1. Maui, Hawaii
Maui, in the Hawaiian Islands, is the ultimate windsurfing mecca. Boasting adaptability for the most beginner of sailors, to the worlds best. Upon arrival you'll be greeted with a sense of familiarity, no you haven't been here before, it's that Maui has been the location for every windsurfing photo shoot due to the staggering stretch of white sand beaches, low swinging palm trees and tantalising turquoise water. 'Ho'okipa Beach' is the place for advanced windsurfers, rip lovers, risk takers, and reef rubbers to go. 'Sprecklesville Beach' is the land for looping, jumping, tracking your tricks, and being wooed by easy going waves without rocks. 'Kanaha Beach' is Maui's biggest expanse of windsurfing area, bliss for beginners and adored by the advanced. These heavenly havens all have 'starboard tack', toasty waters, and the most chilled out of vibes.
2. Jericoacoara, Brazil
Super, super, strong winds, sublimely flat waters for the superstylin' freestyler, as well as those intermediates looking to improve their technique in high winds. Jeri is holding hands with the equator, therefore is pounded by an unfaltering, unsheltered, and unlike anywhere else in the world, trade wind from Africa smacking into Jeri with no brakes! Take it easy here, intermediate and advanced sailors only. Hardcore Nirvana.
3. Lake Garda, Italy
Two sturdy and reliable winds reside here, and they are certainly world class. The main winds at Lake Garda are 'Peler' & 'Ora'. 'Peler' blows north to south and is the strongest early morning wind. 'Ora' blows in the opposing direction during the afternoons with medium intensity, good for beginners and tends to pick up again in the afternoons. The lake is littered with clubs to rent from and is safe as peanuts as you can't float over to other parts of Europe, because it's a lake! Perfect for a long weekend of blasting with mates, or a great European spot to take up the sport and learn.
4. Dakhla, Morocco
A boundless bay of smooth water on the Atlantic coast with unprecedented track record of wind. You can sail at Dakhla during ANY season, consistent and reliable winds to fire up any intermediate and flutter along with the newbies. The main lagoon is expansive and safe for those newbies fully equipped with rescue boards, and flat water. Whereas the ballsier folk can head over to the wave spot, which can host up to 5 metre waves and a delicious cross off wind.
5. Bonaire, Caribbean
Bonaire, the island of love, wind, white sand beaches, and positive vibes. This staggering place of natural beauty is rich with knee deep water, beautiful coral reefs, countless smiling Caribbean locals, a flamboyance of flamingos, traversing turtles, and many, many, mojitos. Back to the windsurfing, 'Lac Bay' in Bonaire is perfect for beginners, or those who are totally new to the sport. You can take out big boards and small sails and have no risk of drifting into the Atlantic, whilst under the watchful eye of the 'Jibe City' dudes. For the more experienced sailors, high winds kick in around 8am, drop in the afternoon and pick up again at around 4pm, quintessential for evening planing, carve gybing and helicopter tacs. It does not get better than this deluxe Caribbean spot for a mellow yet high action windsurfing trip. Just go.
By Team Vivida