Owing to its large clear-water lagoons, Windsurfing is
possible nearly all around Mauritius, except in the South, although
in many places, the lagoons may be a bit too shallow during low
tides.
Windsurfing schools and rentals
With the phenomenal kitesurfing fever, there are today
more kitesurfing than windsurfing schools and rentals
in Mauritius. Although most hotels adequately located
propose windsurf equipment for free usage to guests, the
quality of equipment would not fit a windsurfer's requirements.
Only Club Mistral
centre, located in Le Morne, has far more windsurfs for
rent than kites. The centre has coaches and rescue boats
and are perfectly located just opposite the wave-riding
spots of Le Morne.
Free windsurfing in Mauritius
Le
Morne is certainly THE Windsurfing spot of Mauritius;
not only for its waves but for the regularity of
the wind. Mauritius however counts several other
publicly accessible windsurfing spots, at least
one on the North coast, (Anse La Raie,) and several
others along the East coast.
Confirmed windsurfer can ride in Mauritius pretty
easily but we strongly recommend taking advice with
as many local riders as possible before getting
wet as many places have their peculiarities that
can become hazards to the uninformed riders. For
a detailed overview of the different windsurfing
spots of Mauritius, we invite you to view our
map
of spots, although detailed for kitesurfing.
Wind and climate conditions
Windsurfing conditions in Mauritius are more certain during
the austral winter months of June to November. Put very
broadly, kitesurfing conditions are as follows.
During austral winter (from June to November,) Mauritius
is under the influence of the South-East Trade winds,
generated by a path of anti-cyclonic cells off the Antarctic
belt, moving from West to Right. Owing to its position
on the edge of this path, the wind in Mauritius experiences
wind cycles of 7 days. As the cold front reaches, the
wind picks up from the South / South-East (gusty) for
about 1 day, the wind then intensifies to reach between
20 and 25 knots in a South-Easterly direction for about
3 days. It then turns East in a slight moderation (16
to 18 knots,) for another 2 days. There is approx 1 windless
day in between 2 anti-cyclones.
Around the summer solstice (December and January,) a similar
pattern can be observed with the direction varying from
East to North East and a wind force range 10 to 15 knots
instead.
Choosing a region
The pure wave riders will stick to Le Morne... Of Course!
For free riders, Le Morne remains a sure bet between June
and November as the acceleration from the landscape gives
almost a guarantee of wind, at least as from 11.00 am.
Le Morne is windless between February and May.
The North (North-East) is "windsurfable" for a longer
part of the year (June to January.) Anse La Raie is a
good spot to launch for a ride in the lagoon of Calodyne.
The East & South-East coasts count some excellent spots
during winter only (June to September.)
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