Every ocean has its areas in the trade wind belt where the easterly wind gradually begins to weaken after travelling a long distance. This is because the air pressure gradient that drives it weakens. These zones, known in technical jargon as the trade wind's outflow zones, are located on the one hand in the far west of the oceans - and on the other at its equatorial edge. In other words, where the trade winds gradually transition into the erratic, weak winds of the equatorial low-pressure zone.
Most of the windsurfing spots worldwide that are located in a trade wind zone are in the North Atlantic. That's why we want to limit ourselves to this sea in this trade wind chapter.
The trade wind current in the Atlantic results from the air pressure gradient between the large subtropical high zone in the north, which extends from the sea area of the Azores (Azores High) to the Bermuda Islands and the equatorial low pressure zone in the south. The trade wind starts in the root zone of the trade wind (which includes the Canary Islands) and develops its full force in the core trade wind zone (Cape Verde). At the western end of the Atlantic, as well as in the far south towards the equator, it flows into its outlet zone. There, the air pressure gradient driving the easterly wind is weaker than in the east of the North Atlantic trade wind zone. As a result, it runs out of steam here on the final straight and sometimes even stops completely.
Northern Brazil and the southern Caribbean
There are two exceptions: the islands in the southern Caribbean off Venezuela and the northern Brazilian coast in the state of Ceará.
Even if they are not premium windsurfing spots, there are still some very usable and popular spots in the North Atlantic trade wind run-off zone. This is mainly due to the numerous, mountainous huks of the islands, which lead to local wind amplification.
The islands make up for their sometimes weak wind potential with their scenic attractions and cosy warmth. Many of the spots in the outflow zone of the North Atlantic trade wind are located in the northern Caribbean (Lesser and Greater Antilles), including St Lucia and Jamaica. While St Lucia's Vieux Fort area in particular is still a perfect insider tip for windsurfers thanks to its jet effect, Jamaica is not necessarily on windsurfers' wish lists. The Dominican Republic is a completely different story.
Dominican Republic
The second largest island in the Antilles after Cuba is Hispaniola, the eastern part of which is occupied by the Dominican Republic. Several mountain ranges with interspersed plains run through the state.
The hinterland of the north coast facing the trade winds is formed by a mountain range, while the coast itself is divided into several capes. The creator of this coastal topography must have had a big heart for windsurfers. There is simply no other explanation for this ideal combination of easterly wind and coastal shape. The prevailing easterly wind here, in the form of a rather old-fashioned trade wind, is given a speed on this coast - and then again at the capes - that is sure to make every surfer's heart beat faster.
The weakening trade winds are compensated for by the scenic attractions.
The popular spot of Cabarete, where surfing and the Caribbean lifestyle form the perfect marriage, benefits from both topographical trade wind jets: the guard rail effect and the chop effect. During the day, the thermal sea breeze, which pulls in the same direction as the trade wind, provides further potential for increasing the wind. During the morning, the alliance of these three potent agents regularly lifts the ageing trade wind at Cabarete above the magical gliding wind threshold.
Of course, all this topo-thermal tuning only works if the trade winds blow consistently, which they don't always do. This is due, for example, to the tropical disturbances that affect the island, especially from the end of August to the end of October - some of which can develop into the dreaded hurricanes. In winter and spring, on the other hand, it is the occasional outbreaks of cold air from the North American mainland that upset the easterly winds. These "northers" bring Cabarete clouds, rain and winds from west to north. In May, the trade winds have reclaimed their territory. From now on, everything is on the rise: wind strength, wind consistency and temperatures. The best time for windsurfing is May to August. Then the trade wind in Cabarete is as reliable as in Barbados.
During this time, surfers are also spoilt:
- Air temperatures between 23 (in the morning) and 30 degrees (in the afternoon)
- Water temperatures of 28 to 30 degrees
- Six to seven hours of sunshine a day, with brief showers, statistically every third day
