3/5 - 3/13 St. Martin

[Kenny]

Rode every day but one. It was the usual Carribean drill, 80 degree water, 80 degree air, board shorts, sandy beaches, flat water and waves. St. Martin is a French outpost so the tourists are approximately 1/2 French and 1/2 Americans. If you go bring a 16, 13, and a 9 and you have 95% of the wind covered. Of course, I brought my big kite which allowed me to kite one day that was too light for anything else. Most of my sessions were on a 13M Waroo which is just perfect in my book. The food is fantastic, not only your usual island fare, but also first-rate French restaurants, bistros, and bakeries. I hope to go back again next year. I am glad to see that you got some snow riding and ONE crazy on the water. Guess it is that time of year again... I think my first day on the water last year was the first of March and it was FRIGID. Think I will wait a while this year...

[Travis Cook]

I was in St Martin a week ago for one day-- the wind was too light on Orient Beach where I was. Where were you? I goofed around on a wind surfboard for a while instead. They were having that sailboat race and 100s of sails were out there-- pretty cool.

[Kenny]

Travis,

I kited at Orient Bay, Galion Bay, and Grand Case. Where I went depended on the wind direction and strength. Most days I was able to get in 2 or 3 sessions. Orient Bay is chop with waves on the outside. Grand Case is chop. Galion is the best with flat water on the inside and waves right in the middle of the bay. I kited at Galion most days. I brought a 3.5 M Ozone Imp trainer kite for my wife. That was a good call as she had a lot of fun flying it on Orient beach.

The sailboat competition was the Heneken Regata. I agree, it was cool to see so many sails out on the water. A week ago Monday the wind direction was more northerly which is unusual. The typical trades are ENE around 20-25 mph. I flew at Grand Case in the morning and Orient late in the afternoon that day in wind that was 15 - 20.

Kenny

[Dean Mikulla]

Way to shred the Carribean , Kenny!!!

[John Freed]

Kenny,
Did you notice where there were windsurf rental shops. Is there still a shop at Orient Beach? Anywhere else?
John

[Kenny]

John,

Yes, there is windsurf rental at Orient Beach. Galion Beach also had windsurf rental. Galion is the better spot for windsurfing as the water is flat to slight chop in the bay with a reef in the middle of the bay with nice breaking waves.

Kenny

[John Freed]

Kenny,
Thanks Kenny... one more thing... I may drag some non windsurfers with me to the beach... as I recall Orient is nice (and great people watching)... is Gallion the same, i.e. a nice beach for those who just want to hang out?
John

[Kenny]

John,

Orient Beach is better for beach goers, but Galion does have a swimming area and beach with lounge chairs. Have fun!

Kenny