07-12-07

Wind Surfing: -

Tarifa has become known as "the Wind Capital". Its wind reliability probably tops them all. It is very difficult to have two consecutive non windy days.

However conditions are not always constant. It is wise to bring your full range of sails (renting  locally is an easy option with the many schools spread along the beach). Here it is just as common to sail with your 3.5 m² as it is with your 6.5 m². The new trend is to use a wave board in strong winds and kitesurf when winds are weaker. Actually kiters are starting to go out in all conditions!

Apart from rare occasions (during equinoxes and storms) the water is pretty flat, which make it ideal for beginners and slalom sailors. The most radical often make the trip to Caños de Meca which is only 50 km away. This is best after a few days of strong levante.

Lessons and Rental: To rent equipment you can either speak to the shops in town or the easiest option is to go to the Mistral centre up at Las Dunas or Spinout. The rental shops are very well stocked with hundreds of boards and sails. Best you do not have to rig your own. Mistral has two centres which offer rentals and lessons and can do private video windsurf clinics.

Please remember that, especially in Summer, some beaches are restricted to either windsurfers, kitesurfers or neither, these may even change from year to year and ask locally for confirmation. You may become very unpopular apart from risking a fine if you surf in the wrong area.

The Beaches