- Travel

A 15-year-old's Ho'okipa Adventure

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:44:00 -0400

For the past eight months, I have had a count down for March 22nd, 2012. Why? It was the departure date for our family trip to Maui, Hawaii! I had this picture of what Maui was going to be like, beautiful waves, awesome wind, and warm weather.

When I arrived I couldn’t believe I had actually made it to Maui! Within the ﬁrst hour and a half of landing on the island, my dad, MacRae and I were windsurﬁng at Kanaha. Nothing compared to my vision of what I thought Maui would have been like… it was even better. That ﬁrst day was the best. I couldn’t imagine having any more fun.

The next day, we headed straight down to Kanaha again, and had another epic session. I already knew I didn’t want to return to the snow, and it was only day two.

Everything changed when I mustered up enough courage to attempt sailing Ho’okipa. I
was so nervous. I knew that once I got out through the break I’d be ﬁne, but the
water looked nerve-racking. Bernd and Norm Roediger were extremely helpful. They
explained to my dad and I how to get out through the break. They warned us not to
head straight through the middle of the break, but told us to head to the current, which
ran along the rocks. Well, I guess I got rather confused when they told me to head
towards the only hard object near by, so I headed straight out through the middle during
a set. I eked my way over the ﬁrst wave, but the second knocked me down, and I went
swimming. When I came up, I found that my gear was headed straight towards the
rocks, so I swam as fast as I could towards it. By the time I got everything sorted
out, I realized I had drifted into the channel. I water started and sailed out of there as fast
as I could. I was stoked to have made it out.

After sailing around on the outside for about ﬁfteen minutes, I wanted to ride a wave. I can count the number of days I’ve been
wave sailing on my ﬁnger and toes. So, I am just a beginner at wave sailing. I’m a
beginner who knows how to have a lot of fun. When I built up a little more conﬁdence I
began riding waves further and further into the impact zone. After that ﬁrst session of
windsurﬁng at Ho’okipa, I realized why people go to Maui. The wavesailing is
absolutely incredible! It is so much fun. I was hooked after that ﬁrst session. We sailed
Ho’okipa three other days before we returned to Hood River, Oregon.

Our last day on Maui the wind picked up and was blowing 25-30 knots, with mast high or greater swell. I
rigged my 3.4 Sailworks Revo and my brand new Quatro Quad KT 69. I was so excited
to get out on the water, but I was also a little nervous. This time I made it out no
problem, and was on a set wave within my ﬁrst reach. I was having so much fun; there
was nothing that I wanted to do more. I ended up getting washed a couple times, but it
ended well. After two and a half hours I was getting tired, so I headed for the beach.
Unfortunately I got stuck on the inside during a big set. I was separated from my gear,
and couldn’t swim to it because it was already on the rocks, so I swam to a cove right
around the corner. I made it in thanks to the help of Norm Roediger who was on the
rocks telling me when to and when not to swim in. My gear was moderately
ok, minus a couple dings to the rail on my board. I was still running with adrenalin, and
so stoked to have just ﬁnished my last sailing session at Ho’okipa in really epic
conditions. I’m ofﬁcially hooked on sailing at Ho’okipa. I can’t wait for the next
opportunity to return to Maui to sail Ho’okipa again!

Club Kauli Seadi in Gostoso, Brazil

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:21:00 -0500

Welcome to the tranquil surroundings of São Miguel do Gostoso and Kauli Seadi's latest centre, Clube Kauli Gostoso. Only an hour from nearby Natal, this location offers a broad range of watersports activities in a beautiful and uncrowded setting. Book your holiday here: oceansource.net/brazil

Why you want to go to Jericoacoara, Brazil

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:34:00 -0500

Check out these Jericoacoara highlights from November 2011...

Ho'okipa Ride Guide

Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Ho’okipa Beach Park on Maui is the epicentre of the windsurfing world. Sailors from around the globe long for a glimpse of its beautiful waves and perfectly set-up side-off wind. Those who have dared set foot on this sacred “ground” will certainly remember it for the rest of their lives.

Ho’okipa riding tips
1. “When in doubt, don’t go out.” —lifeguard station sign
2. Know your wavesailing right-of-ways rules.
3. Surfers have right of way over windsurfers.
4. Do not go out before 11 a.m.
5. Get to know and use the currents. When down in front of the rocks and unable to waterstart, swim out and the current will take you past the rocks.
6. Though you can get decent jumps at Ho’okipa, and technically it is your right of way, favour those coming in on the waves.
7. Be careful of the reef. It is often shallower than you think and will hurt you.
8. Never stand between your gear and the beach/rocks. This could lead to serious injury.
9. If you ever have to retrieve your gear from the rocks, disconnect the board and bring it in first before thinking of retrieving the sail. The rocks are slippery, and it’s almost impossible to walk on them in the crosswind with board and sail.
10. Respect the Ho’okipa pecking order. If you don’t know what this is, ask before going out.
11. North swells are favoured as they line up for the perfect rides and better turns.
12. West swells tend to lessen the benefits of the current in front of the rocks, so be careful.
13. East swells can offer long rides but are rare and usually smaller.

Sailworks, RRD, Dakine, NoLimitz and HPL make sure Patrick Bergeron is well equipped for every Ho’okipa session.

words by Patrick Bergeron
photos by Jerome Houyvet

Travel to El Tur, Eqypt (Video)

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:28:00 -0400

Watch this short video to see all the different conditions available at El Tur, Egypt. Everything from perfect flat water to waves...start planning your next trip!

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

View Costa Rica in a larger map

Travel Guide for Western Canada

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

View Larger Map

Travel Guide for Greece

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

View Larger Map

San Carlos, Baja, Mexico

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

View Larger Map

Crissy Field, San Francisco

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

View Larger Map

Ride Guide: Crissy Field

I can recall the thrill of windsurfing Crissy for the first time. Maybe it was the trepidation of tackling San Francisco Bay’s most challenging and scenic windsurfing spot, or the novelty of duck-jibing under the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time, but I can remember my first Crissy day like it was yesterday. I can’t say the same for most places.
   Sometimes this place frustrates me. It’s not that there are never any good days here; it’s just that windsurfing at Crissy Field can be so epic that I find myself coming back in search of those perfect days, and when it doesn’t live up to those expectations, it’s a letdown.
   I don’t know that anybody here really knows what confluence of factors make the perfect Crissy day. There are so many to contend with: ebb tide, flood tide, tidal eddies, big ocean swell, wake from container ships, fishing boat and tourist ferry traffic. The sailing area is so expansive, there could be huge, glassy swell in one spot and crazy voodoo chop in another. Consequently, the best bet here is to get on your board and go explore. First, launch from the beach and head upwind and across the bay to the stronger wind and chop of the Golden Gate’s North Tower. Next, venture back across the bay to the South Tower to ride the big ocean swell and watch the surfers at Fort Point. Then make your way back to the beach to rip some jibes or tricks in buttery flatwater.
   This is just one suggested adventure. Feel free to ask any of the abundant locals for tips. And no matter what course you take, don’t forget to jump off the wake of an incoming container ship—just don’t try it on an outgoing ship, or else you’ll plummet like a rock in the ship’s huge wind shadow.

Crissy Field Riding Tips
Safety Issues: The water is cold and the wind can die quickly, so make sure you have a good, warm wetsuit in case of a long swim back to shore. There is a lot of boat traffic, including massive container ships, fast-moving ferries and many other boats, so always be aware of your surroundings. If you sail at the North Tower or outside the Golden Gate, always take a buddy and look out for each other. Some sailors will carry a marine radio or flares to signal the Coast Guard, as the currents will make you difficult to find.
Coast Guard: These fine folks will rescue you if you break down and somebody notifies them. Their priority is to rescue people and not necessarily your gear. If you know they’re coming to help you, de-rig before they arrive. This will make it easier for them to get your rig onboard. Please, be courteous.
Wind: Normal windsurfing season runs from the start of May through the end of August, with most sails using 4.5 to 5.5 m2 wave and freeride sails. Wind direction ranges from southwest to northwest. Typically, the wind builds early in the afternoon and blows until dusk.
Marine Layer: It’s a good sign when the huge fog bank sits outside the Golden Gate Bridge. When it penetrates the bay, it usually kills the wind; however, I’ve also sailed occasional powered-up conditions inside the dense fog, so it can be hard to judge.
Ebb Tide: The current when water is flowing out of S.F. Bay toward the Pacific Ocean. Most sailors prefer this tide as the water and wind flow in opposing directions, allowing windsurfers to use smaller gear. For tide direction, either consult a local or check a tidal chart.
Flood Tide: Roughly half the day the water flows into the bay from the ocean. On normal sailing days this means wind and water are moving in the same direction, causing the water to flatten out. Use larger gear to fight against the flood, which can run upwards of five knots in strength.

Words by Kevin Kan / Photos by Colin McRae (aerial) and Shawn Davis

Canadian Hole: Cape Hatteras

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

View Larger Map

Ride Guide: Canadian Hole
The first time I pulled into the lot at Canadian Hole, I was frothing at the mouth to go windsurfing. The 15-hour drive from Vermont will do that to you. There were a few whitecaps on the water, so I couldn’t understand why everyone was just lazing about. How in the world could they be passing up these perfect 14-knot conditions?
   I learned a lot that day. First, I found the sandbar that juts out from the north end of the parking lot with my 40-centimetre pointer fin. I hit it well enough to knock the nose off my board. Luckily, like most windsurfers, I had a lot of redundant gear back then. So I grabbed a different board to continue the session. However, while stashing the broken stick in my truck, I watched my sail careen wildly across the parking lot, whereupon I learned my next lesson: The wind in Hatteras can build quickly. While all the other windsurfers in the parking lor started rigging 5.5 m2 sails, I learned lesson No. 3: Southwesterly winds typically build throughout the day, resulting in a ton of nice-lit sunset sessions throughout the summer.
   The Canadian Hole is located south of Avon, North Carolina, on the Pamlico Sound side of Cape Hatteras. Water depth is consistent for miles, stretching out into the sound, where it is affected more by wind direction than the tide. Any westerly wind pushes water into the Hole, while easterlies push it out. On extremely windy days, water can either flood the parking lot or be so low that the sandbars are exposed, leaving a little pond to sail in. Water texture ranges from mirror-flat to waist-high rollers, depending on wind direction.
   My favourite part of sailing the Hole is noting the change of seasons. During the winter, there is usually only one car there—yours. When spring rolls around, the lot fills up with shredmobiles from all over Canada and the U.S., packed to the brim with gear. You’ll hear more French than English, see more G-strings than boardshorts, and be able to count upwards of 100 sails on the water. After a few weeks, the spring rush ends and things settle back down. Summer draws a hundred tourists to the Hole with cameras in hand and a handful of sailors screaming around on 5.0 m2 sails. The best-kept local secret is that it’s windy here during the summer. As fall arrives, the windsurfers flood back in for a few weeks in October, ripping and fighting for parking spaces.
   Accomplished and wannabe wavesailors will find easy access to the Atlantic Ocean at Canadian Hole—simply carry your gear across the highway and over the dunes to Ego Beach. South to southwest wind is the preferred directions for sailing Ego, but north to northeast will work for experienced ocean sailors familiar with launching through a ripping downwind current. When choosing gear to sail at Ego, the rule is this: Rig one size bigger sail and board than you’d use at Canadian Hole.

Riding Tips:
- Southwest wind usually builds through the afternoon.
- Northwest wind usually fades through the morning. Rig one size bigger than you think you need.
- Westerly wind blows the water in.
- Easterly wind blows the water out. Watch out for shallow sandbars.
- Bring a weed fin.
- Beware of sharp seashells in the launch zone.
- Watch out for fishing nets (two orange or neon buoys 50 metres apart).
- Watch the clouds as huge thunderstorms can spring up suddenly.

Words by Andy McKinney / Photo by Donny Bowers

The Gorge

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

View Larger Map

Ride Guide: The Hatchery

In 1990, at age 20, I load up my Toyota van and make my first five-day, 4,828-kilometre trek east to the Gorge from Quebec City. Upon arrival, just after passing the infamous Hood River toll bridge, I have my first view of Mt. Hood across the Columbia River. While barreling down Washington’s Highway 14, I race a never-ending train down the straightaway into the final S-turn and finally to my ultimate destination: the Hatchery.

On my first day, I try to settle in gently and not raise any dust on the water. So I drive all the way down to a little secret beach, accessible only through what I later find out are poison-oak bushes, where I launch my assault on the huge river swells. After a few warm-up runs, I sail upwind to “The Point” to get a closer look at the local heroes. This is a crazy era dominated by one move in particular: Forward Loop. Hatchery regulars Tony “Sergeant Loop” Barbieri, Pascal Hardy, Corey Harrison, Carl Meinberg and the entire Windance crew are looping high and dry over my head. Jumping even higher is Bruce Peterson on a fully cambered Sailworks rig. I soon realize my newly developed Duck Jibes are no match in the “Jibatorium” for those of Pete “Duck Jibe Meister” Wagner, who shows me, in person, how to do it Gorge-style. This may be too much for me, but I’m happy to be sailing the most famous flatwater windsurfing site in the world.
The way this section of the Columbia River appears as you look down the Gorge from Hood River, Oregon, toward Portland, part of which is known as the “Corridor,” is second to none. To this day, I get the same adrenaline rush every time I drive that stretch of road and make the left turn into the Spring Creek Fish Hatchery parking lot.

Hatchery Riding Tips
- It’s usually crowded. Obey all sailing right-of-way rules.
- Be respectful and considerate at all times.
- Watch out for barges every time you cross the river.
- The current is usually extremely strong, so account for it.
- Windsurfing at the Hatchery is a privilege, not a right. Don’t break the rules and ruin it for everyone.
- Don’t litter. Do what the sign says: “Pack it in, pack it out.”
- Do not block the road that runs through the parking lot.
- Keep your dog on a leash.
- Keep an eye out for anyone who may be in trouble and need help.
- Do not leave your equipment unattended.
- On nuclear days, beware of loose gear flying free on the water and in the parking lot.
- Park wisely and don’t save a space for someone when the lot is filling up.
- Share the access by keeping it clear of gear at all times.
- Leave the sailing lane at The Point for advanced sailors. Though no one owns the river, this is the one area where top sailors congregate to push each other’s limits in the most radical conditions.

words by Patrick Bergeron
photos by Richard Hallman

Ride Guide: Jericoacoara

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

View Larger Map

Ride Guide: Jericoacoara, Brazil
words by Gordon Payne
photos by Silvan Wick

On the Water
It’s difficult to put into words what Jericoacoara, Brazil, is all about. This is a place you have to hear, smell and feel for yourself. My love for this part of the world began in 2004. I was led here by a dream of learning how to wavesail. It’s a long way to travel, but the payoff of sailing every day in challenging yet non-intimidating conditions is unbeatable. Jeri is known as one of the best spots in the world to learn because the waves are big enough to ride but not harmful. A soft, sandy bottom prevents worries from getting washed, allowing riders to improve by pushing their limits.
Don’t worry about a lack of strong wind when planning your trip—Jeri is a windy spot. I keep a daily log of my sessions, and this year I windsurfed all of my 40 days on sails below 5.0 m2. In 2004, I logged 64 out of 65 days on 4.2 or 4.7 m2, and the only day off was for a well-deserved rest. Peak highwind season runs from July through January, the best waves hitting September to December. People come to Jeri from all over the world, so book early with Vela Windsurf Resorts to ensure a place. Beginners may be overwhelmed at times, but by picking your spots, like an occasional lightwind morning session or working one-on-one with an instructor, you can improve as much as any aspiring wave wannabe.

After Windsurfing
The greatest stress of the day comes after sailing. Do you go to the sand dune to relax and watch the sunset, try sandboarding, check out one on the outdoor movies playing at the Vela Center, or simply rest in a hammock with beer in hand after a hard of ripping? No matter what you chose, you may find yourself heading to the big tree in the centre of town, which I call the “Round Bar.” It’s a great place to find new friends from around the world, while Dani mixes drinks. You can then pick from one of the many restaurants and feast on freshly caught fish, Italian fare, or unbelievable steak.
For a village of 1,500 people, the nightlife is impressive. This is the only time you’ll need a watch in Jeri. Set it for midnight, when all the action starts. Wander down main street as the action shifts from bar to bar or between various drink stands. The locals are amazing dancers, performing the popular Brazilian forró. Join in as the locals will teach you the steps, and the partying will go all night. Be careful how many caipirinhas you drink; you may wake up on the sand dune watching the sunrise. The mixing of local and visiting worldly cultures makes for unique and fun partying in Jeri. Don’t worry too much about the late nights hurting your sailing; the Vela Jeri’s owner, Fabio Nobre, doesn’t turn the wind switch on until 11 a.m., giving you a little recovery time.

Downwind Adventure
Sailing the Jeri point break is exceptional. One day, for a change, a visiting German journalist, Dimitri Lehner, and I try a downwinder past the dune. With miles ahead open for exploration, we figure there is fun to be had hoarding the variety of beachbreaks to ourselves. The waves are head-high, and the wind is filled in and slightly onshore. We ride downwind to a spot called Mangue Seco, a two-and-a-half-mile distance. Our arms scream in pain, and Dimitri informs me that we just did at least 80 top and bottom turns on waves along the way.
The next four hours are mind-blowing. We have an incredible break all to ourselves, which we take full advantage of by slashing apart waves and hitting lips with reckless abandon. I’m having the time of my life when Dimitri suddenly breaks his mast on an over-rotated loop. We are a long way from town. He begins the short swim to the beach, while I begin trekking back upwind to get help. The Vela staff is amazing—they have already seen Dimitri break his mast through the resort’s binoculars. They’re always looking out for the guests, and by the time I make it back, Dimitri arrives via a lift from staff members Nilson and Biba. We watch the sunset, enjoying beers and icing our blistered hands.

Travel Guide: Jericoacoara

Where to start: Contact Vela Windsurf Resorts by phone at 1-800-223-5443, or e-mail info@velawindsurf.com for help with all travel needs.

Important entry info: North Americans need a tourist visa and passport to enter Brazil. Check the Brazilian Consular website (U.S. citizens see brasilemb.org, and Canadians see brasembottawa.org) for instructions. Plan ahead, as it can take anywhere from two hours to two months to process. Document dating is critical, so make sure you arrive in Brazil within 90 days of the visa’s issuing, and be sure to have at least six months left before your passport expires.

Vaccinations: If you have visited one of several countries on the “hot list” within six months of entering Brazil, then you will require a yellow fever vaccine. It never hurts to check with your local health authorities for recommendations before traveling.

Flights: Contact Vela for flight recommendations. To get to Jeri, you must travel to Fortaleza (FOR). This is where you connect with Vela and have arranged land transport. TAM Airlines provides the easiest and most direct route that originates in Miami (MIA) and reaches Fortaleza by way of two stops (without changing planes). Flights leave Miami in the evening, making connections from elsewhere in the U.S. or Canada possible.

Money: Cash (U.S. and Canadian dollars) is king. Do not take travelers cheques. Credit cards are accepted at the Vela Center and at some of the swankier hotels, but there are no ATMs in Jeri.

Accommodations: Hotels range from $50 to $300 per night, and they all provide a tropical breakfast with your night’s stay. Contact Vela for more info.

Internet access: For those who can’t leave their work at home, you can connect to the area’s WiFi service by purchasing a Surfcard ($3 per hour, $9 for five hours).