My wife and I are going to Aruba Aug. 27 with a Vela Windsurfing Package. Can anyone who has been there before give me some tips, advice, things you wish you'd done differently, etc. We're staying at the Boardwalk Condos (apparently owned by windsurfers)...within walking distance of the Vela outpost at Fisherman's Huts. Thanks, Adam
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Adam,
Hope you have a good trip.
Patrick
Hurricane season sometimes screws up the trade winds there. We had that misfortune a few years ago in August. (One morning it was actually wafting in from the west... what a bummer). We sort of ran out of no-wind stuff to do, though we're not divers and there's a lot of that.
You might not want to stay out late with the locals
cv
I have stayed at the Boardwalk. You will think the boardwalk is GREAT. The only hint I would give you is do not feel strange if you wear a camelbak while you are windsurfing. Although the water will not stay cold it is great to have a drink when you are thirsty and not to have to beat it back up wind just to get a drink of water. One other tip. Go ahead and go out on the thing they call the blue highway. I know it is a ways out and down wind but the wind is far less gusty out there. Just be sure you can get back in or tell them you are going out there when you go. Personally I prefer Bonaire. If you don't have any wind then be sure to visit Baby Beach and bring a snorkle and mask. Last time I was there I was snorkling up by the ship wreck and and saw the first octopus I had ever seen in the wild. Have fun. Beer in Aruba is SO CHEAP and comes in the biggest cans I have ever seen.
Been t Aruba 5 times. Good advice on the "blue Highway". This is the strip of blue water about 3/4 to 1 mile directly offshore and offers the most consistent wind. Be aware of sightseeing catermeran boats that zig back and forth here as well. Gotta admit it is a blast gritting your teeth as you bear off the wind on a 5.0 m sail and blast passed the boats. Every on on board watches as you pass them at 20+ Mph.
Aruba is a great place, enjoy every minute of it. Wish I was there now.
Hey speaking of beir, (or is it 'bier'?) can you bring back a couple of those baby Amstels. They are part of the Wind Altar kit for inducing big wind. Having a few fresh ones couldn't hurt. btw Amstel Light that you can buy here, sort of reminds you of a real Amstel but it's not nearly as good.
Report from Aruba: just got back. I can't say enough good things about this place. Vela is a great windsurfing outfit. Great staff, great instructors, great gear and plenty of it. We stayed at the Boardwalk and loved it. I recommend Casita 4 (the most private of all of them). It was strange launching with an offshore wind...I'd never done that before. Vela also has a great Beginner package which my wife did...$190 for 6 days of gear and a lesson. They started her on a 1.9 sail! She worked her way up to a 3.3 and starting to get in the harness. The wind was okay (for Aruba). I sailed between a 5.2 and 5.9 most of the time (one day a 6.7). Thanks for everyone who posted their advice...it was very helpful. /Adam