It’s cooling off here in SE Idaho, wind has mostly disappeared, the closest reservoir is drawn down to 21% full - leaving nasty water, and I’m staring into the abyss of another long winter while I just want to do nothing but foil. Made a bunch of progress this (my second) season, but have a loooong way to go, and haven’t been on foil for over 3 weeks…
Overall my life is good and I’m very fortunate to have it, but I just want to foil and get better at foiling…if I could, I’d move to any place with year around foiling, but that is not an option. I have most of January free to…head to La Ventana? Really need a spot with good/warm conditions that isn’t too expensive so I can afford a good 10-14days immersed in easy to access foiling.
Would like to try to get a trip in late October, and will be chomping at the bit to get one in late winter/early spring (with Stuart FL, and Corpus Christi, TX on my list). Other places that aren’t too spendy to consider?
Just writing this for therapeutic reasons, and to ask what others in similar situations are doing to cope and get advice on destinations…will be hitting the gym more with the extra time over the winter, and will ski some (yes, a hard life, waaaaaa!!!).
As long as the water and air is above freezing you should still be good to go foil with the proper gear.
South is nice if you can afford it (Cuba, La Ventana & Columbia Dec-Mar inclusive, etc)
Hi there - I’m from Colombia - can foil all year round here, although it’s rainy season now so mostly flat days no wind, but there’s usually some rainy breezes that are wingable.
January here it’s 20 to 30 knots all day long almost every day (like 90% chance it’s everyday, but you know, weather it’s kinda crazy) - We have easy access flat water spots - medium easy access wave spots and some more aggresive waves that compared to like hawaii or cape verde, are still very easy since we have all sand beach breaks.
Many people come in winter to Salinas del Rey (Santa Veronica) which can offer nice posadas close to the point, but not much to do around.
Or can come to Puerto Colombia which is a town closer to the main city (Barranquilla) - and you can find more stuff around here, all spots here are wave oriented but ain’t that hard except for the strong currents, and you are 15 minutes away from puerto velero which is a really nice flat water spot to progress and adjust before getting to the waves on a mellow day depending on your level.
Have a good one! @maretasurf it’s my insta in case you want to check out our spots.
Can vouch to Salinas Del Rey. Been going there 2 weeks at a time last 3 yrs. Booked again for Feb.
First year was just 4 of us from the group & Marco the local winger who runs the place we stayed at. This year it was started to get crowded but still fun with wingers. Lots of party waves.
Great wave spot and steady high wind with an easy sandy launch.
Eat, foil, nap, foil, eat and sleep . Small village with nothing else to do.
It is a bit of a long trek to get there, when La Ventana, MX is a fairly cheap 3hr flight from Salt Lake City (my nearest hub) to San Jose del Cabo, and a couple hour drive from there (why are flights to La Paz so much more expensive???)…its even in my same time zone…guess I’m answering my own question.
@OmarFoilCol - just want to follow up and give your spot serious consideration for January…so a few questions
Where would you fly into and what is the best way to get from the airport to these spots?
Need to rent a car?
How to choose a town to stay in? I don’t need a whole lot of civilization, but access to a few decent restaurants and groceries would be nice. Would like to avoid a bigger city and crowds…prefer quiet spots and nature…easy access to friendly foiling conditions
There’s a FB Group called La Ventana Wingfoiling (also one for Kiteboarding) where you can find all these answers. LV is pretty much exactly what you’re looking for.
Hey!
Need to look for Barranquilla Airport - Ernesto Cortizos (BAQ) -
From there you can arrange a private transport to either Puerto Colombia or Salinas del Rey -
From what you mention, if you want more of relaxed and retired little place with the spot really close to you - then Salinas del Rey can be a good spot and there are some really nice little hostels (brazil style) that offer good food and good staying.
You can stay in Salgar too - although hotels and posadas are a little bit more limited, perhaps I can help you look for something around here Salgar is next to Puerto Colombia which is the main town - and like 20 minutes from Barranquilla which is the main City.
Do you already wing in wave spots and are confident on your skills? If you are, the probably in Salgar and Puerto Colombia you’ll have more fun with the wave spots - Salinas del rey is really nice too but a bit more mellow wave and more crowd (still maneagable).
let me know how your research goes - and if you want DM so I can suggest some friends that have posadas and stuff-
If you’re only staying in Salinas del Rey, people there usually don’t need to rent a car - If you are staying in Salgar - I would suggest a car to move around spots and for going out for food and groceries - or to just hang around in the town and get to know a little bit about the city - it’s a little crazy traffic there but still - it’s an option ja!
