Guide to Travel with Kids to Windsurf or Kitesurf Spots
Introduction: Embarking on a windsurfing or kitesurfing trip with kids isn't as crazy as it may seem. All you need is a little organization and planning, and the rest will flow within the natural chaos that kids bring.
Hugo and I have been windsurfing since before we had children, so when we had our first, we never considered doing things differently (especially since we live in Tarifa, a windy spot perfect for kids). When Nico turned 3 months olds, we took our first trip. Our initial journey was to Venezuela, where I am originally from, so everything was much easier because my family lives there. However, we took him to El Yaque and enjoyed a lovely week in the tropical climate while Spain was experiencing cold weather. When he turned 1 year old, we went to Hawaii, and when he turned 2, we went to South Africa. When he turned 5, and our little Valeria was 2, we returned to Hawaii, so we have some experience on the subject.
Any place is good to take the kids; that should be your mindset, and with a little ingenuity, they will adapt perfectly. Truth be told, when we think about a place, we don't think about where the kids will be better off (that sounds like bad parenting), but rather, we think about where we want to go as a family to sail?
How to Plan: Before the Trip:
Choose places where there is wind during the season you want to travel. Tarifa: there is wind all year round.
Among these places, study ticket prices (remember that a family is traveling). Tarifa: From Spain and the rest of Europe, there are very cheap flights to Malaga, Jerez, Gibraltar, or Seville.
Keep in mind that if you go to a warm water spot like Maui or Mauritius, the kids will enjoy the beach more, although our son bathed many days in Capetown, there were also other activities for him. Tarifa: The water in summer is about 23°C and outside between 25°C and 33°C.
Look for accommodation near the sailing spot so if they need to go home (which will happen many times), one can stay sailing while the other accompanies the kids home for a while. Tarifa: You can find different types of accommodation near the beach: hotels, apartments, campsites, hostels, etc.
5. of the house has a pool, it is a great advantage, as in windy and cold places like Capetown, sometimes it is not pleasant to be on the beach. (When we were in Capetown, sometimes there was no option, and I had to be on the beach while we each did a session, but he had a great time with a balance bike, sand toys (essential), and appropriate clothing for the weather. After the session, we compensated with some excursion or walk appropriate for him. Sometimes we did it the other way around, first excursion and then sailing. Tarifa: wide variety of accommodations with pools
6. Check the activities available for children: For example, in Capetown, there are many farms where you can go to eat, and the kids can see the animals, markets, parks. In Hawaii, there is the aquarium, waterfalls, parks, etc. Tarifa: There are specialized schools for children for surfing, windsurfing, SUP, and kite classes. Also, other activities such as whale watching, quad excursions, mountain routes, and much more.
7. Pack your Bags: We are 2 adults and 2 children, we usually carry 1 large suitcase and 4 carry-on suitcases + 2 boardbags. Don't forget to pack their favorite toys as long as they are reasonable. We bring many colors, markers, coloring books, 1 stuffed animal per child (or things get out of control), Legos, several decks of cards, and little else. A basic first aid kit (depending on whether we are going to a city or a more remote town). Sunscreen, hats, rashguards, and wetsuits.
IMPORTANT: Check the necessary documentation twice.
During the Trip: On the Plane: New books, movies, talking to neighbors, everything is valid to keep them entertained. If you have a night flight, you win!
At the Location:
Unpack, set up the equipment, and go sailing!
Don't forget to take lots of photos because time passes very quickly, and memories will last forever.