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Revealing Our Windsurfing Secrets
It's no secret that Prince Edward Island has sandy beaches and the warmest
waters north of the Carolinas. It's no secret either that gentle summer breezes drift inland off our bays and harbours
all summer long. But what has been a well guarded secret here is the fact that those warm waters and that prevailing
wind combine to produce one of the best windsurfing destinations on the continent.
Rustico Bay on the central north
shore of Prince Edward Island is thought to be the premier sailing site on the Island for any skill level.
On-shore winds will gust to an average of about 18 knots over more than 60 metres (200 ft.) of rolling shallows.
Prince Edward Island National
Park is a prime location for visiting sailors as they will usually find some of the locals out jumping the waves.
From the Robinsons Island
launch they can learn about other recommended sites and pick up some valuable tips on Island winds and waters.
Two spots they will definitely be told to check out are Covehead
and North Lake. Both get rave reviews from those who like sailing in the ocean
surf. They will also be told to hope for a good north wind if they want to experience driving swells that threaten to
jump over your sail.
Still in the park, Covehead is only five minutes away from
Rustico Bay. Off-shore reefs create some exciting waves and when you find
a second to look around you'll be awestruck by the magnificent sand dunes sweeping the shoreline.
After taking a few pictures in the quaint fishing village of North
Lake you can rig at the dock or on the beach as you get ready for your next adventure. Located near the easternmost
tip of the province, this too is a great spot for novice and professional alike. The intermediate sailors can get an
excellent education inside the reef, while the experts can make their way past the break and into the thundering ocean
waves beyond.
When the south wind blows it's a good idea to be on the south shore and two of the best places to go are
Souris Beach and Basin Head. At both
these locations, beautiful beaches reach into rolling swells that transform themselves into perfectly spaced waves.
When planning your trip you should make sure you pack a personal flotation device because their use is
mandatory on the Island, in fact right across Canada. Although most of our inshore waters have a cushiony sand bottom,
some comfortable booties are recommended when cruising the reefs and other rocky areas. Island mussels and oysters are
sought out for dinner plates around the world, but they are not quite so palatable when you're sliding off your board in
the driving surf.
Outside Expeditions offers
windsurfing tours. Come on over and catch some waves!
