. As a result, windsurfers can rest assured that the area will remain an unspoiled paradise for years to come.

Visitors who are ready to start windsurfing should head for any of Lac Bay's three rental operations--all offer good equipment, facilities, and instructions by qualified staff. Jibe City Bonaire, managed by Ernst van Vliet, rents Bic equipment; and The Place, managed by Elvis Martinus, uses Mistral equipment.

Bonaire has two windsurfing seasons: high-wind and light-wind, each with their own charms. The high-wind season extends from the middle of December through August; the light-wind season from September to the middle of December. Every October, the island celebrates Regatta Week, with a series of international sailboat and windsurfing races. There are also professional surf-sailing contests throughout the windy season.