If you are going to learn to windsurf, you may as well learn from the best, and the best in Argentina resides in Puerto Madryn.
Once upon a time there was a Puerto Madryn native who traveled the world windsurfing. He represented Argentina in professional competitions all around the world. Eventually his professional career ended, but his passion for the sport would not fade away. So he decided to open an outdoor adventure shop along the beaches of Puerto Madryn where he could share his knowledge and skills with others.
From the patio of Vernadino restaurant you have an incredible view. It sits right on the beach with sand stretching for miles to the north and south. And straight in front is the ocean. While dining over the simple but delicious food, you may notice a group of windsurfers in the sea beyond, and a boat buzzing around from one sail to the next. Every day, Oscar, the windsurfer extraordinaire, loads up in his boat with a big smile and contagious spirit to give lessons to those seeking a new adventure.
Alongside the restaurant is his outdoor shop. His chilled out, “its all good” attitude is perfectly reflected in his staffers and the shop environment. They will graciously greet you while making all the arrangements for a day of sea sports. Windsurfing, of course is the specialty. But kayaks, snorkels, and bikes are also available for renting.
Once you’ve chosen the best time to try your luck windsurfing they will give Oscar a buzz. Just minutes later, you’ll be wet-suited up and heading out to the shoreline where Oscar will meet you for a crash course, on land lesson, which he gives in both English and Spanish.
It’s important to learn the names and meanings of the windsurf essentials such as the mast, daggerboard, and boom; but the only way to actually learn how to do it is to throw yourself into the ocean and give it a try. Don’t be surprised if you get some tastes of salt, because the first lesson usually involves a couple of spills. But the way I figure, if you aren’t falling, you aren’t trying.
Heading out into the ocean may be a little intimidating, but there’s no need to worry. You won’t be abandoned to drift off and be lost at sea. Oscar is right by your side, in his boat where you will give you all the helpful tips you need to get started. Once you are standing and beginning to catch the wind in your sail, he’ll buzz off to the next novice and give you some free time to experiment.
I can’t imagine a better way of learning. Lessons from a professional, beautiful surroundings, an instructor right by your side when you need him, but enough space and time alone to not feel pressured. The challenge of the sport, friendliness of the people, and beauty of the environment had me coming back on a number of occasions.
2 Comments
I agree, But in order to understand a bit more of windsurfing, you need to know that is like a surfboard but it is powered by the wind. The rig is connected to the board by a free rotating flexible joint or U joint, unlike a sailboat, a windsurfer is steered by the tilting and rotating of the mast and sail as well as tilting and carving the board. Take note that while trying windsurfing the ideal planning conditions for most recreational sailors is 15-25 knots, good luck! But why isn’t hard to go surfing?
Brin @ learnwindsurfing.net
I agree, that one of best way to enjoyed life is to have fun specially when you get bored.
In fact windsurfing can be said to straddle both the laid-back culture of surf sports and the more rules-based environment of sailing.The sport has a potentially shallower (longer) learning curve when compared to other so-called “extreme” sports.But, are there easy way to learn surfing?
Brin @ learnwindsurfing.net