In our part of the world, autumn is the ideal time for some really great windsurfing sessions. There’s a good chance of catching a proper storm, whilst the water is still reasonably warm. What’s more, you’re right in the middle of the season and ‘in the groove’ – surfers and kit are well-coordinated. We’ll show you a few spot tips for a successful autumn trip!
Zeeland, Netherlands
Half of North Rhine-Westphalia took part on Brouwersdam Having learnt to windsurf, this spot remains one of the top destinations for all ability levels. Few other areas offer such perfect facilities, safety and variety. Yet there are numerous other, far less crowded spots in the immediate vicinity. Not only the endless sandy beaches along the coast from North to South Holland, but also the inland landscape near Zeeland has its own charm and is sure to set the hearts of all flat-water windsurfing enthusiasts racing. From the laid-back freerider to the ambitious freestyle or speed rider – there really is something for everyone here.
Premantura, Croatia
Tame and flat in the height of summer, wild and choppy in winter. And in the in-between seasons? A bit of everything! The Istrian peninsula offers the full spectrum – from freeride slopes to crashing surf spots – all within a small area. The ideal time of year for windsurfers is autumn, from September to the end of November – with mild temperatures of around 20 degrees, the Jugo (as the Scirocco is known here) and the Bora often take turns blowing.
Danish South Sea
In the South Funen archipelago, comprising the islands of Langeland, Ærø, Lyø and Funen, you’ll find uncrowded spots and perfect flat water – with a choice of shallow areas for standing or deeper water for foiling – all within a very small area. Whether you’re a beginner, a freerider or a freestyle expert, there’s something for everyone. Even wave riders will find the odd wave or two in Bagenkop on Langeland. The variety of the islands offers a wide range of conditions to suit every skill level.
The area is perfect for a surfing trip and a holiday with non-surfers who don’t fancy braving the sandstorms on the North Sea coast. What’s more, there are beautiful walking and cycling trails through the islands’ hilly, flooded moraine landscape, leading to idyllic little villages. Each island has its own unique charm and is well worth exploring. The area is ideal for lovers of uncrowded spots who aren’t put off by the hassle of planning a trip involving ferry connections and who don’t mind doing without surfing facilities. But be warned: the peak season is limited to the summer months – so it’s essential to check accommodation opening times in advance!
The west coast of Sweden
It’s rare to find as many options as there are along Sweden’s west coast between Malmö and Gothenburg within such a relatively small area – and the scenery is truly beautiful, too. Whether you’re into slalom, freeride or wave riding, the coastline – with its many nature reserves – offers plenty of space and spots to suit every ability level. From mid-September, the peak season comes to an end and it gets noticeably quieter. The frequency of low-pressure systems bringing wind and waves also increases significantly. As the water doesn’t get particularly warm even in summer, a 4/3 wetsuit is recommended, and a 5/3 wetsuit in autumn. You don’t necessarily need shoes, as most beaches are sandy. You can get there relatively quickly, at least from northern Germany, either by ferry to Trelleborg or via the Öresund Bridge.
The Mediterranean coast in the south of France
In summer, the Côte d’Azur and other parts of the Mediterranean coast in the south of France are absolutely packed. But if you visit in the off-season and are in the right place at the right time, you’ll discover the area’s finest features: Blossoming almond trees, flat-water and wave spots, warm temperatures and the exhilarating feeling of gazing at the snow-capped peaks of the Alps whilst riding a wave or executing a sleek jibe.
In terms of wind, autumn is the ideal time to travel: the Tramontana originates in the cold highlands of the nearby Pyrenees and usually blows from the north-west. It is at its strongest and most frequent between September and April, when it often reaches gale force. East of Montpellier, the Tramontana hands over the reins to its no less powerful brother, the Mistral. This weather pattern can occur throughout the year, though it is clearly most prevalent during the winter months from October to May. The best combination of wind and warmth is found in late autumn and between April and June.
Ringkøbing Fjord
The Ringkøbing Fjord in Jutland is arguably Northern Europe’s best freeride and beginner’s spot – with excellent surf centres and schools, perfect surfing facilities, vast, shallow spots and impressive wind statistics. There is a special charm to the narrow strip of land known as Holmsland Klit, which separates the wild North Sea from the shallow Ringkøbing Fjord between Nymindegab in the south and Søndervig in the north. The sprawling dunes, from which you have an unobstructed view of both the roaring sea and the fjord – which covers around 300 square kilometres – radiate a sense of tranquillity from the very first moment. And for those who prefer something a bit more exhilarating, the right wind conditions at the pier in Hvide Sande also offer some cracking wave conditions!
Tarifa
Tarifa is a year-round destination and the windsurfing capital of Europe. Even in winter, temperatures are bearable (February: water 16 degrees, air 15 degrees), although it does rain more often then. From October to April, the frequency of wind is generally slightly lower than in summer, with a reliable Levante (40 to 50 per cent above 4 Bft.), although the westerly wind, the Poniente, becomes more frequent and can bring large waves. A warm wetsuit is advisable then. The Strait of Gibraltar is simply a bloody windy place, and the town has fully adapted to windsurfers – apart from Haiku on Maui, there’s hardly any other town where the concentration of surf bars and shops is greater than here.
Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the few really good surfing destinations that’s easy to reach by car – and, incidentally, usually enjoys mild temperatures well into the winter months. The best time to visit is spring or autumn. In summer, it’s often too crowded because half of England is on holiday in Cornwall, and the chances of wind are also significantly better in spring and autumn.
Both windsurfers and surfers will find spots here with a legendary reputation. But you need to choose your destination carefully. After all, just a few degrees’ difference in the swell and wind direction can make a huge difference between magical sessions and rather tricky conditions. The tide is another unknown factor in the equation. At some spots, there’s nowhere to surf at high tide because there’s no beach, so the waves crash directly against the rocks or the cliffs. The good news, however, is that there’s almost always somewhere you can surf – and for almost every skill level.
Cotentin/Normandy
The Cotentin Peninsula, home to the town of Cherbourg, juts out into the English Channel in the north of France. For those who find Brittany too wild or too far away, there are plenty of different spots to choose from here. Whilst the western side offers a taste of the Atlantic’s rougher side, the mostly sheltered beaches to the north and east often present a gentler face – which makes the Cotentin an attractive destination for a wide range of visitors. One prerequisite, however, is that you’re not the typical ‘fair-weather surfer’, as the peninsula is literally bombarded by passing low-pressure systems, particularly between September and April.
Northern Sardinia
Sardinia is more than just Porto Pollo; the area around the Stintino peninsula, in particular, is a real hidden gem for autumn. Within a relatively small area, it offers a wide variety of spots to suit every surfing ability and preference. From great wave spots to perfect speed areas – there’s something going on somewhere, whatever the wind direction. What’s more, the wind picks up even more locally right at the Stintino headland, usually exceeding the forecast speeds. Whereas in summer the beautiful white sand is barely visible for all the holidaymakers, the area suddenly empties out once the peak season is over.
Sardinia then benefits from the outer reaches of the Mistral. In the area around Stintino, the wind isn’t as strong as at the famous Porto Pollo spot, where it is further accelerated as it passes through the strait to Corsica. However, the spots around Stintino also benefit from local gusts and thermals, meaning you’re not solely reliant on the Mistral as a source of energy. Alghero in the south, home to one of Sardinia’s most beautiful old towns, offers an alternative to the wind, as does the natural landscape surrounding the impressive cliffs of Capo Caccia.