Mauritius, Windsurfing and lot's More...

29th Nov 2007 @ 07:32:21 PM

sSs Team Rider, Carl Tomlinson fell in love with Mauritius after yet another windsurfing trip there last month. Carl tells all: the history, where to sail, where to stay etc. Read on...

Mauritius is a small tropical island in the Indian Ocean about 500 miles East of Madagascar. Its’ got one of the highest population densities in the world with 1.2m people occupying an island 50m long by 30m wide. Despite this the beaches are quiet and often deserted. The country is not 3rd world, but has a developing economy based on Sugar production, Tourism and Clothing. The island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1498, but was first settled by the Dutch in 1598 although the settlement wasn’t permanent. The French then colonised the island in 1721, the British hoofed them out in the 1850s and remained until independence in 1968. The island is now a Democratic republic; its people are multi-ethnic in origin and as such have a multi religious society of Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Despite there being little obvious outward wealth for the vast majority of its people, there is little crime and people are warm, friendly and welcoming. Unlike some of the Caribbean Islands you immediately feel at home on this island paradise.

Although Mauritius is an island blessed by trade winds, there are only really a couple of spots for windsurfing. Grand Bay in the North where the wind is off shore with sandy beaches. The other spot is Le Morne on the remote south west tip of the island which is becoming increasingly popular especially with kite surfers.

Le Morne gets grounds swells from East, South and Westerly directions which often produce 6-8ft waves with greater than 10s period. Le Morne is a huge volcanic rock behind the beach which accelerates the prevailing E/SE trade winds to planing strength for short boards. A lot of the island including this bit is protected from the swells by offshore reefs on which the resultant waves break. The reefs create a lagoon which at low tide and small swell has flat water for freestyle and blasting. The lagoon has two channels out to the reefs allowing the passage of fishing boats and windsurfers. When the swell is from S or SW and or large, the waves roll into the lagoon perfect for learning forwards and jumps.

There are four main breaks
1. Manawa; side, side on, reef break, easterly swell, slower full wave which steepens up for aerials on the inner reef
2. Chamoux; slightly cross off, reef break, SW swell, fast big shortish rides
3. One Eye; well cross off, reef, SW or W swell, very fast long rides, breaks onto 2-3ft of water! If you are tempted, make sure you're prepared for the consequences. I got away without broken kit despite getting nailed over the reef 3 times in the morning session
4. Inner reef; side/side on shore into the lagoon

The wind outside of the lagoon on all the reefs is usually 1Beaufort less and so if you’re planing in the lagoon on a 5.0 you’ll be wanting a 5.5 for the waves and then you'll not always be planing. The great thing about this location is the freestyle in the lagoon / wave outside the lagoon combination. Just like any top wave spot swells come and go every couple of weeks. So when there’s no swell its freestyle and when there’s swell it’s a top wave riding spot. I’ve been 3 times now, and have taken an 85 l RRD wave board, a RRD freestyle board an Ezzy Eave SE 5.5, 5.0 and a 4.5. Most of the time you’ll be on 5.5 or 5.0 and can bank on 4.5 once or twice on the 2-3 week trip.

This part of the island is quite remote; however there are at least 3 hotels you can stay at. By far the most convenient is the Indian Resort which is quoted as 4 star, but is probably more like 2 and a 1/2 star. Its convenient because you can have a room 30m from the lagoon, keep your kit on the grass in front of your room and there are two beautiful pools + other activities to choose from, for non windsurfing partners. The best option is full board because for very little extra you get free drinks and lunch thrown into the deal. The Club Mistral station is also on the beach for those hiring kit, but be warned you may not get the kit you want unless you book it. Other options are to stay in rented accommodation in near by village of Riviere de Gaulette or rent Apartments

Both these options are way cheaper but you still need to get to the lagoon, so you need to hire a car or push bikes.

On the rare non wind days you can surf the Inner Reef, Inner Manawa or hot shots can try One Eye. 30mins drive to the North is the world famous surf break of Tamarin. Other non wind activities are swimming with the pods of wild dolphins, scuba diving, trips around the island, Grand Bay is highly recommended. Even though the island is small, a trip to Grand Bay & back will take a full day as the roads and traffic can be horrendous especially in rush hour around St Louis and Curripepe.

Le Morne is really a spot for intermediates and experienced sailors rather than beginners as the currents in the lagoon can be strong and there are some nasty coral heads to catch the unwary just off the launch spot.

The only down side, it’s a spot that’s starting to get very busy ever since last years kite surf comp. I counted 30 sailors on Manawa this trip and the maximum I’ve seen on two previous trips was 10. Add in some kiters and it can be a recipe for flared tempers and frustration.

Book your tickets today, you’ll have a ball

Carl Tomlinson

Carl is also sponsored by Aloha sailboards in Cheshire.

one eye

grand bay

post windsurf relax

spock

sunset

grubby

local flowers

forward

snack van

ready to go

local bird