Bonaire
offers visitors two windsurf centers adjacent to each other
on the white sands of Sorobon Beach. This is the perfect launch
site on Lac Bay with miles of sailing area within easy reach.
It's the ideal place for beginners to learn the basics
of the sport with shallow waters and onshore winds. Advanced
sailors can perfect jibes, water starts, free-style maneuvers
and other techniques in the forgiving conditions. Experts can
rip and chop hop on the nearby swells or beat upwind for more
challenging conditions.
..Jibe
City
The
home of Windsurfing Bonaire, owned and operated since 1988
by Lac Bay's windsurfing pioneer, Ernst van Vliet. Great
Southern Island Adventures and BonairePros.com starting working
with Jibe City in 1990 as their preferred travel center and
U.S. contact.
Jibe City maintains a large selection of equipment including
boards from Hi-Fly and BiC. Gaastra sails rigged on carbon
masts and booms insure top notch gear for those seeking the
fun, friendly and funky confines of Jibe City. The equipment
is rigged and ready just steps from the launch site. Kayaks
are also available for rent. For a list of equipment, click here .
Ernst and his staff along with instructor Ronald Maijer provide
a casual and relaxed approach aimed at getting you on gear
best suited to your ability. They offer a full range of lesson
plans to help you learn and improve any skill.
When you aren't on the water you can kick back in a beach
chair, relax at a table on the expansive shaded deck or hook
in at the Hang-Out Beach Bar, serving drinks, snacks and lunch
at Bonaire's most unique watering hole. Open-air massages
and body treatments can also be arranged at Jibe City. The
new surf shop has a full line of accessories and souvenirs.
 For
more information, check out www.jibecity.com
..Bonaire
Windsurf Place
"The Place"
is Bonaire's newest windsurf center, owned and operated
by Bonaireans Elvis Martinus and Patoen Saragoza and their
partner Roger Jurriens. Their large facility with its raised,
covered porch looking out over Lac Bay is well organized and
features well maintained state-of-the-art equipment.
The gear is all rigged and ready and the staff helps their
relatively small number of clients with their board selection,
sail changes and lessons with a personalized "native
touch". Boards from RRD, Pro-Tech, Starboard and Naish
are matched with sails from Hot Sails Maui. For a list of
equipment, click here.
The snack bar offers drinks, snacks and sandwiches, along
with weekly BBQ's and Happy Hour video sessions. Their
surf shop keeps the basics you'll need for your time
on the water.
Elvis and Patoen help clients master any skill and are
accomplished racers themselves. They offer a variety of lesson plans
and are particularly skilled with helping children and
beginners learn the sport. Steeped in knowledge of the island and
its culture, the folks at "The Place" will make
your Caribbean windsurfing experience unforgettable.
For
more information, go to www.bonairewindsurfplace.com
You'll still want to come here, even if you don't windsurf. Snorkeling on the reef at Lac Bay is some of the best on the island. Kayak rentals are available and are the perfect transportation around the bay. Guided snorkeling and mangrove kayak trips can be easily arranged where you will paddle through canopied channels to discover hidden lakes among the forests of mangrove. You'll see marine life, birds and unusual habitat from a unique perspective both above and below the surface
Just want to unwind? The calm, shallow waters and un-crowded beaches around the bay are perfect for a swim with the kids or relaxing with a good book. Both of the windsurf centers offer drinks, snacks and lunch with shaded tables and seating looking over spectacular scenery. A Bonaire vacation is not complete without a visit to Lac Bay!
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