The best beaches for windsurfing offer a combination of reliable wind and crystal clear water. Beginners should head to the sandy beach of Vassiliki, where the sheltered bay and light-to-moderate winds make it an ideal location for picking up the basics.
Professional windsurfers can be found all over Maui, where trade winds sweep through year round and temperatures soar to the 80s. The rocky Ho’okipa Beach offers more challenging wave sailing for advanced windsurfers.
Fuertaventura
Fuerteventura is one of the best beaches for windsurfing in the world because of its warm waters, pristine white sand and sunny weather. Windsurfers from around the world visit this Canary Island to take advantage of the heavenly conditions here, and there are many top-notch windsurfing schools to choose from. The main resorts for windsurfing are Corralejo in the north and Costa Calma in the south.
The island’s name translates to Strong Winds, and this is evident when you see the waves rolling in here. It’s no surprise that the island is also home to the International Windsurfing and Kiteboarding Championship. You can catch the action here all year round, though the winds are strongest between April and September. The west coast offers the largest swells, but this is more suitable for surfing rather than windsurfing.
This beautiful island is a protected biosphere reserve and features vast dunes, volcanic landscapes, ancient fishing villages and mystical Tindaya Mountain. Visiting Fuerteventura is a feast for the senses, and you’ll find plenty of things to do if you want a break from the beach. You can take a walk in the Corralejo Natural Park, hop on a ferry to Lobos Island or relax at Cofete Beach.
You can also head to the island’s capital, Puerto Rosario, for some shopping, dining or nightlife. The capital is a three and a half-hour direct flight from the UK, making it ideal for those looking for a short-haul getaway.
There are plenty of hotels in Fuerteventura, but we recommend the 4-star Jandia Golf Hotel Fuerteventura. Located in Morro Jable, this modern hotel offers excellent service and facilities for families. The property is also near Jandia Natural Park, so you’ll have easy access to all the area has to offer.
There’s a wide range of other activities to enjoy at Fuerteventura, from scuba diving and snorkelling to horse riding and trekking. The area is also a great spot for wildlife watching, and the island boasts thriving populations of wild dogs and cats and Barbary ground squirrels. Bird watchers will be in heaven here too, as Fuerteventura is home to one of the surviving populations of Canarian Egyptian vultures.
Rhodes
The wind-whipped shores of Rhodes have long been a magnet for windsurfers and boast an impressive variety of conditions that cater to both beginner and expert alike. This Mediterranean island offers beginners a haven for their first few sessions in the morning and a playground for freestylers in the afternoon. The east side of the island features soft breezes while the north and northeast sides offer a bit more power.
Besides perfect sailing conditions, Rhodes is also known for its beautiful beaches and rich history that spans centuries. Its medieval walled city of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides an authentic glimpse into the past. From the Colossus of Rhodes to the remains of Filerimos Hill, there’s something to discover for every kind of traveler.
The island is home to numerous beach resorts and villas where guests can soak up the sun and take a dip in the crystal blue waters. Some of the most popular beaches in Rhodes include Tsambika Beach, Lindos Beach, and Glystra Beach. These pristine beaches feature golden sands and calm waters that make them ideal for swimming and snorkeling. If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, consider heading to Prasonisi Beach or a more remote stretch of coast.
With its perfect combination of natural beauty and history, Rhodes is an unforgettable destination for travelers. The island is also a culinary paradise where guests can sample local wines and indulge in fresh seafood dishes. Those who want to shop can browse the island’s countless shops and boutiques, where they’ll find everything from handbags to jewelry.
While Greek is the primary language spoken on Rhodes, English and Turkish are also widely used. Due to the high level of tourism on the island, visitors are likely to hear a mix of languages while visiting. The island is home to a number of accommodations that cater to different needs and budgets. From boutique hotels and guest houses in the heart of Rhodes’ historic town to all-inclusive resorts near Faliraki, there are options for every type of traveler.
Maui
Maui is a relatively young spot on the windsurfing map but it’s fast becoming one of the most visited and favored destinations by passionate windsurfers. Its beauty and consistency have beckoned people from all over the world to visit its beaches and test their skills against the strong trade winds that blow here.
Windsurfing in Maui is suitable for all levels of expertise, from beginners and improvers who can hone their skills at the local Kanaha Beach Park to advanced professionals who can challenge themselves on rocky spots like Ho’okipa Beach.
The best time to visit Maui for windsurfing is in June, July or August. This is when the consistent 25 – 30 side shore trades make this one of the top windsurfing locations. This makes it much easier for vacation windsurfers to get out on the water every day without risking their life or destroying their expensive equipment.
Although Maui can be crowded in summer, there are plenty of other spots to visit including Spreks, Camp One and Kanaha. These places are much quieter than the more famous Ho’okipa Beach where it is not uncommon to see professional sailors practicing their skills during a big contest.
Located on the island of Antigua in the Caribbean, Jabberwock Beach is a beautiful and safe spot for windsurfing. With a sandy takeoff and shallow bay, this spot is ideal for beginner windsurfers who can practice in the safety of clear waters and easy conditions. It’s also close to the capital of Antigua, so it’s easy to access and explore other beaches on the island.
Lefkada is another great destination for windsurfing. Featuring beautiful sandy beaches, this Mediterranean island is also home to a range of sheltered anchorages where beginners can hone their skills. The island is a hub for windsurfing and attracts thousands of visitors each year who enjoy its perfect conditions. The Levante wind that blows in from the east offers a range of speeds and is ideal for both slalom and freestyle sailing. The Poniente wind, which blows in from the northwest, is also very reliable.
Ho’okipa Beach
Ho’okipa Beach is one of the world’s most famous windsurfing destinations. The spot on Maui’s north shore has been a mecca for outdoor water sports since the 1930s and attracts professional surfers to compete in annual events like the Aloha Classic and Red Bull King of the Air. Large waves and powerful winds make the area a favorite for experienced surfers and windsurfers.
Located on the Road to Hana, Ho’okipa is easily accessible and offers parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. It also features a lookout and cliff-side overlook that is ideal for viewing the surfing action. It’s a great place to enjoy the scenery and watch the surfers and windsurfers do their thing, especially in winter when conditions are at their best.
If you’re a visitor to Maui, this is a must-visit. The beach is also a habitat for green sea turtles, known as honu, which come to the beach every evening to rest and sleep before they embark on their ocean journey. It’s possible to see tens of honu on any given night at the beach!
While the beach is beautiful and provides plenty of opportunities for ocean sports, it’s not the best beach to swim. The strong rip currents and large waves can be dangerous for casual swimmers, so you should always check in with a lifeguard before entering the water.
The waves at Ho’okipa are perfect for windsurfing, with regular sideshore starboard trades and reliable winter swells providing epic port tack surfing. The infamous lava rocks and sandbanks make the break more hazardous, so it’s not a place for beginners.
Roobie Naish, Pete Cabrina, Bjorn Dunkerbeck, and Rush Randle are just a few of the many world-class professional windsurfers who compete at Ho’okipa Beach. The area is popular with visitors and locals who want to watch the professionals perform their acrobatic tricks and enjoy the scenery.
The beach is also a great spot for snorkeling. The clear, blue waters are home to a variety of marine species, including sea turtles, coral, and tropical fish. If you're fortunate, dolphins may even be seen!
