Continent |
Caribbean |
Country |
Netherlands Antilles |
Next Big City |
St. Maarten (St. Martin) |
Next Town |
Orient Bay |
|
Type: |
Ocean |
Rider Ability: |
Intermediate, Expert |
Features: |
School, Rental, Rescue, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking |
Water
Type: |
Flat, Chop, Small wave, Medium wave |
Hazards: |
Swimmers, Jetskis, Buoys, Reefs |
Quality: |
Crystal clear |
Best Tide: |
Tide independent |
When you stand with your face to the water, you have a small island about 1.5 km on your right hand side. No tide, at least of no importance. It is mostly flat water, although further out, you can have some waves. About one km to the right you have a reef, where there's huge waves.
Beach
Type: |
Sand |
Size: |
Small |
Hazards: |
Bystanders |
Beach Users: |
No information |
Beach is sandy and quite narrow, so some launching experience is needed. It is crowded as well. But the guys from the kiteschool are very friendly and willing to help. It is white sand and about 50m and many kilometers long. Many kiters prefer to set up in the grassy lot (which doubles as a parking lot) next to the windsurfing school.
Weather
Spring:
|
Shorts |
Summer:
|
Shorts |
Fall:
|
Shorts |
Winter:
|
Shorts, Shorty |
Weather is perfect in the period December to July. In this period it is dry season and trade winds are an every day phenomenon. Air temp. to expect is 25°C and more, same for the water. So no wetsuit needed only a rash guard.
Wind
Best Months: |
January, February, March, April, June, July, August, December |
Wind Type: |
Trade |
Best Direction: |
NE, ENE, E, ESE |
Main Direction: |
NE, ENE, E, ESE |
December to July is dry season and trade winds are an every day phenomenon. Wind in dry season is from 12-25 knots, the whole day and night. You have a huge bay and wind is generally coming sideonshore/onshore from the right.
How to get there
Transport |
Car, Bus |
Access
|
Short walk |
Just ask for a cab or bus to bring you to Orient Bay. Rental car is best way around the island.
Extra information
Launching is NOT permitted for intermediate kiter, as the beach is sometimes crowded. Please, always launch from the kitesurfing school, they are always ready to help. You must be independent Kitesurfer (level 3 IKO or green level FFVL). Please, respect the local regulation: Rule 1: Kiter should be independent, have upwind riding skills (IKO 3 or green level Federation Francaise Vol Libre approved). Rule 2: Kiter should ride outside the 300 meter dedicated swimming area. Rule 3: Getting out (and coming back) is possible with a cross shore leg straight toward this dedicated area. Kiter should ride as perpendicular as possible toward the authorized area with a maximum speed of 5 knots. Rule 4: Kiters should prepare the gear in the dedicated launching area. Flying the kites outside this area is not allowed for safety reasons. Rule 5: Kiters should ride in the recommended Kitesurfing area on the right of the spot. They should not bother parasails and jet skis. So, any kiter must be level 3 I.K.O certified, if not, they could join the shuttle for a downwind, away from dangers and obstacles.
Nightlife
Sunset Beach Bar for happy hour and afternoon plane watching. World famous over water approach to landing and it is fun watching the tourist hang onto the fence when the big jets power up for takeoff. Marigot has good character and great seafood.