Post by windkid on Apr 26, 2009 18:52:58 GMT -5
Ok, so it’s not Hatteras and it’s too hot to wear a wetsuit but it is still a great place to sail so here’s my review…
Diane and I arrived at the Marriott Tuesday night just in time to catch a Hallmark Card sunset and to sample a cold Balashi or two, (Aruba’s only local beer), not too bad either. The rest of the evening has been deleted because of its adult content.
Now as which fate would have it the Marriott is home of Vela Windsurfing Aruba. Fate also reserved some equipment for yours truly! Nice.
The center opens at 9 some naturally I was there at 8:45. I was greeted by the lovely and most patient Katrina who answered all of my endless questions and tolerates my usual random blather. The center is almost new and is on the beach just a few yards from the water. Right off shore they have a series of buoys they call the “parking lot” where you can tie up your board during the course of the day when you want to take a break. Very nice.
The center itself is at the northern most end of the High Rise district. The wind is off shore so the best wind is north towards the tip of the island beyond the Hotels. There are two reefs that are also north of the launch site but they are relatively easy to avoid. The wind is gusty as been reported. You might say it is the Canandaigua of the Caribbean except for the limitless horizon and reliable trade winds that blow every day, oh and the dazzling dance of blue, green, aqua that make the shimmering mosaic that’s flashing by just beneath your board, or the occasional sight of a sea turtle, pelican …..Anyhow you get the idea.
Day 1,
The wind arrives around 10 am. The forecast looked good and my man Tim hooked me up with a 110 Excite and a 5.9. This proved to be powered up and then some. Heading down wind to get beyond the reef took a little getting used to but once you get on the so-called “blue highway” you are good to go. It took me a while to adjust to the board and the local environment but it was a blast. I decided my straps were a little too narrow for my aging Hobbit feet so I headed in to adjust them. Getting back to the center takes time. Now it is time in heaven granted, but because it is situated almost totally into the wind it takes a six pack of tacks to get in. Lesson #1…try and get it right the first time.
Day 2
Slightly less wind, but I’m told that usually translates into a more steady wind. This time I consult with Tommy and decide to go with a 118 JP Super Sport. A little more speed and easier to point into the wind. Rigged up a 6.2 Hellcat and hit the water. Oh yea that’s what I’m talking about! The board is wicked fast and before I know it I’m miles down the Island past the wreck at Light Speed. With all that speed I complete one of those Mystery Carve jibes. The ones that work but you don’t know why, then again who cares! I sailed about 3 hours before I dock the board in the liquid parking lot to break for lunch. After lunch it’s just a matter of wading out a few yards for an afternoon session. Same gear, same wind but more company. Drag racing Catamarans and all comers. Met some nice windsurfers. Doug from Cape Cod. A guy from Amsterdam, a married couple from Syracuse of all places and a 72 year sailor from Mass. who completed over 40 triathlons and looked about 50 years old. All the while it seemed the JP seemed to have an unlimited amount of speed potential if pushed hard enough. Eventually I simply ran out of strength.
Day 3
Another 88 degree 20 mph Aruba day. My hands are covered in band aids and tape from the blisters acquired in the last two days. I decide to stay with the Super Sport because it was just too dialed in for me to waste time experimenting with other boards. 5.9 and flying. The wind held up until 5 pm. No worries. All in all a great three days of windsurfing. Vela was just great. The staff was friendly, the equipment was practically new and the choices were endless. For you kite kids out there it looked like a virtual paradise. If you get the chance I would recommend Aruba anytime. The island is easy to get in and out of. The Dutch influence is a pleasant surprise, the food is great the people are out going and the beaches are awesome.
WD
Thanks for the great read, and I am glad to hear you had fun. Particularly the day before Day 1...