Windsurfing in Nassau Bahamas
Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 2:59 pm
Anyone have any experience sailing there?
Any wind? Good spots? Rentals? Best time of year?
Cheers,
Mike
Any wind? Good spots? Rentals? Best time of year?
Cheers,
Mike
I grew up in Nassau and go back to visit family about every 3 years. I haven't been in about 3 years, so maybe things have changed, but I doubt it. Nassau has never been a windsurfing destination, except for maybe that Windsurfer Worlds back in the late 70's or early '80's when teenage Robbie Naish won his first Worlds.
First, it's too far north to get any tradewinds. Frontal winds are your best bet for some decent sailing, and a front can bring strong wind for a day or two, starting in the west wind and swinging north and then east as the front passes. Then the popular beaches, Cable Beach on the west side, Paradise Beach and Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, and Montague Beach on the east side of Nassau can be decent. Fronts come thru in the fall, winter, and early spring, maybe once or twice a week.
There may a light thermally-assisted sea-breeze on the south side of the island on sunny days, I've never spent any time on that side of the island. All the hotels and development are on the northern side of the island ( New Providence is actually the name of the island, Nassau is the major city ). There are a few kiteboarding guide & instruction businesses based on Nassau that seem to be thriving, I think they generally operate on the undeveloped south side of the island.
The hotels may have a some windsurfing gear for rent, but usually it's in rough shape. Definitely bring your own gear, but what to bring is a tough one. Light-air gear will give you the most time-on-the-water, but with a strong front, you may get a day or two with winds in the 20 knot range, and medium-sized gear would be the call.
All the above doesn't make the place sound worth it, but it does have lots of appeal for many folks. The water and beaches are fantastic. Nassau used to a gorgeous place, now it's super busy, at least the north side of the island. Don't go there with the idea of going cheap and saving money, Nassau is mostly about US tourists spending money.
If you want to get away from the tourist scene and crowds, then try one of the surrounding Family Islands, such as Eluthera, Abaco, or the smaller Exuma Cays, these places still have the original Bahamian charm.
Hope this helps.
