I have just come back from a European holiday where I was lucky enough to spend some time in Tarifa (Spain). Having read about this place since I was a young fella, it was exciting to have the opportunity to spend some time there - with all the "driving on the wrong side of the road" and the "cannot understand a word of Spanish" thing going on... Since I had such a good experience, I thought that it might be worthwhile mentioning it here.

Flew into Malaga, then hired a car for the coastal drive to Tarifa. I hired gear from "Volare", which sits right on *the* windsurfing beach just outside of Tarifa. The gear was the current season's (aka 2012) Starboard/Severne kit. And they even knew how to rig it right - I didn't even attempt to add more downhaul!

I rented gear two sets of gear, on two of the days, at about $70 Aus per kit per day (aka: over 2hrs solid of sailing per day), which I think is pretty good - that price even includes insurance for the "smash the nose" sailors! On offer were some wave (something multi-fin), freestyle-wave (Kode) and slalom (iSonic) boards, sails were Severne S-1 and Gator's -> I selected the 2012 Starboard Kode** and the Gator's.

The beach at Volare is pretty safe, with cross-shore conditions most of the time -> the sun/temp is warm at this time of year (June) but the water is a little cold so a shortie is needed; the water state was bump-n-jump with at least 50 sailors out; lots of beginner kiting in that area too, so fun time for all. And the guys at Volare were great to chat with, and very welcoming.

So if you have the chance to Travel near Spain during Australia's winter, it is definitely worth a few days out of your trip for a guaranteed sail!


** It is worth mentioning separately, I have ridden previous season Kode's before, but wasn't ever really too impressed, ie: they were ok, but didn't really stand out from other brands/models. Having ridden a few RRD freestyle-waves in the last few years, it struck me that they weren't particularly good at any one thing, but overall, nothing came close to the ease-of-use/all-round-handling. Well, I am going to say that this seasons Kode has surpassed the RRD experience.

Pics????

I second that. If you are looking for wind (Tarifa is the place)... I used to live in London and used to head to Tarifa as regularly as possible to get my windsurfing fix....

For anyone wanting to visit Tarifa. I would suggest landing in Gibraltar (most interesting landing you will probably ever encounter - it is usually 3rd time lucky for pilots cause the runway is so short and the winds are so strong) then walk over the border into Spain and pick up your rental car just over the border (to avoid the traffic heading into Gibraltar when flying out again). Tarifa is a short drive from there.

Truly awesome place. Have spent a total of 3 months there though last went in 2008 before the recession.

They're trying to build on the reserve. You might want to sign the petition to stop them.

http://forums.boards.mpora.com/showthread.php/64524-Tarifa-petition

Valdevaqueros was where I sailed most of the time.

Looks awesome Matt.

mathew said...

oh... forgot to mention -> you need to be on the lookout for white pointers!

as in you have a choice?

Hey Matt, sounds like you had a great time over there. I was there in 86 and spent most of the time being overpowered on a 3.2m sail - loved it!
If it is to windy in Tarifa head an hour north is Cape Trafalgar - normally a couple of beauforts less and has great waves.

Hey guys

I live in Brighton, UK and am a south coast sailor here but also a regular visitor to Tarifa so if any of you are coming over this aussie winter then feel free to pm me for any Tarifa info - eg places to stay, sail etc... Some more info here :
http://www.surf-fewo.com/eng/spotguide/tarifa/index.html
Worth mentioning there are 2 winds the Levante and Poniente so you can get a variety of sea states which makes for brilliant varied conditions as both are exceptionally strong!!
Also point out the apres surf nightlife in town is not to be missed for those who like a good night out!