The problem with surfing in Belize is that the oceans are fairly calm as they are protected by the long barrier reefs. Waves build and die with the wind and the coastal waters seem like a lake. However because of the warm trade winds, there is an alternative to board surfing: wind surfing. This is where you ride a board with a sail and the force of the wind carries you instead of the surf.

Surf Belize

For the most part, the trade winds are favorable in the period between February and June. You will find that the winds run from 12 knots to over 20 knots most of the day. Windsurfing operators also report that the winds pick up in the afternoon and allow you to gain height and speed on a wind surfing board very quickly. But if you surf early in the morning, you might be able to pick up some of the remaining night winds too.

Windsurfing

If you don't know how to windsurf, there is a windsurfing, sailing, and kite surfing school in San Pedro where the beginner can take lessons. San Pedro is on Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye. Here, as a beginner, you are going to learn about water starts and the straps involved in wind surfing. Their website is at www.sailsportbelize.com.

One company, Slickrock Adventures (www.slickrock.com/windsurf.htm) owns a private island getaway at Glover's Reef. They offer excellent windsurfing opportunities here.

Private Lessons

Another facility that offers windsurfing and private lessons is Windschief (www.windsurfing-belize.com/indexeng.html). Their website lists prices for rentals and lessons. For example, you can rent the windsurfing equipment for the first hour for only $10 U.S. which is a great bargain. Each additional hour is only $5 U.S. which is even better. And the private lesson is affordable too at only $30 U.S.

For safety purposes, make sure the facility that operates and rents this type of equipment (a water sports vessel) is licensed to do so. For Belize surfing you will have to modify it slightly to incorporate a sail and wind.