Windsurfing is a sport that reached its commercial climax in the late 70’s when 1 out of three households had a windsurf board. With the rise of smaller, lighter boards and gear, travelling to windy destinations became a must amongst dedicated windsurfers.

Throughout the years, a few destinations became classics. They all include special climatic features which makes them special as the wind is more reliable there than at your local spot.

Around the world, a few places get strong reliable winds during a specific period of the year. They are called trade winds and were known and used by Portuguese vessels as early as the 15th century. The Canaries islands, also called the Fortunate Islands are blessed with north-easterly winds from May to September and have become over the last 20 years a top windsurf destination for European windsurfers. Many have settled there to fulfil their passion and canarians have become very big in the windsurfing pro community. Legendary windsurfer Bjorn Dunckerbeck is foreign but was raised in Gran Canaria.

Within Europe, some destinations have become hugely popular with windsurfers. The European Mecca is no doubt Tarifa at the south tip of Spain, in Andalucia. It is known to have more than 300 days of wind above force 4 with prevailing Ponente and Levante winds. Tarifa rose from a small fishing village to a town fully dedicated to wind and parties!

Another popular spot in Europe, although not for wave riding is the Lake of Garda in Italy. The proximity of the Alps and the difference of temperature between land and water create a strong breeze which is very punctual any given day.