Jamaica / Kitesurfing/Windsurfing

Windsurfing

Windsurfing has long been popular in Jamaica, and although the island has never been one of the Caribbean destinations, there are some good places for it, mainly along the north shore, between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The winds are best at Easter and then in July and August, when they blow at a constant 15-20 knots. They can be good in the winter, but it is much more haphazard – Northers can be so strong that you can barely hang on to the board and the sea so rough that you cannot get out to the breaks. And then the next day it is dead calm. Often winds tend to be lighter in the mornings – and consequently good for beginners – and then to pick up to a good pace in the afternoon.

Of course many of the hotels will have windsurfing equipment that you can use, but outside of them there are no permanent windsurfing schools to speak of (Club Mistral does not currently have a presence).

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is only just beginning to develop in Jamaica, though there is some potential. There is no permanent place for independent travellers to rent sails and boards, though there is hope that a facility will open up for the winter season in Silver Sands.

The best locations are as follows:

Bailey’s Beach, east of Kingston

Burwood Beach, east of Falmouth - A public beach with some of the best wind conditions on the island.

Silver Sands, off Duncans village, east of Falmouth - Renowned, windy spot suitable for intermediate to advanced windsurfers.

Windsurfing/kitesurfing in Jamaica is available through:

Brian’s Windsurfing and Kiteboarding, Silver Sands – Brian Shurton is a professional windsurfing and kitesurfing instructor (certified Level I PASA Instructor) originally from Jamaica and based in Hood River, Oregon during the summer months. The winter months are normally spent in Jamaica (November to April) where Brian has equipment for hire and offers wind surfing, kitesurfing and SUP lessons.  

Ray’s Watersports, Negril - General watersports shop with windsurfing available.

Contributors: Deana Bellamy (research)