Seven Windsurfing Wonders of the World

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Seven Windsurfing Wonders of the World
Aruba: Two-Sided Treasure

By Paul McMenamin

Ah, Aruba! Located only 12 degrees north of the Equator, this Caribbean island offers warm, crystal-clear water that rarely drops below 75 degrees and consistent winds that are a windsurfer's dream: the average wind speed, year-round, is more than 20 knots, though it can get up to 10 knots higher in June, the island's windiest month.

A number of tour operators book windsurfing vacations in Aruba. Our top choice is Vela Windsurf Resorts, (108 Whispering Pines Drive, Suite 245, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 1.800.223.5443 or 831.461.0820, www.velawindsurf.com), which operates the Fisherman's Huts Windsurf Center—probably the best facility on the island. Located on the northwest end of Aruba, the center offers a variety of lessons taught four times daily. Costs depend on season.

A number of tour operators book windsurfing vacations in Aruba. Our top choice is Vela Windsurf Resorts, (4604 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. 1.800.223.5443 or 1.831.461.0820, www.velawindsurf.com), which operates the Fisherman's Huts Windsurf Center—probably the best facility on the island. Located on the northwest end of Aruba, the center offers a variety of lessons taught four times daily. Costs depend on season.

Also recommended is Sailboard Vacations (L.G. Smith Blvd. 462 Malmok, Aruba 1.800.252.1070 or 297.586.2527. www.sailboardvacations.com), which offers packages that include lodging and equipment rental. The company's Aruba Windsurfing Academy provides high-quality instruction for all ability levels, which special clinics held in April, August, and December. Sailboard's equipment is new, and its accommodations are located quite close to the prime sailing spots.

Aruba has much to offer in addition to wonderful windsurfing conditions, so if you're recovering from sunburn, blisters, or just plain fatigue, take time out to enjoy some of the island's other attractions. During the day you can relax in temperatures that average a balmy 82 degrees, with low humidity. And at night—when Aruba really comes to life—you can try your luck at one of the island's popular casinos, where the roll of the dice can be less predictable than the blow of Aruba's trade winds.