More and more people above 40 discover windsurfing as a hobby. Why? The equipment is now easy to handle and the “best ager“ generation is healthy and active.

 

A legend is getting on in years

 

1972 was the first time he stood on a board. Only four years later, he became the youngest windsurfing world champion in history, at the age of 13. And now, three and a half decades later, he still likes to stand on boards: Robby Naish, surfing legend, multiple world champion and entrepreneur. Recently, the blond, tanned Hawaiian surfer caused a media stir in Germany when he crossed the Hamburg river Elbe on a surf board.

So, 47 is not to old to windsurf? Not at all, says Robby. Life is more diverse and profound, he thinks. He still does the same things he used to do when he was 18, but now it simply didn’t have to be every wave every day. He his started to enjoy life more consciously – including breaks to recover.

The surfing pioneers are coming back

Thousands of people across the world started windsurfing the same time as Robby did, many because of him. In the late 70ies and early 80ies, windsurfing witnessed an incredible boom. Many even call windsurfing “the mother of all trend sports”. But the demand declined in the late 80ies. The wild boys and girls that used to zigzag the country in their VW busses in the search of wind and waves stopped meeting for guitar sessions at the beach at night. Instead, the facts of life caught up with them, jobs were taken up, homes were found and families were started. And only very few were lucky enough to make a living out of their hobby windsurfing – like Robby was.

But now they get back onto their boards. The Allensbach Institute for Demographics confirms an increase of active windsurfers between 2006 and 2008, a trend that spreads across all age groups, also among those aged 40 to 70. In Germany alone, more than 600,000 people above fourty windsurfed (again) in 2008.

There are many reasons for this development: some take their – by now grown up – offspring with them when going surfing. Others just want to be active on the water again and have more time to spend then before. And a third group of people is only just taking up windsurfing now. Best Agers (people above 40) are much more active now than they used to be 20 years ago. It seems to be a logical consequence therefore that they should discover fun sports rather than going hiking, swimming or biking.

Why going for a hike in the Lake District when you can go windsurfing in Brazil?

Lisbeth Prade of the German association of water sport schools (VDWS) confirms: „you can learn windsurfing at any age. The new equipment is really easy to handle. Whether you’re 25 or 55, if your physical condition is ok, you will pick it up easily”. Prade also notes that it is especially surfing schools in holiday resorts where Best Agers take up windsurfing. „You’re there, anyway, the rental equipment and course is at a good price and your children or grand children are also taking part. This target group has enough time and money and they want to enjoy it”.

Windsurfing is hence a sport for all age groups. Here is a little overview of spots where windsurfing is especially nice – for beginners and advanced best agers likewise. And the best thing about those resorts: not only is windsurfing really easy to learn there, they are also perfect winter destinations due to their constant wind and sunshine.

The best windsurfing spots for Best Agers

1. Djerba

324 days of sunshine – do you need more reasons for Djerba? Even if you do, you won’t be dissappointed: Djerba also offers incredibly shallow waters which makes it the perfect water sporting island.

Besides this, Djerba is – after France – the largest Thalasso resort in the whole world. It’s a real health temple. Beautiful landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and regional delicacies round up a perfect pamper-yourself holiday.

Holiday deals: e.g. Club Mistral, http://www.club-mistral.com/de/destinations/home/21

2. Dominican Republic / Puerto Plata

 

Cabarete is considered the best spot for windsurfers, kitesurfers, wakeboarders and surfers accross the Caribbean. Each year in February, the competition “Master of the Ocean” takes place: athletes compete against each other in the disciplines windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing. For windsurfers, the Cabarete Classics (slalom and freestyle) are held each year since 2006.

Being a mekka for water sports enthusiasts, Cabarete (10,000 inhabitants) offers a good infrastructure with numerous hotels of all categories, restaurants, shops and cafés. If you’d like a change of scenery, you can also go mountain biking or hiking in the El Choco national park or enjoy diving, golf, paintball or canyoning.

Holiday deals: e.g. Surf & Action Company, http://sa2.surf-action.com/Surf/Reviere/reviere.php

 

3. Brazil / Cerea

 

In the very north of Brazil, in Ceara, you can find a tiny fishing village called Preá. This village is only 10 kilomterers off the windsurfing mekka Jericoacoara – a buzz word for all windsurfing fans. This spot has endless beaches, a lot of shallow water, beautiful landscapes and constant wind all year long.

As a surfer, you will enjoy the coastline full of palmtrees, dunes and freshwater lagoons, whilst staying in comfortable villas by the resort or in a quiet pousada (bed and breakfast) on the countryside.

Holiday deals: e.g. Club Mistral, www.club-mistral.com/de/destinations/home/22

Certified holiday fun

The travel organisations Club Mistral and Surf & Action Company cooperate with windsurfing schools and centers that have all been certified by the quality standards of VDWS. Surf & Action also has been awarded the „seal of approval“ by German TÜV in 2008 and 2009 for customer satisfaction.