Often refered to as "Little England", Barbados boasts some of the most varied conditions for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing in the Caribbean. Couple this with a colourful and vibrant local culture, immensely friendly people and some of the best fish cuisine anywhere in the world, and what you have is a brilliant all round destination that will appeal to watersports and non watersports enthusiasts alike.
There are a few different spots to choose from when deciding where to participate in your days on water activities, but the contrasts between the different coasts are noticeable. The South West side is the more lived in side of the island, offering a few different spots along this stretch, from flat water, to reefs to point breaks. The only downside is that they can be crowded due to the proximity of housing and urbanisations. The Eastern side is a lot more lush in vegetation and a little bit more rugged. This coast line bears the full brunt of the Atlantic and is not for the faint of heart. This part of the island is where you will find the world class wave "Soup Bowls", amoung others. The northern part of the island is a mix of old a new but tends to be less used (from a boardsports point of view) due to bad access. This area is also where the rich and famous come to play. It is not unusual to rub shoulders with some celebs when visiting this part of the island.
SILVER SAND/SILVER ROCK This spot is based a little further North than Silver Sands, and is along the road that leads to the capital of the island, Bridgetown. There is no shore break here and the water is totally flat on the inside, giving way to rolling swell on the outside. The wind is a bit less here and the spot is more suited to freeride/freestyle and beginners.
OISTINS This spot is based a little further North than Silver Sands, and is along the road that leads to the capital of the island, Bridgetown. There is no shore break here and the water is totally flat on the inside, giving way to rolling swell on the outside. The wind is a bit less here and the spot is more suited to freeride/freestyle and beginners.
BATHSHEBA (Soup Bowl) This is an expert only wave that breaks hard and fast along a shelf of fire coral. It works even when the wind is onshore (the reef cleaning the wave up as it breaks) Kelly Slater (8 X Surfing World Champion) rates this as one of his favourite waves. When it works it can be a perfect stand up barrel from start to finish. Local Pro windsurfer Brian "Irie Man" Talma is one of only a handful of people to have windsurfed at this venue and reckons that it is one of the hardest waves to sail, due to how fast it rifles down the reef. There are a few other spots in this area, some of which are still to be pioneered!!!
LONG BEACH If you are looking for a quieter venue then head to Long Beach on the Southern tip of the island. Waves break all the way to the shore here and you will get the opportunity to ride uncrowded easy waves. This is pro windsurfer Brian Talma's local spot and it's not unusual to see him soaring above you while mid way through his trade mark back loops. The wind is also a touch stronger here than at Silver Sands.
The wind you get in Barbados is the Northerly trade wind that blows between 15 and 25 knots through it's peak season, which is usually between December and March. Outside of this the wind becomes a little bit more erratic, although you could luck out and get an awesome week later in the year
The windsurfing in Barbados is pretty much aimed at late intermediate to advanced levels, due to the fact that nearly all spots are wave orientated. If you are looking to try your hand at wave sailing for the first time then this destination would be a perfect introduction. If you are already competent in the waves, then the sailing would allow you to indulge your passion to the fullest extent.
Also, if you are a surfer who kites or windsurfs, then Barbados, again, would be a place that would give you the opportunity participate in both sports as and when you choose due to the great waves on offer as well as the good windsurfing/kiting available.
There are an abundance of jet ski companies, dive schools, paragliding businesses, bannana boat rides, and general watersport madness to be had if you should wish. Barbados also has a monkey sanctuary located to the North of the island and fantastic shopping opportunities in Bridgetown. But whatever you do, don't miss out on the night life!! The "fish fry" in the car park in Oistins is an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to come together and enjoy a mass fish barbeque with lashings of local rum before heading off to the social corner of the island, "the Gap"!!. Not to be missed.
The kitesurfing in Barbados is all about the waves, as there is no flat water spot anywhere on the island. Silver Rock is the beach which kiters head for before heading out the reef to congregate with all the other riders. A lot of the local kiters tend to stay on the inside and play about on the reforming waves that make it across the reef. But if your skill allows, then there are spots that are off the beaten track that you can head to.
St Laurence Gap (or the Gap) as it is more commonly known, offers night clubs, bars and restaurants of all descriptions, and caters for all tastes. Some fantastic local reggae bands play at some venues here as well as more famous "dance hall" and "soca" acts. All you have to do is keep an out for posters advertising these events that get posted around the more built up areas. Also make sure, that at least once, you sample the local rum which is now world famous -Mount Gay.
