Henry Ford once said, “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” Harness the power of the wind and improve your attitude by going out for the day with North Beach Windsurfing in St. Pete Beach. Celebrating their 20th year in the area, get a lesson from experts Brit and Karen, who’ve coached all ranks in the art of windsurfing, from beginner to world class.
Carve out three hours for a lesson, which typically take place in Boca Ciega Bay. You will be in the water and be active - so dress for comfort. Bathing suits and board shorts are fine, you may want to wear a rash guard or t-shirt you don't mind getting wet for sun protection. In the winter months, the water may be chilly - so bring or rent a wetsuit.
Lessons usually take place in water in-between 2 to 4 feet, but you’ll venture out into deeper waters once you get more comfortable controlling yourself in varying wind speeds.
For those looking for windfoiling, the new, hip cousin of windsurfing, you’re in luck! North Beach specializes in the relatively new craft and can get you up on a board in no time. Foiling, which you may have seen pictures of, requires a hydrofoil attached to the (much larger) fin used when foiling. The hydrofoil creates lot’s and lot’s of upward force to lift the board more than 2 feet above the water. The benefit is it allows the surfer to go very fast in extremely light winds. It also requires attention to your height above the water and the depth of the water you are in, so you don’t bottom out. This new angle on traditional windsurfing requires some additional equipment and a special type of board, so luckily NBWS can hook you up with the appropriate gear.
Bubba is ecstatic to partner with NBWS because they’ve demonstrated a commitment to the sport and a passion to teach others. They’ve since also expanded to Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Boarding as well, which ensures they have a fun way for everyone to get in the water.
So when you’re in the St. Pete beach area, make the most of an opportunity to learn from people who have experienced the wind on their faces, and at their backs, for more than 20 years. Bubba will be happy to make the connection!
