| WINDSURFING CROATIA Windsurfing is one of the most popular and most liked summer sports. Read our story and find out everything about the necessary equipment and favorable locations on the Adriatic Windsurfing beginnings
The beginnings of windsurfing can be traced back to 1969 when two friends Drake and Schweitzer who invented the sport in the US. Windsurf boards production followed very soon after, already in 1970. Current boards can easily achieve a 65 km/h speed, and skillful windsurfers can jump up to 10-meter height or sail the waves of average height of a family house.
Windsurfing equipment
You only need a couple of things for windsurfing. For UVA and UVB protection, hypothermia, and fall protection, it is recommended to use a wet suit, from 2 to 5 mm thick. Since you lean on your feet during windsurfing, be sure to wear shoes, or better, boots for windsurfing. Because you run the surfsail with your hands, gloves are another part of the necessary equipment. When shopping, choose the tightest pair of gloves because they tend to stretch when wet. After you learn the beginners' techniques, try getting a trapeze because it doesn't strain the hands as much and makes the managing of the windsurf board easier.
Best windsurfing locations in Croatia
Premantura (Pula)
In Premantura, which is the most outer part of Istrian peninsula, a pleasant Southeastern wind blows in summer suitable for windsurfing-beginners, while bura and strong jugo winds blow in the fall and springtime. Because of the favorable blowing direction of the wind (directly towards land), bura in Premantura is not dangerous because it will bring you directly to the shore in case of an accident. Jugo, on the other hand, causes waves as big as 2 or 3 meters because of the shallowness of the sea and makes Prematura to a well-known wave spot. During those times you can surf big waves on short boards.
Ravni and Rabac (Rabac)
Near Ravni, a place south of Labin, the part of the channel between land and coast of the island of Cres is the narrowest. Pleasant warm winds that blow from the Southwest reaching up to 15 notches create good conditions for windsurfers. One other favorable spot for windsurfing is situated near Rabac - a strong and constant wind is created by bura that blows from Velebit and big waves appear suitable for surfers - free riders.
Preluk (Volosko near Opatija)
Favorable winds blow for surfers and windsurfers in Preluk Bay not far from Volosko early in the morning and during night because of the temperature difference between land and sea. Conditions for surfing are best in the beginning of autumn because winds can then turn to tramuntane during the night. Surfers often come in the night and start to surf in the dark waiting for dawn on the waves.
Punat and Baška (island of Krk)
The island of Krk is definitely a good place to windsurf, and depending on your surfing skills you can choose between two locations: Baška and Punta. Since a strong bura blows directly towards Baška from direction of Senj, wind speed often reaches up to 27 to 30 notches, and the waves rise up to 1,5 m thus creating heavenly conditions for windsurfing on short boards for professionals. Punat is a more quiet and calm bay that is more suitable for beginners and middle-experienced surfers because bura blows with medium strength, and the sea is smooth without any waves.
Jadrija (Šibenik)
In Jadrija, a resort near Šibenik, you can experience a whole spectrum of different winds. During spring and autumn you will "catch" a strong bura and a medium jugo, and in the summer tramuntana and maestral will create excellent conditions for windsurfing. Due to several islands in front of Jadrija, it is safe to windsurf so all windsurf-lovers can practice their sport regardless of their level of knowledge or skill.
Bol (Brač)
Bol is an internationally famous windsurfers' destination and generally the most beautiful place to go windsurfing on the Adriatic. In a channel between the islands of Hvar and Brač blows maestral that is stronger on this side of the coast than anywhere else, and that appears every afternoon almost without exception. easy wind levante blows during the morning that is ideal for learning and practice so you can find many windsurfing schools on this part of the coast.
Viganj (Pelješac)
Viganj on top of Pelješac peninsula is, next to Bol on Brač, the best summer destination for windsurfers. Every day, from the afternoon to sunset appears a medium maestral and an occasional jugo. Windsurfing conditions are milder than those on Brač, and because the waves are not too tall, Viganj is suitable for beginners and medium skilled surfers.
Safety rules
- avoid windsurfing in the wind that blows from land towards the sea so you don't end up on the open sea
- if the mast base breaks and separates from the board, swim first towards the board because the wind will blow it away very fast. Do not fear about the sail, it will remain floating on the waves.
- when you decide to go windsurfing test the weather conditions by shortly windsurfing near the shore
- if you should feel during the windsurfing that you are loosing strength, start heading towards the nearest land that does not necessarily have to be the shore you started from.
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