Protected lagoons and strong, constant breezes make this spot great for both learning wind-driven watersports and showing off expert skills.
Silver Sands Beach on the very southern tip of Barbados offers the best of both worlds from the island’s beach choices. Get some sun or set up a beach umbrella, read a book and enjoy a cool drink. After sunbathing, follow the gradual slope of the beach into the ocean to play in the waves. Repeat this cycle all day for maximum relaxation. This is typical of beach activities on the west side of the island.
For a little more excitement, the east side influence on Silver Sands is a steady breeze, making the area an ideal spot for windsports. In fact, Brian Talma, who competed in windsurfing in the 1988 and 1992 summer Olympics, trained on this beach.
A good way to start your windsport adventure is learning how to paddle surf, or stand-up paddle. You’ll learn enough in a five-minute briefing in shallow pools near shore to be able to stand and manoeuvre on this wide board. Join a group safari or rent a board and go on your own north about 2 miles (3 kilometres) to Oistin, where you can snorkel with turtles.
Next, progress to windsurfing, again with lessons in the shallow lagoon. Once you learn the points of balancing on the board and keeping the sail filled with wind, you’ll be ready to try the additional challenge of taking the action out onto the waves. Be prepared to take a few embarrassing spills into the surf it’s all part of the fun.
Now that you are skilled at getting to your feet and balancing on a board, try the larger waves further out from shore for actual surfing. And for the ultimate challenge, experiment with kite surfing. Master board, wind, waves and a small kite for endless fun.
Silver Sands Beach is 9 miles (14 kilometres) south of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, and is easily accessible by bus. The best season to enjoy windsports on Barbados is from November through July.
