Even if Windsurfing didn’t originate in Hawaii the islands are considered home to the sport. The surface water sport was refined in the mid 1960’s by an aeronautical designer and a traditional wave surfer in California but far and away finds its greatest participation and following in Hawaii. You can travel to Maui’s Hookipa Beach which is considered the home of the “Maui Air Force” and observe the accomplished windsurfers performing jumps, inverted loops, spinning maneuvers and other acrobatic moves. There are a number of competitions staged all over Hawaii year round for windsurfers to compete in speed races, freestyle maneuvers and big wave riding that allows for different configurations or “classes” of the sailboards. Many of the beaches throughout the Hawaiian Islands offer windsurfing lessons accommodating everyone from beginners to the more accomplished boardsailors that want to refine their skills. Sailboard rentals are available both on and off the beach ranging from ½ day to weekly arrangements. There are four distinct surf breaks at Ho'okipa. Pavilions is the break furthest east, off the lookout parking. West from it, facing the main parking, is Middles break. Pavilions is mostly a right but also has a shorter left, and Middles is usually surfed as a left. The area between the two, which is in the channel, catches fewer breaking sets and is sometimes referred to as Girlie Bowls. Next further west is Green Trees, followed by The Point, facing the lifeguard tower and the narrow sand beach launch. It is the most popular break for windsurfing, and generally breaks as a right. With the prevailing trade wind direction being east to east-north-east, these are most frequently starboard tack down-the-line conditions (wind from right when standing on the beach). Yet further west, past the rocky point, is Lanes, which generally breaks as a left. Under relatively rare conditions, known as Kona, the prevailing winds become southwest, creating port tack down-the-line conditions at Lanes (wind from left when standing on the beach). This only occurs a few days out of every year. If you have ever dreamed of being able to fly like a bird all the while dodging ocean waves then windsurfing may just be the pursuit that needs inclusion on your list. Whether your dream would be satisfied by staking out a prime viewing spot on the sandy beach or donning a wetsuit and attempting to ride a sailboard yourself consider making trip to Hawaii to discover the depths of your passion for the sport.

Pohnpei and Kosrae are Micronesian island nations with a significant international reputation among diving enthusiasts and eco-tourists due to its prolific sea life, pristine coral, warm water and diverse opportunities to study oceanography. Served by air with island hoppers that venture about the archipelagos of Micronesia the region is necessarily focused on the ocean for its existence and recreation; many of the adventurous visitors to the sovereign states arrive by sailboat. Kosrae and Pohnpei boast a sophisticated system of mooring buoys to protect the coral reefs and provide tie ups for the yachtsmen and dive operators that visit the region. The islands typically present lush forested landscapes and the mountainous topography spawns numerous fresh water flows that form ideal lagoons and reef breaks at their mouths for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The already in-place infrastructure utilized by the dive boats allows for easy access to the hundreds of islands that dot the region by sailors and fliers. Live-aboard adventures are the preferred way for visitors to spend time in these extensive archipelagos looking for perfect conditions to pursue their respective passions. Among the favorite locations reported by windsurfers and kiteboarders to visit includes Treelodge Beach in Kosrae and the north and east side of the main island in Pohnpei where Sohkes Pass is found, considered the best place to kiteboard or windsurf in Pohnpei. The famous wave of Palikir Pass (P-Pass) that attracts legions of board riders from around the world is only 5 kilometers from Sohkes Pass. Consistent trades with many cross-shore blows and an incredible natural reef system makes this tropical paradise just that for Windsurfing and Kiteboarding enthusiasts. One of the top surf resorts in the world operates from Pohnpei with every support service needed to experience the region with direct access to the airport on the island of the same name. Your dream of Kiteboarding or Windsurfing while exploring pristine reefs and idyllic lagoons in a tropical paradise situated in the Pacific Ocean makes a trip to Pohnpei and Kosrae in Micronesia a mandatory inclusion on your list.

The Cargados Carajos Shoals (also known as Saint Brandon Rocks) is a collection of 16 small islands and a number of smaller land masses northeast of Mauritius (which governs the islands) and part of a reef that extends into the Indian Ocean. The islands are short on human inhabitants with less than 100 residents but rich with native plant and wildlife. The collection of small islands, cays and spits harbors idyllic lagoons of flat water and collections of great waves when combined with dependable winds in the 20 knot range approximately 300 days every year makes for epic conditions for Kiteboarding and Windsurfing. Cargados Carajos Shoals are situated in the Indian Ocean approximately 300 kilometers north of Mauritius with the largest population, part of a commercial fishing operation, found on Raphael. Access to the Shoals is possible only by watercraft and live-aboard is the rule or camping on one of the idyllic beaches can serve to provide some time off the boat. Many of the islands have large stands of coconut trees and the fishing and sea life are abundant. Dreamers wanting the adventure of Windsurfing or Kiteboarding in waters seen by few other practitioners of their sports would be well served to include a trip to Cargados Carajos Shoals on their list. Those that have had the experience can’t wait to go back.

Near the town of Mackay in Queensland, Australia is found one of the world’s best locations for Kiteboarding and Windsurfing, Blacks Beach Lagoon. The dependable flat water, winds in the range of 15 to 20 knots, tropical weather and access to resort development make this a fliers and sailors paradise. Blacks Beach is within the area of Queensland known as Mackay’s Northern Beaches. This region is near the famous Great Barrier Reef and a number of well-known dive sites. Visitors will find accommodations at beachfront caravan parks, camp grounds, resorts, holiday apartments and motel style accommodations dotted along this sandy coastline. The town of Mackay offers a broad selection of support facilities for repairs, equipment rental and provisions. Mackay is located approximately a 4 hour drive south of Townsville on Queensland’s central coast. Mackay also has a large airport with regular service from Sydney and Brisbane. Your trip to Queensland, Australia, perhaps to visit the Great Barrier Reef, may need the diversion of Windsurfing or Kiteboarding to truly make it the trip of your lifetime. Include a visit to Blacks Beach Lagoon on your list as the place to fulfill your fantasy.

It has been said that kiting and windsurfing in Los Roques, Venezuela is like pursuing your passion in dreamland. Los Roques is a Marine National Park in Venezuela, 320 kilometers off the north coast and the largest marine park in the Caribbean counting more than 350 islands, cays and islets. The multicolored crystal clear water laps at the white sand beaches of the land masses and virtually any condition sought by boarders can be found among the islands from strong surf to still water sheltered by barrier reefs. Winds are consistent and dependable with the windiest time of the year found between December and June when speeds approach 25 knots. Air temperature ranges between 24C and 34C. El Grande Roque, or “Margarita”, is the largest island with Los Roques’ sole airport of Porlamar reachable from a number of mainland terminals but primarily from Caracas. A good selection of inns known locally as “Posadas”, are the primary source of accommodations. Access to Los Roques by boat is also easily arranged. The outer reefs, found to the south and east, insures that the water is relatively flat most of the year. There are shops scattered about the islands that offer equipment rental, lessons and guided excursions. Dining on local seafood like lobster and snapper is the most popular fare of the restaurants. There are a number of bars and discos in close proximity to lodging options. Your dream trip to Venezuela may not be complete without including a trip to the Los Roques to Windsurf or Kiteboard on your list. Whether you are a first timer or serious enthusiast this excursion will make for memories that last a lifetime.

Off the Caribbean coast of Panama are found the San Blas Islands. This beautiful, green archipelago with over 300 tiny islands is inhabited by an indigenous people, the Kuna Yala Indians, granted the San Blas Islands as their sovereign domain by the Panamanian government where they maintain an ancient culture while practicing time honored customs. Dependable winds with gentle swells, natural unspoiled beauty of coconut palm tree-covered islands, prolific sea life, warm crystal-clear water, spectacular beaches and incredible star gazing at night are just some of the reasons the San Blas Islands have grown in popularity among the Windsurfing and Kiteboarding crowd. There are numerous places to pursue the sports dotted among the Cays and Islets. The San Blas Islands are reached with daily flights into the primary town of El Provenir from Panama City. Boats from Cartagena, Columbia also make regular stops at any of four popular marinas in the San Blas’. There is also a bridge that allows for access from the mainland with a four wheel drive vehicle necessary to traverse the rocky road. Small hotels, hostels and cabins are available throughout the islands and the larger villages typically contain small restaurants. Some visitors choose to stay in bungalows on the mainland commuting by boat to the island for activities. Your desire to hone your windsurfing or kiteboarding skills can be satisfied by including a trip to the San Bas Islands of Panama on your list. If you’ve dreamed about boarding offshore a natural unspoiled paradise inhabited by locals with ancient customs amid unmatched marine life then your trip to the San Blas Islands will make that a reality.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a collection of 40 diverse islands and cays of which only 8 are inhabited. The islands are popular with international travelers seeking the quintessential Bahamian holiday. Air temperatures consistently range between 24C to 36C over the entire year with water temperatures only a degree or two above or below 27C. Winds are consistent with easterly trades the dominant force. The island of Providenciales and Grace Bay Beach with its reef protected warm turquoise water is the center of activity for Kiteboarders and Windsurfers visiting Turks and Caicos but the option of participating in a “Kite Safari” with local guides provides access to other exciting spots scattered around the islands is also popular. Equipment rentals and lessons for all levels of sailors and fliers are available at a number of locations around the main island. Operators also offer on-land lessons with the use of a” power kite” where novice kiteboarders can come to understand the theory of landing and launching a kite without getting wet. A wide variety of accommodations from award winning luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts to private villa rentals and more budget minded hotels are among the offerings. A wide variety of restaurant and shopping experiences is available. The international airport on Providenciales is the main entry point with jet service from a number of locations. Car rentals and taxis are the primary methods of on-shore transportation. Private boats and cruise ships also include The Turks and Caicos as a popular port of call. Whether to complement a dream holiday in the Turks and Caicos or fulfill a bucket list of the top spots to pursue your passion, an adventure to Windsurf or Kiteboard in the Turks and Caicos Islands belongs on your list.

Raivavae is a volcanic island that thrusts upward from the ocean in the Austral Island chain of French Polynesia. The Austral Islands are the southernmost grouping in the South Pacific Ocean. It has been said that Raivavae is one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific with its dark velvety green landscape encapsulated by bands of clouds contrasting with the pastel colored homes in four villages occupied by approximately 1,000 inhabitants. The island is virtually surrounded by an emerald colored lagoon protected by a distant reef. With its location just south of the Tropic of Capricorn, Raivavae gets buffeted consistently by trade winds making for idyllic windsurfing and kiteboarding conditions. Raivavae lies approximately 630 kilometers WEST of Tahiti and many that visit choose to sail from that island nation. There is also an airport with regular service on Raivavae which hastens the trip from Tahiti. Private home “pensions” are the primary form of accommodations for those wishing to stay on the island although there are a couple of small hotels. Most visitors to Raivavae arrive in live-aboard vessels. It is mandatory to have all equipment needs completed before visiting the island as support services for Kiteboarders and Windsurfers is almost non-existent. Your dream of visiting an unspoiled tropical paradise to Windsurf or Kiteboard can be fulfilled by including a trip to Raivavae on your list. Include this visit with a tour of the South Pacific while making that trip of a lifetime while creating memories that will last forever.

Some say the Marshall Islands present the best wind conditions on the planet for Windsurfing and Kiteboarding. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is an independent country in Micronesia located in the Western Pacific Ocean close to the equator. The sandy islands and islets that make up the collection are virtually flat, lacking any topography. With average temperatures in the 24C- 26C range and comfortable trade winds the conditions are ideal for enthusiasts seeking windsurfing and kiteboarding adventures. Long right hand reef breaks are the rule that allow for long rides to take in the beautiful scenery and surrounding crystal clear water. The primary airport serving the Marshall Islands is in Majuro (the capital) with a smaller airport in Kwajalein and a number of other airfields dotted around the archipelago. Service to Majuro is possible through Guam, Honolulu, Hawaii, Brisbane, Australia and Nadi, Fiji. The islands offer well stocked stores, restaurants serving a range of international cuisine and a good selection of accommodation options. A popular way to experience the Marshall Island’s unmatched Kiteboarding and Windsurfing is to participate in a live-aboard excursion on boats that have experienced and knowledgeable crews that can guide travelers to the best places for pursuing their passion. The boats provide all the supplies needed and even offer equipment rentals aboard. Your passion for Windsurfing and Kiteboarding can be met by adding a dream trip to the Marshall Islands to your list. Imagine yourself spending a week or two on a live-aboard moving from one pristine bay to the next to practice your sport in ideal conditions.