Windsurfing in USA/Mexico/Carribean

[cdp]

I'm visiting relatives in Texas in February but while I'm over there I would be quite interested in learning windsurfing. Probably in the caribean, mexico or the southern USA.

I'm travelling alone. I've never tried windsurfing before but I'm quite keen on sailing so I know I'll enjoy it.

Has anybody tried it over there? If so do you have any recommendations?

Thanks

Carl

[Scooby_snax]

Can you be a little more specific about which parts of the Caribbean?

[cdp]

Unfortunately, I really don't know about the area so I'm pretty open to ideas. I'm looking for somewhere warm, decent instructors and board hire. The accomodation can be pretty basic as long as it's clean.

I noticed on the web that there are some pretty good deals in Tobago (£650), Cabarete (C £500) and Belieze (C $800) but I don't know what the islands are like. The Tobago trip sounds appealing as they will also day rent catamarans for yet another dose of speed. (All relative I suppose)

The only place a friend has recommended is www.clubvass.com in Margarita but I couldn't find easy flights from the USA. (I don't like long haul flights or Jetlag so I would prefer to minimise atlantic crossings).

[Plotloss]

If you are going to be in Texas, hire a motor and head down to South Padre Island.

Bound to be some windsurfing going on there, I've been but only saw the inside of bars and bad hotels.

Spring break is great, even when you're far too old to be there!

[Scooby_snax]

I was in Tobago last spring, I cannot recall seeing any windsurfing places, quite a lot of dive schools. Watersports do seem to be limited, there isn't a marina on the island though that is now under discussion
I would suggest either Antigua...cheap to get to from the UK....Sunsail have a shore based complex there so windsurfing is bound to be on the itinery...check out their website for packages. St Maarten is a possibility, there is even a windsurfing school at one end of Orient bay....the other end is the well known nudist beach!!!

[jesusbuiltmycar]

Have a look on some of the windsurfing websites, I beleive there is a holiday website called www.planetwindsurf.com which will give you some idea of costs and destinations. I beleive that most of the carribean is windy in February, especially Margarita Island(Venezuala), Cabarete(Dominican Republic) and Barbados. I am not sure about locations in Texas, but you could try looking on www.kitebeaches.com - although it is a kitesurfing specific website it will give you some idea of wind conditions for beaches located in Texas/Caribbean. Another useful website to check out conditions is www.windfinder.com

Have you thought about trying kitesurfing instead? Although I kitesurf and don't windsurf I have been told from my friends that do both it is easier to learn/progress with the sport than windsurfing.