There are many beautiful places in this world. Breathtaking beaches, places with constant wind, places with great waves. You would think that the question of where the right place is in June would be easy to answer for me as someone who has travelled around the world many times. It's the time for the annual Chiemsee shoot - for next summer's collection. As in previous years, the time frame is very limited and the shoot is for the egg-laying wool-milk sow. Six days are scheduled to photograph the entire catalogue, plus some awesome action in the promodel shorts - all of it windsurfing, kiting and surfing. I'm thinking: Hmmm..... That's all I can think of for June - are there any really nice and wind-safe spots in June that offer wave conditions in shorts, are sensible to fly to for this short period and are also reasonably affordable with all the gear in your luggage?
Last year we were on Fuerte and were very lucky. We had one of the best days of the summer at Glass Beach and came back with great shots. OK - not so much palm trees, but sand and sun without end. "We'll never be so lucky with the conditions on the Canary Islands again," I assured Tobi, who was responsible for the shoot. Tahiti, Mauritius - there are waves and wind in June - and beautiful shooting locations too. OK - it's a long flight, but.... or Barbados. "Yes, exactly! Check out the flights to Barbados!"
Tobi had barely spoken when he entered our travel details. At first we thought he had mistyped, but even after a second look the data was correct. The flights were to cost 440 euros per person for a week with Condor from Frankfurt. We looked at each other a little puzzled. We had been there years ago for a shoot - and it was great! June is statistically one of the windiest months of the year. What's more, surfing only with shorts and beaches that make it into the top ten in the world. Two days later, ten tickets were booked and a friend of mine organised accommodation directly on Silversands Beach, not far from Action Man Brian Talma's surf station.
Condor takes surf baggage for a fair 50 euros each way. However, you have to be careful not to pack more than the permitted 30 kilos, because after that you will be charged per kilo. Hand luggage is also often weighed directly at the gate and every kilo over six kilos is charged extra. By then it is already too late to repack - not exactly customer-orientated, but effective and expensive if you are not careful.
If you've never been to the Caribbean at this time of year, you'll be hit by the sultry heat as soon as you step off the plane. The rainy season is upon us and the humidity makes the actually pleasant 28 degrees a little hard to get used to. However, a sign with the inscription: "Relax - You're in Barbados!" suggests just a few steps further on that you shouldn't stress yourself out. The plane was unloaded at the appropriate speed and a relaxed one and a half to two hours later we were already out of the airport building.
Wind and waves were forecast for the first two days, after which it was supposed to calm down a little. Wind in Barbados means something between a 5.0 and 6.2 sail, depending on body weight. Days for 4.7s are the exception. As Marius and I aren't exactly the heaviest guys, we only had a 5.0 with us as our biggest and so on the first day we were able to watch Hannah pumping up her kite in a glittering golden bikini and Janni paddling into the line-up at South Point with a few nimble duck dives... A feast for the eyes!
You can find the entire Barbados report with these spots as a PDF download below:
- Silver Rock - Silver Sands - Surfers Point - Oistins
