With the increase in popularity of windsurfing, the number of events too has increased crowding the annual calendar. The most exciting feature for all windsurfing enthusiasts is that every event has a very unique character with a definite appeal thereby making every event special. Although there are a host of events held, few of the events dominate the windsurfing scene in a great way.

PWA Windsurfing World Tour

Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) is one of the leading authorities to organize international windsurfing events throughout the year. The PWA World Tour held each year is a collection of several events held at different venues across the world. For 2009, the tour begins with the wave surfing world cup at Cabo Verde in February followed by three slalom world cups in Austria (May 5th to 10th), Korea (May 16th to 22nd) and Spain (June 9th to 14th). The three slalom world cup events would be followed by two grand slams. The first grand slam would be held in July at Pozo Izquierdo in Spain that would feature wave and slalom windsurfing. The second grand slam would be held in August that would feature freestyle and slalom windsurfing. The PWA World tour schedule also includes freestyle world cup, a super grand slam (featuring wave, freestyle and slalom) as well as indoor windsurfing by the end of the year.

Defi Wind

One of the most anticipated windsurfing events every year, the Defi Wind is the biggest windsurfing race in the world. Participants from as many as 14 countries participate in this race. In 2009, it will be held from 21st to 24th May. In 2008, about 800 windsurfers participated in this contest.

Youth World Championship

Yet another major event held in July is the Youth World Championship that witnesses participants from more than 50 countries every year. The 2009 edition of the championship would be held in Brazil.

Mondial du Vent

One of the most celebrated events in windsurfing, the Mondial du Vent is a combination of windsurfing and kitesurfing. Started in 1996, this event is held in Leucate, which is located off the south-eastern coast of France. The highlight of this event is the ‘Orange Speed Crossing’, which is a competition of windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Surf Festival Fehmarn

Yet another important event in the windsurfing calendar, the Surf Festival is named after its organizer ‘Surf’, which is the largest circulating windsurfing magazine in Europe. Started in 2003, this festival attracts more than 10,000 surfers each year. The Surf Festival is held at Fehmarn, a German island located in the Baltic Sea. In 2009, this festival would be held from May 21st to May 24th, 2009. The festival comprises of lectures from windsurfing experts on various aspects of windsurfing along with live demonstrations. However, the highlight of the festival is the windsurfing race popularly known as the ‘Race around Fehmarn’. Since 2008, the Kona Cup (a slalom race) has been an addition to the festival.

These are just a few of the leading windsurfing events held every year that attract large numbers of windsurfers from across the world. Apart from these, most countries have national and regional level competitions, festivals, camps and workshops for the rising numbers of windsurfers.

However, not everyone chooses the same way to keep fit. A number of people choose to use healthcare products for their health whilst others prefer the good workout a gym can provide. Yet there are more ways than just these to keep in shape.

Of course, your preferred method of keeping fit will depend on what facilities you have access to, but there is still room for variety. One such activity is windsurfing. If you’ve never tried it before, you’ll be surprised at how fun and exciting windsurfing can be. The drawback is that it’s hard to windsurf unless you live near a large body of water. Yet if you do get the chance to windsurf, it’s one that you cannot afford to miss.

The equipment needed for windsurfing is quite basic. All you need is a two to five metre long single sailed sailboard and a lot of passion. However, windsurfing can be difficult for a beginner so it’s worth getting some learning and training from an instructor before tackling the ocean waves.

The sheer joy and thrill of windsurfing is probably the best thing about it. Windsurfing requires the mastery of techniques found in other water sports. It’s a cross between boating and surfing so having skills in both of these will enable you to get the most out of your windsurfing experience. You can enjoy the benefits of both of these disciplines whilst not missing out on anything. You can even experience something quite like the related water sports of water skating or water boarding.

An added bonus that comes from windsurfing is that you’re out in the fresh air. Fresh air is a requirement for healthy living and you’ll get plenty of it when windsurfing. As well as the other physical benefits, windsurfing also helps your cardiovascular system. You will certainly notice the benefits that come with good blood circulation including a more efficient immune system allowing you to stay healthy and enjoy even more windsurfing.

You maybe thinking to yourself, no way could I ever do something like this. You would be surprised with some effort and a little wind you will coasting along in no time.

The thrill, the excitement, the wind in their hair and on their face, the adrenaline and the lungfuls of fresh air can all add to the pull of windsurfing but whatever the reason, windsurfing is an addictive sport. People just can’t stay away from it once they get started, and neither will you once you experience the pleasure of windsurfing.

There are so many places that you can enjoy windsurfing. But there are ten superlative destinations that are unbeatable to all others. What is exceptional about these ten places is that they have been judged on the basis of attractiveness rather than on the basis of public belief. What is more special about these ten places is that they are able to provide exciting moments. These places are not only excellent for windsurfing, but they are electrifying and striking and at these places, there are so many other amusements that you can get into. Remember that windsurfing is best done when you are on holiday and most of these activities will be combined to make your holiday a memorable one.

If you opt for any of these windsurfing locations, there is no doubt that you will experience the best windsurfing activities and there is an added advantage in that you will be able to meet other windsurfers. Remember that you will meet people who will be willing and able to share one and the same opinion with you. These are all aimed at making windsurfing an enjoyable thing. The following places should be on your list of windsurfing priority places when next you think of windsurfing:

Spain, Greece, and Italy

When you are in Spain, always think of Tarifa. This is found in the southern parts of Spain and precisely in the Straights of Gibraltar. This is also a point of convergence between the Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. You may not know this, but this place is commonly known as Europe’s wind capitol. Most of the ways of living of the inhabitants cannot be talked of without putting windsurfing into it. At Tarifa, you will be able to pay for anything related to windsurfing. Remember that close by, you can find the appeals of Andalusia.

Rhodes is another beautiful place to be considered. This is a division of Greek Dodecanese Islands and this is often referred to as the Isle of the Sun. This is probably due to the fact that sunshine is experienced throughout the whole year. Close to this area is the Aegean Sea where the winds alternate from calm in the early hours of the day to violent in the afternoons. This is one of the best places to consider if you are going windsurfing in July and August. Remember that windsurfing will not be the sole feature to be experienced here. You can equally experience discoveries into the nearby villages and castles.

If you consider Italy as your point of destination, you should think of Lake Gorda at the northern part of the country. At the early hours of the day, you will experience the winds coming from the north and later in the day, you will experience the winds coming from the south. But remember that the winds are very violent at the later hours of the day. The innate attractiveness of nature encompasses the whole of the lake. There is lodging in all forms and at all ranges that you can ever think of. There are so many activities that you can get yourself involved in around this area.

The United States

At the heart of Hawaii is situated Maui and this is a first-class port for windsurfing.

Adjacent to River Gorge in Columbia is found Hood River and precisely in Oregon. This is also considered a must-go area for windsurfing. There are also so many holiday activities around this area.

Top Temperate Windsurfing Ports

If you find yourself around or think of going to the Dominican Republic, Cabarete is a place that you must visit. The climate here is temperate and there is wind throughout the year.

If you think of windsurfing around May through September, think of Le Morne. This is found in Mauritius.

Lake Arenal in Costa Rico is also an excellent windsurfing destination. This is not far from San Juan and there are so many other leisure activities to be experienced in these areas.

The British Virgin Islands also offers winds and warm waters best for windsurfing and other activities like biking and kayaking. This is an area with mild winds excellent to learn windsurfing.

At the south-east of the Canary Islands is the Gran Canaria Island with winds almost throughout the year.

Windsurfing during the cold months is not the same experience as during the warmer months. If you go windsurfing exclusively during the summer, you will not have to bother too much about a windsurfing outfit. If you go windsurfing in both winter and summer, you will definitely have to make arrangements for two outfits. One outfit will be used for summer and another outfit for winter. Keep in mind that there is always a need to save you from harm due to continuous contact with water.

If you think of getting the best windsurfing outfit, forget about those outfits that you have a few years back. Remember that much is being done everyday to make the windsurfing outfit more comfortable than you can imagine. Here are some guidelines to help you select the most appropriate windsurfing outfit:

Windsurfing Outfit for summer

Always look for an outfit that will give you comfort. This is because without being comfortable in it, you will not find it easy trying to move about or even manipulating the windsurf board. Go in for those outfits made using neoprene. Also remember that these will vary in thickness. This will also depend on the warmth or coldness of the waters that you intend getting into. If you are a learner, make sure you know about the hotness or coldness of the waters before you pay for a windsurfing outfit. Remember that you will be in the waters for longer periods and continuous contact with the waters might pose serious hazard to your health.

Also remember that as a learner, the outfit that you should get should fully cover you from your neck to your ankles. You should fit well into the outfit so that there is no room for water to get into it. In most cases, this will also not permit the outfit to rub against your body. Remember that your body may be too sensitive to the rubbing and this may cause some skin complaints. Most windsurfing outfits have an extra inside layer made of an extended artificial material. This is also part and parcel of the outfit.

This additional material is meant to give room for flexibility during windsurfing. When selecting the windsurfing outfit, make sure you go in for one that will last longer. Remember that you will be using this for longer periods. And of course, outfits with so many features attached to it sometimes do not last longer.

Windsurfing Outfit for winter

What is worthy of note here is that neoprene used for making windsurfing outfits cannot be extended. It is therefore necessary that the fabric is cut ahead of joining the layers to give an outfit of your choice. This will definitely have a bearing on your decision when you are about selecting a windsurfing for winter. One thing you should also do is to inspect the joints very well. Keep in mind that most joints attached around areas that movements take place such as the arms, armpits and knees may pose difficulties in movements.

Windsurfing outfits for winter should be not less than three to four millimeters thick. Remember to ensure that the joints are not found on areas that can restrict movements and that the inner layer is well fortified against cold. The outfit should properly fit into you so that there should be no room for entering water. Remember to check out temperatures where you intend to go windsurfing ahead of paying for the outfit.

In most cases, the windsurfing outfit should be stitched using a blind stitch. Keep in mind that there should not be any chance of water getting into the outfit. Finally, you should know that these windsurfing outfits will not be made the same for men and women.