Windsurfing

Windsurfing on a Sabbatical: easy to start, impossible to forget

Windsurfing is one of those sports that looks harder than it is — especially at beginner level. All you need is a bit of balance, a stable board, and some friendly wind. And if you’ve got a few days (or weeks) to spare, it’s the perfect time to learn — or level up.

Whether you’re mastering the basics or chasing that magical planing moment where you’re skimming full-speed across the water, windsurfing is a sun-soaked, thrill-filled way to spend your days off.

Isn’t windsurfing hard?

Not really. Modern beginner boards are wide and stable, and schools in windsurf destinations are set up to teach you from zero. You’ll be cruising back and forth in shallow water by the end of your first lesson.

Why it’s a great sabbatical sport:

• You can pick up the basics in just a few sessions
• It’s active, outdoorsy, and incredibly fun
• There’s always a new skill to learn or a new spot to explore

And once you get hooked? There’s no turning back.

What’s planing — and why do windsurfers light up when they talk about it?

Planing is when your board lifts up and skims across the surface of the water. You go from floating to flying — fast, smooth, and totally free. It’s the moment when everything clicks, and you feel like you’re part of the wind.

You’ll need a bit more wind and some speed, but with a few weeks on the water, you might just get there.

Windsurf spots worth planning a Sabbatical around:

With the right destinations, you can windsurf all year long. From winter sunshine in the Caribbean to summer winds in the Mediterranean. Here are some of our favourite spots:

Aruba, Caribbean

Aruba is stunning but can have gusty and offshore wind conditions, so taking lessons with a certified school is highly recommended.

Porto Pollo, Sardinia

Laid-back vibes, turquoise water, and a beach that seems made for windsurfing. Great mix of flat water and chop depending on the wind.

Alaçatı, Turkey

One of Europe’s most beginner-friendly spots. Shallow, protected bay with warm, flat water and steady wind from spring through autumn.

El Médano, Tenerife

A windsurfing classic. More advanced conditions with a mix of flat water and small waves. Come here if you’re ready to progress, or take a few lessons and level up fast.

Tarifa, Spain

Europe’s wind capital — expect powerful winds, a buzzing beach culture, and miles of coastline. Summer Poniente winds are more beginner-friendly.

A few tips for planning a windsurf sabbatical

• Start with a few lessons, even if you’re not a complete beginner — especially when the wind is offshore or gusty
• Follow the seasons: Caribbean in winter, Mediterranean in summer, Canary Islands year-round
• Use Windguru or Windfinder to check daily wind forecasts wherever you are
• Give it time — you’ll be amazed what a few consistent weeks on the water can do