“f you have a particular passion for fitness; whether yoga, dance, watersports or athletics, we’re working with some fantastic partners this summer to bring you our special fitness weeks in beautiful Beachclub surroundings.

Our fitness and tuition weeks are on selected dates only and can be booked over the phone with our friendly sales team, by calling 0845 070 3460  Places are limited too, so do book early to reserve your spot!

Neilson triathlon week

Triathlon Training Camp

Your trainer: Richard Allen

9 British Pro Championship titles in races such as Ironman 70.3 UK and took part in the British Sydney Olympic Games squad.

Held at the idyllic Neilson Sivota Beach Retreat, ‘RnR’ Tri Camps have created 3 FUN triathlon holidays for all abilities and distances. Our camps are the perfect balance between triathlon training, technical coaching support, Neilson activities and social entertainment. We have the very best coaches, physio’s and staff to cater for everyone and you can choose to train extensively or simply relax and unwind, dipping in and out of the schedule as you please .

These weeks run in May and October 2013.

Find out more.

Neilson outdoor fitness week

Outdoor Fitness Retreat

Your trainer: Oliver Roberts

Personal Trainer registered as a level 3 Advanced Fitness Instructor and personal trainer with a specialist Professionals (REPS) qualification in core strengthening and stability training.

This seven day outdoor fitness holiday is designed to improve your performance and technique for outdoor pursuits and sports, reduce the risk of injury and aid recovery; along with improving your fitness level and total body strength.

Ideal for individuals and groups looking to enjoy an active and sociable week in the sun.

Running at our stunning Adakoy and Retreat Beachclubs on selected dates  May, June and October for one week.  Find out more.

Turkish Yoga Retreat

Your instructor: Diane Lee

Qualified in Hatha Yoga, Hot Yoga and Power Resistance Yoga. Diane is very knowledgeable and tough, but keeps things light-hearted and fun!

Diane’s yoga retreats are the ultimate in emotional, physical and mental growth. Sunshine, fresh air and a gentle sea breeze are the perfect compliment to any yoga practice. Diane will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and energised whilst you’re in fine Beachclub surroundings with all the usual Neilson benefits.

Find out more.

SIGRI – Lesvos, Greece from SigriSURF on Vimeo.

Windsurfing in Vassiliki

The first in a new blog series that aims to catch up with various members of the overseas Ocean Elements team. Who better to start with than our bubbly Greek Operations Manager, Maz!

For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Maz, she heads up both of our resorts on Lefkada. Working on the island for over 5 years, Maz has a huge wealth of experience and knows the area inside out.

We dive right in to discuss the new resort, the Boat Show and what Ocean Elements is all about.

Maz

So Maz, for those who haven’t heard about Ocean Elements yet, can you give them a quick summary of what is on offer?

Ocean Elements is all about making watersports achievable to everyone! In particular we focus on sailing and windsurfing, but we also offer kayaking, stand up paddleboards and powerboating. Our aim is to create a relaxed holiday atmosphere where guests of all ages and abilities can enjoy being afloat. We really do mean all ages and abilities; in recent seasons we have enjoyed teaching both 4 year olds and 84 year olds to windsurf! We do offer tuition for all levels, but it’s by no mean compulsory, guests are free to use the equipment as and when they want to.

What is it that sets us apart from the competition?

Besides our incredible team, I’d have to say that it is our range of activities and equipment. We offer FREE use of sailing boats, windsurf kit, SUPs, kayaks, mountain bikes and also stretch & relax classes. We offer FREE children’s clubs and FREE RYA tuition for all levels of sailor and windsurfer. In addition we understand that not everyone who visits us has the same idea of the perfect holiday, so all activities are ‘pick and mix’, you can do everything or do nothing! It’s all at your fingertips and there when you want it, but there is no pressure to join in if your sunbed, book or cocktail are calling!

Everyone is really excited about the new resort in Nidri, when does it open?!

We are certainly very excited too! I know Nidri waters very well and am very excited about the day sails we can offer there. Day sails will involve taking groups of boats for ‘jollies’ to nearby islands, mooring up outside a waterfront taverna, enjoying a lovely lunch with toes in the sea and then cruising home again. We will also be running frequent dinghy races in Nidri, so we can really make the most of the conditions and the great kit we have there. Our watersports centre in Nidri opens its doors (or raises it sails should I say?) on the 30th June.

Tell us a bit more about the town of Nidri itself, how does it compare to Vass?

Nidri is a already a well know holiday destination with a great reputation for being a family resort. Nidri is a little bigger than Vassiliki, with more tavernas and bars to choose from. The quayside restaurants offer a great variety of cuisine including Chinese, Italian and of course traditional Greek. The main street boasts a huge mix of souvenir shops and mini markets, and in the evening it is pedestrianized for holiday shoppers. Although Nidri can get quite lively, if you’d rather a quite night, you can opt for dinner at one of the beach tavernas where all you can hear is the lapping of the sea just metres from your table. Our hotel is a 5-minute walk from the quayside, either along the road or the beach.

What’s is available for families in Nidri?

Our tried and tested Children’s Clubs will all be running in Nidri. Sea Urchins for 4- 7 year olds, Sea Tigers for 8-12 year olds and Youth Squad for 6-12 year olds. The big change with children’s club this year is that Youth Squad is getting bigger and better. By popular request, Youth Squad hours have been extended to run ALL day, meaning young watersports enthusiasts can be afloat getting dedicated RYA coaching for even longer!

In terms of equipment and conditions, how would you compare Nidri to Vassiliki? And which resort do you think will offer more for advanced windsurfers and dinghy sailors?

Our base equipment will be the same in both resorts, with the latest kit from Tushingham, Starboard, Laser, RS and Topper on offer for all guests. Not forgetting  our excellent Specialized mountain bikes. We are lucky enough to be able to offer excellent conditions for both advanced sailing and windsurfing. Nidri conditions lend themselves perfectly to sailing enthusiasts and therefore we will be offering a large range of boats in Nidri, to include some great toys such as the RS 100, 200, 500 and 700.  Whilst advanced windsurfers can enjoy the ever famous high wind conditions of Vassiliki with such toys as the Isonics, Flares and Kodes.

The London Boat Show is coming up soon, what can we expect from the OE team at Excel? I hear there’s an incredible team manning the stand!

As ever you can expect the smiley faces and an eagerness to chat! As much as we are there to meet new people and sell holidays, it is also great to have a chat with our previous guests. See how many people have dared to hit the water in the UK? Not me, it’s cold! From the overseas team we have our Activity Supervisors Jamie and Steve, and me!

We are there to explain in more detail about what we can offer and to answer any questions people may have. There will be a Boat Show Discount on offer for anyone that wants to get their summer sun booked and in the diary now!

Come and meet Maz at the London Boat Show, January 12th-20th on stand D139.

For more about Ocean Elements check out their website here. 

Sportif Dakhla

Sportif have launched their all new website for 2013 to mark their 30^th year anniversary. With in depth guides to over 50 of the top windsurfing holiday destinations around the world, you can find out all about local conditions, kit available at the centres, options for rental and instruction, other things to do and great photos. The offers page gives a choice of latest deals with descriptions of the sailing spot and conditions  as well as types of accommodation available. To make it super easy you can search for a holiday by date, level of ability or extras such as clinics, multisport, family or luxury spa hotels. You’ll also find details the Sportif Windsurf clinics with top professional windsurf coaches Jem Hall, Simon Bornhoft and Peter Hart plus new multi activity weeks including mountain biking

Sportif Samos

Sportif Cabarete

Peter Hart coaching

Plus to celebrate the New Year, if you sign up to their Facebook page here they’ll give you £50 OFF per person on your next board hire.  You’ll have to hurry though it’s only valid until 31^st January.

For details call Sportif on 01273 844919 or see www.sportif.travel

Vietnam

“Windsurfing is one of the most popular of the water sports in Vietnam and enjoys a loyal fan following amongst both the locals and the tourists looking for some rejuvenating options for recreation in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, winds simply howl at Mui Ne Bay, situated near Phan Thiet. This is one of the windiest places in Vietnam and you can enjoy excellent windsurfing almost any time of the year. The temperatures are quite constant in these parts so you will be warm and comfortable throughout the year.

Vietnam beaches

CENTRE – WINDSURF CENTRE (BASED BY FULL MOON RESORT)

Boards ready!

The windsurf centre, open all year, is located 50 meters from the Hotel Full Moon Beach on a beautiful sandy beach blanc. This professionally run centre is managed by Pascal and has been running for over ten years. The team offer a great service setting up your equipment and then at the end of the day de-rigging and storing away for you; you just have to enjoy!

There are about 120 boards from Starboard ( range 2009-10) ready to go. There are also a good range for sails ( from 3.5 to 7.5 m… )

CENTRE – CENTRE AT SUOI NUOC WAVE SPOT

Boasting one of the nicest beaches in the area, flat clear and shallow water, side shore gentle wind, while in winter on shore wind make of Suoi Nuoc beach a near perfect wave spot with winds up to well above 30 knots.

Mui Ne, L'Anmien Mui Ne Resort & Spa

Planet Windsurf run holidays to the beautiful Vietnam beaches and this week they are running a special offer:

Check out the full details here.

Phil Dawson – The First-timer

Being an average UK wave sailor and having sailed my local spots for a few years, I found myself wanting a bit of a challenge. I had heard and seen pictures of Cape Town and knew that if offered some of the most consistent conditions in the months of November through March and keen to avoid another long UK winter off the water, I committed and made the arrangements.

On arrival the local windguru forecast can look a bit disappointing until you realise you can add 10 knots onto the wind speed at certain locations due to the local effects. I was surprised at how different these conditions are to the average cross-onshore days we usually get at my local beach of Rhosneigr. Unless you are used to cross-off winds in powerful waves, you can feel like a beginner until you adapt, but then you start to reap the rewards from the excellent DTL conditions.  The conditions vary from place to place so be prepared to do a bit of travelling. You can ease yourself in at some of the tamer spots like Sunset Beach before heading to places like Platboom, where it can be more unforgiving, but the rewards are greater still.

Bright blues and logo high waves at Platboom

I only brought my smallest board which turned out to be a mistake. Unless you can bring two then it is advisable to bring a board with enough float to plod around on. Even though it can be honking windy most afternoons, you still need a bit of extra buoyancy while you are getting out at certain spots where it can be fluky on the inside. I made this mistake and ended up replacing my board with a bigger one but it was the right decision as I enjoyed my sailing much more from then on.

I would recommend a CT trip to anybody who has reasonable experience in waves. You won’t be disappointed!

Carl Tomlinson – The Returner

Carl burning up at Sunset

Think of Cape Town and I think of Table Mountain, vineyards, amazing scenery, beaches, sunshine, friends and most of all windsurfing and surfing. This isn’t just any windsurfing venue either, you can find yourself steaming down clean, azure blue, over mast high faces and smacking some fat lips whilst sharing water time with some of the worlds best pro and amateur sailors. All that with the added bonus of stunning backdrops such as Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope.

I’ve made this trip six times, first time on my honeymoon with my wife Jane in 1988 when we took a trip down the Garden Route and yes I did windsurf! Whatever you do don’t be put off by stories of sharks or violent crime, I’ve encountered neither and you’ll return home totally stoked and better for it; I’m 50 this year and as long as I’m windsurfing I’ll always want to go back for more!!

Check out Carl’s full travel review on www.seaspritesports.com and some very worthwhile travel tips below the gallery.

Piet Streicher – The Local

Piet soaring at Platboom

Cape Town is probably the best city to live in as a windsurfer. With the wind blowing mostly later in the day, it is possible to work a full day, and get the best sailing conditions from 5pm to 8pm. In mid-summer the sun sets at around 8pm.

There are many spots, and due to the local effects of the mountain it is also possible to “choose” the most suitable wind strength. When Sunset beach gets blown out in a South Easter, you simply move up north further from the mountain for more manageable winds. Granted, on some days you might end up at Yzerfontein, 80km north of Table Mountain. If the wind changes to a more easterly direction, then there will be more wind down South on the Cape Peninsula. On those very hot windless summer days, the wind might still be blowing at Cape Point. Being at the tip of the peninsula, the water has a brilliant, crystal clear azure colour. With the sun from behind for photographers, this is probably the most photogenic spot and it is situated in a National Park.

I enjoy sharing a session with my sailing friends from all over the world. Many of the visiting sailors come back every year. It does get a bit crowded in January, when there are so many visitors that local sailors seem to disappear completely, but with a bit of effort it is always possible to find an uncrowded wave somewhere.

Real life travel tips (courtesy of Carl):

• November to February inclusive are the months when you are most likely going to get the south east wind which blows side shore/cross off port tack at Sunset and Melkboss (the other top favourite spot for many pro sailors). The rest of the year the wind blows mainly from NW.
• Take a 65-75 l board and sails 3.5 to 5.0. I take a 75L board 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0
• Cape Town is not just a wave location, you can also do flatwater sailing on Milnerton lake, launching from the sailing club, for which there is a charge. Also locations like Langebaan and KraalBai are hugely popular with the freestylers for their famously flat waters.
• Xmas and New Year are very busy times as this is when many South Africans take their holidays. Whilst many Cape Tonians leave, many up country folk arrive from Jo’berg, so getting around can be frustratingly slow and parking can be an issue. It’s a bit like a bank holiday Monday at home.
• There’s lots of people wanting to help you park your car, effectively these guys have nothing else to do (unemployment is at least 30% in SA) and car parking assistance is a way to make a little money and can take a while to get used to the unwanted intrusion. It’s your choice to give a tip but I usually do, 1-2 rand is recommended.
• Get used to very poor people asking for money at all the big intersections, it’s unfortunately a way of life for them. Jane and I cleared our conscience by making extra food everyday and offering it to the folk that look like they need it most.
• On the trips I’ve made I windsurfed 50-60% of the days and surfed on the others when there’s been no wind or light wind. Its very rare that you wont be surfing or windsurfing and if not there’s loads of other stuff to do.
• The most popular windsurfing beaches are North of Cape Town, Sunset and Melkbos. Another beach is Big Bay which has some nice steep ramps for jumping.
• Other sailing spots which are really good are Scarborough and Misty Cliffs, which are South of Cape Town both of which I’ve sailed on previous trips. Scarborough is an absolutely awesome point break which I’ve only sailed once and Misty cliffs is a beach break and excellent for jumps, tends to be cross on.
• You can also sail right along the coast to Port Elizabeth, if you want to travel around a bit further afield. There are a couple of spots near Knysna. Buffels Bay is one of them. Expect to sail alone in big waves with a lot of water movement. J Bay is definitely worth a look.
• You get about 12 SA Rands to the £, so renting accommodation even in peak times is very good value for visitors from UK & Europe. Most windsurfers stay up in Blouuberg a northern suburb with beach front accommodation. The internet has loads of accommodations.
• I chose to fly Virgin as they gave me 23kg allowance for my windsurfing gear provided it was all in one bag plus 23kg for normal luggage. Book early (10-12 months ahead) if you intend to go peak season and don’t have flexibility in your schedule. (Editors note: Keep an eye out for the Virgin sales, where flights can be as much as £200 cheaper)
• On the way back we had a connecting flight to Jo’berg with South African Airways before getting on Virgin the LHR. SAA wanted approx £650 excess baggage, I got them down to £70 after some lengthy discussion which involved calling Virgin in London on my mobile ……….choose your flights carefully, getting the cheapest might not be the most economical for your gear!

Sportif Autumn Offers

Wanted to get away this summer but didn’t find what you were looking for? Have a look at Sportif’s top picks for bargain last-minute getaways in November and December.

TARIFA, SPAIN from £399pp INCLUDING CAR HIRE

4* Hurricane Hotel with  Windsurf/Kitesurf centres onsite. SAVE £100pp! Deps November.

MARSA ALAM, RED SEA from £449pp (£200 OFF!)

3* Shams Alam Resort. 7 nights Half Board. 14 nights from £599 (£300 OFF!) Deps December

SOTAVENTO, FUERTEVENTURA from £499pp (£150 OFF!)

4* Hotel with Spa 7 nights Half Board. 4 days out of 7 board hire from £135. Deps Nov/Dec

DAHAB, RED SEA from £499pp (£200 OFF!)

4* Hilton Dahab 7 nights BB. All Inclusive Supplement £99pp. On site Club Mistral Centre. Dep 09 Dec 11.

DAHAB, RED SEA from £599pp (£250 OFF) 5* HOTEL

Luxury 5* Hotel. With onsite Spa, Kid’s Club, Windsurf & Dive centres. Dep 09 Dec 11.

CAPE VERDES from £519pp (£150 OFF!)

Choice of 2, 3 & 4* Hotels  7 nights BB in Sal. EARLY SEASON OFFERS Deps Nov, Dec & Jan.

TOBAGO, CARIBBEAN from £649pp (£100 OFF!)

1 week beach front hotel. Flat water lagoon – Windsurfing & Kitesurfing. Deps 02/09 Nov & Dec LAST MINUTE.

DAKHLA, MOROCCO from £699pp (£100 OFF!)

7 nights FULL BOARD Windsurf  centre & quality accommodation with bar and restaurant on the spot. Price includes all flights, transfers and 1 night in Casablanca.
Dep 31 Oct / 06Nov LAST MINUTE.

CABARETE, DOM REP from £849pp (£100 OFF)

4* Velero Beach Resort luxury beachside condo-style accommodation. Dep 24 Nov LAST MINUTE.

EL YAQUE, MARGARITA from £939pp (£160 OFF!)

Idyllic Caribbean island sailing conditions. Hotel Atti. 1 week BB. WAS £1099 NOW £939pp Deps Nov &  Dec .

All prices include return flights, transfer (or car hire if indicated) and accommodation. Book by 31 Oct 11.

More offers online – see www.sportif.travel or call 01273 844919 for latest availability and expert advice on the best locations.

Windsurfing Boracay

To start the season in Boracay, Sportif are offering a week from £995pp with quality, Cathay Pacific international flights to Manila and domestic flights to/from Boracay plus return airport transfers to the resort. It’s superb value but only valid for bookings before Friday 07 October (this Friday!). It’s a tricky transfer to Boracay so this takes away all the pain plus all arrangements are fully covered by the Sportif ATOL bonding, so worry free travel!

BORACAY PHILIPPINES

Beachfront location on the spot !

7 nights 3* Reef Retreat Resort

Round trip airport transfers & assistance

Cathay Pacific International flights

Dep 13Oct11 WAS £1295 NOW £995 (£300 OFF!) per person in twin

Dep 11 Nov11 WAS £1295 NOW £1095 (£200 OFF!) per person in twin

Dep 01Dec11 WAS £1295 NOW £1195 (£100 OFF!) per person in twin

6 days windsurf hire £195

Book By 07 Oct 11

Read a full Boracay location report at www.boardseekermag.com

For more information and bookings call Sportif on 01273 844919 or email info@sportif.travel

www.sportif.travel

Kite & Windsurfing Navigator

Stoked Publications have announced that the World Kite & Windsurfing Navigator is now also available for Android…

What so far has been a privilege reserved purely for iPhone owners is now also available for Android users: with every launch precisely located in GoogleMaps the app of the legendary Kite & Windsurfing Guides will take you straight to over 2,750 spots worldwide, be they in Cornwall, Cape Town or Hawaii. It also delivers up-to-the-minute, dependable WindGuru forecasts and best wind alerts at a glance for any selected location. Whether at home or on some distant continent, this App ensures that you’ll always find the ideal spot for your next session.

The Kite & Windsurfing Navigator also offers honest travel information on what to expect of the region and all of the essential tips for a successful trip. Plus there are in-depth explanations of wind, wave and weather patterns throughout the year so it’s easy to plan the best time to visit. Last but not least the App provides full access to the Worldwide Travel Directory with over 2,200 constantly updated local contact details and links. The Kite & Windsurfing Navigator lives up to its reputation – the ultimate tool for every windsport traveller!

More info available at www.stoked-publications.com

Example Cape Town region

Sportif

Fancy a quick week in the sun? Look no further, Sportif have put together some excellent last minute deals to the best wind spots around the world.

ALACATI, TURKEY from £339pp LAST MINUTE

Alacati  7 nts BB Hotel Ileri – Thurs 23^rd June central Cesme Village location with shuttle to windsurf centre. Also  7 & 14 July departures.

KEFALOS, KOS from £365pp LAST MINUTE

Kefalos Bay, unspoilt SW Kos – 3* Hotel Sacalli on the beacht right next to the Winsurf Centre. Dep Sat 25th June.

IALYSSOS, RHODES from £399pp

7 nights BB. Walk to Windsurf/Kitesurf centres in buzzing Northern Rhodes. END JUNE

KARPATHOS, GREEK ISLANDS from £499pp

1 week for windy, windy Karpathos. 1 week studio apartment. Board Hire Special. END JUNE.

SOTAVENTO, FUERTEVENTURA from £499pp

4* Hotel with Spa 7 nights Half Board. Rene Egli Centre onsite.  END JUNE

PALEKASTRO, CRETE from £525pp

Self catering Galini studio for two. Beautiful, hillside location. London & Regional flights. END JUNE

PALEKASTRO, CRETE from £569pp

Self catering Glaros Studio Apartments by the beach for two INCLUDING CAR HIRE. END JUNE

TOBAGO, CARIBBEAN from £625pp LAST MINUTE

1 week beach front hotel. Flat water lagoon – Windsurfing & Kitesurfing. Wed 22^nd & 29th June

CABARETE, DOM REP from £1,021pp 4* HOTEL 2 WEEKS LAST MINUTE

4* Velero Beach Resort – luxury beachside. 14 nights Deps Fri 24th June.

MAURITIUS from £1,425pp 5* Luxury Hotel LAST MINUTE

5* Luxury Hotel & Spa. 1 week Half Board. Wind 80% F4+. Deps Sun 26th June

All prices include return flights, hotel accommodation and transfers. Beat the rush and get ahead of the crowds. Flights are limited so all offers subject to availability

Tel: 01273 844919 to book your seats. www.sportif.travel

Flying Objects

With overall weight being a key factor whilst travelling these days as we bemoan the 32 or 23 kilo max weight per bag, the Flying Objects triple was designed to allow for more gear to be packed rather than having the board bag itself take up most of your allowance.

Built in the style of the travel covers the triple remains very durable, with space for up to 3 boards all sleeved between internal foam pads.

Features:
600D Polyester
- covering all external surfaces for maximum durability and protection

6mm Padding
- each wall structure is lined with a light weight foam core

Drag Patches
- heavy duty diamond embossed PVC at the nose and tail

Carry handles
- 3 conveniently located handles for ease of moving

Torsion Straps
- 8 torsion straps to secure a tight fit around the boards

Foam Sleeves
- 2 extra foam sleeves for added protection between boards

Internal Tie Down
- secures the boards to the structure of the bag

The 240 Wave comes in at 3.79 kg and will take up to modern big freestyle fsw boards around 68cms wide. The 260 Race is 4.5 kg and takes boards up to 75cms wide. These reduced weights are great for frequent travellers and minimise excess baggage costs and keep you in your limit.

Go to www.seaspritesports.com for a list of stockists.

Witchcraft rider Will Ward at Fuerte Wave Classic 09

Available will be a selection of the current Wave V3.0 and Chakra V2.0 and Ezzy Sails 2011. Rental is also ideal to test our equipment prior to purchasing. Find out what the hype around Witchcraft and Ezzy is all about and why so many Fuerte locals choose this high quality equipment.

Pre-bookings are recommended and rewarded, especially in the high season from March till September. And of course, rental is also ideal for a short trip on a good forecast. With the increasing connections with low cost airline Ryanair, rental can be the cheapest and easiest option. All you need to take is your wetsuit and harness.

http://www.witchcraft.nu/testcenter.php