Mauritius - forget Le Morne ....head North

I spent the 2008 winter in Mauritius & found the waves in the North (all right handers) to be fantastic.

Most people head for Le Morne which is great ..... but crowded & dangerous
The waves in the North are only used by the locals & often you will have them to yourself.

Try finding
The Spot, Yachia, Le Escalier, The Pass, Panic all within 5k of Cap Malheureux
These break on the outer reefs so there is also flat water to play with on the trip in & out.

If you are planning to visit to Mauritius drop me a line ..

Been on 2 trips to Le Morne and agree, both crowded and dangerous at times although I suspect the most consistent for wind, as it has to squeeze around the mountains at that point.

How is the wind further North and the swell?

As the swell direction is invariably South it would have to wrap right around to get to the North of the Island. I suspect best conditions are when the South coast is maxing out.

Having said that anything over 2 m of swell and Manoa and One Eye, although still easy to access and ride, get scary, because unless you get a helicopter rescue, a single wipeout could be your last with a 5 knot reef-pass current sucking you out to Madagascar. What is also scary is the number of rich European kiter and windsurfer who are out there getting the first wave experience of their lives [and in reality and sadly on several occasions in the past, also their last] in what is definitely the most scary situation of any I have kited or wave sailed anywhere around the world. But with the warm blue water and moderate trades it can seems so harmless until you understand risk of the reef-pass currents and offshore wind.

Also if I was a local I would be truly pissed off at the complete lack of understanding of wave rights of way from the visitors despite signs explaining it [in English and French at least] posted on the beach.

From what I saw Italians think 'Drop in' is a windsurfing brand!

Oh and the Indian Resort is a rip off compared to the general cost of living in Mauritius, get together with a bunch of mates and hire a minivan then you can kite and surf anywhere on the island and stay self-catering for a song and experience some of the locals who are invariably friendly and courteous.

Oh and bring a springsuit or neoprene rashie in June July and August as it can get distinctly sub tropical at that time of year

Same everywhere with Euros and waves-just no idea......

You guys who've been to Mauritius - would you actually want to live there full time? I have a south african mate there who's there in a development project happening over the next 10 years - have been considering begging him for a job, any job, that would let us relocate there! Any opinions about quality of life, crime, cost of living, etc?

I was staying at Kuxville Beach Cottages for 15 euro a night
simple self catering setup with maid .... no TV internet etc

a 9m & 12m should cover all wind (but obviously depends on your weight

F#$%ing Air Mauritius .... who change prices daily (REMEMBER TO BOOK 6 MONTHS ahead)
changed the rules on sporting equip
You used to get 40kg which means you could take your boards, kites etc for free
Now they charge for everything.

Hey Bluekite and others who have been to Mauritius,

Is Mauritius only good at certain times of the year i.e. our winter. I will be there the end of December and was wondering if it was worth taking the kites. If i don't i know i will regret it. However i have heard wind is not good at this time of year. Thoughts / experiences?

Cheers

Thanks bluekite. I will do a little more research and decide.

Hey Kloph,

Actually going there for honeymoon so a bit cheeky to be taking the kite gear. THe new wife would not care too much though because i tend not to be able to sit still and will go scuba diving and do other activities etc. Would love to get any or knowledge on Mauritius conditions / places etc.

Would also be keen to meet up (obviously not for too long given it is the honeymoon). Local knowledge is always key. Leaving December 30 for about two weeks. Staying down in some pretty fancy place in Le Morne for a week and then the other side of the island for a week (i think close to Belle Mare). Did not plan it to be a kiting holiday just going there because the place is meant to be pretty special and i know she will love it.

Any info. would be great. What do you reckon take some gear? I can get my small board, one kite, bar harness and pump in a bag and other bits in about 16kg. But what size as i have a few?

Thanks and cheers for any reply.

There are other islands near Mauritius that are cheap, uncrowded and people friendlier. Miles of open flat water out to the reef.