Hi everyone,
I am writing because I am planning a family trip (3-4 weeks depending on destination and cost, with very small kids: 3 years old and 6 months old), flying from Europe (we have relocated from Sydney to Switzerland 5 years ago), and I would like to take advantage of this trip to give windsurfing or wingfoiling a proper go for the first time (I have been exclusively surfing for the past 15 years)! The thing is, I know the "surf world" quite well and am capable of picking destinations / accommodation that I know will suit the whole family (main criteria: quality accommodation, wave out the front in order to minimize transport time and logistics, baby sitting easily available / affordable or even kids club / baby club, and safe health wise with a good hospital or clinic easily reachable in case of emergency or major issue) but when it comes to the "wind" world I am at a loss (I can even think of another criterion: that wife & kids can enjoy the beach without it being unbearable because of the wind, I've heard it's like this typically in Cape Verde while for instance in the Caribbean it is pleasant for everyone).
With this in mind, are there destinations / accommodation you would highly recommend to make this first trip a success for everyone 
?
I do not want to influence the answers so won't mention some of the destinations I have in mind for now, but I do have one question about Mauritius specifically, who could be perfect for the family (we were there last year, but I only surfed) however when reading about wind conditions in Mauritius, I keep reading that January to March is the least windy season, but given that I would be a quasi total beginner and that wingfoiling requires only light winds I was wondering, would this season actually work or you'd give it a miss too?
Cheers everyone.
I would go to Bonaire. One of the best places to learn, always warm and windy, family friendly. Rent a house at Sorobon beach resort and you've got pretty much what you're after. Rentals at the beach too. Probably similar flight duration and likely cheaper.
Perth is amazing Mark but there isn't even rentals or windsurfing lessons these days, not even mentioning the distance from Europe. Come here when you're stoked and got your own gear.
He surfs but moved to Switzerland and wants to learn to wing
I was just being cheeky of course but geez nothing could make me move to Europe
My experience is limited but there are tons of rentals in europe? Unless your family doesn't want to go somewhere like the south of France vs. Australia. We had a great time in Hyeres (Almanarre) where we could ride bikes from our hotel to the Spinout rental shop, which also had a bar/restaurant right there overlooking the beach and camping nearby. I'm just thinking travel time vs. windsurf time, there are tons of options close to CH. In the summer there are more options, including Greece, Cyprus and Croatia if you don't want to stay in Western Europe. Even saw that Lake Balaton in Hungary had a windsurf spot while we were riding through there from Budapest to Zagreb then to Split. Balaton in the summer seems like it would be fantastic for other things too, but we didn't explore in detail.
Select to expand quoteptsf1111 said..
I would go to Bonaire. One of the best places to learn, always warm and windy, family friendly. Rent a house at Sorobon beach resort and you've got pretty much what you're after. Rentals at the beach too. Probably similar flight duration and likely cheaper.
Perth is amazing Mark but there isn't even rentals or windsurfing lessons these days, not even mentioning the distance from Europe. Come here when you're stoked and got your own gear.
Hi, thinking about Bonaire for windfoil training in Jan Feb for pretty much all of the same reasons except for the kids. Did you find your spot yet?
maybe Egypt Red Sea cold be an option too, bit not on my list.
Wouldn't go to Egypt with kids (or without lol). I haven't heard of anyone that did not spend a lot of time on the toilet instead of sailing due to the food.
Bonaire won't disappoint for sure.
tiboolt, let us know what you decided and how it was when you're back later!
Mauritius is a great destination. Safe lagoon sailing and hire gear is available at Le Morne along with good accommodation options. However, the best time for wind is between April and October when the SE trade winds blow.
