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 Los
Barriles is a true gem on the rough coastline of the
Baja peninsula. Long sandy beaches, nice hotels, great
restaurants, world-class mountain biking with over 40
miles of single and double track trails for all levels,
and off course unbelievably fun windsurfing and kitesurfing
-all just an hour away for the Los Cabos airport- make
this one incredible winter get-away. The heated pool
at the Playa del Sol helps to make Los
Barriles and an even better family destination.
Seasons:
November 22, 2008 - March 01, 2009
Located just an hours drive north
of Cabo San Lucas in the charming town of Los Barriles,
Vela Baja has always been a favorite winter get away.
From mid-November through early March Baja's famous
"El Norte" winds sweep the Sea of Cortez attracting
windsurfers from around the world. You'll find heaps
of the latest gear rigged and ready on the beach, a
full fleet of new 2006 Specialized Rockhopper hardtail
mountain bikes, a wonderfully friendly staff, and the
relaxed Baja atmosphere that our guests return for every
year.
Location:
Vela Baja is located in the small town of Los Barriles
on the Sea of Cortez just 50 miles north of Cabo San
Lucas, Mexico. Most clients choose to fly into San Jose
del Cabo (SJD) Airport and then take a taxi to Los Barriles.
Our center is directly in front of the Hotel Playa del
Sol with direct access to the best wind and launch in
the Los Barriles area. Flights into La Paz (LAP) are
also available, however the drive is a bit lonnger and
with higher ground transfer costs.
Wind and Windsurfing
conditions:
 When "El Norte" wind arrives each winter in
Los Barriles, they whip up a rolling swell that turns
the Sea of Cortez into an exciting playground. El Norte
winds usually blow for periods of 3-8 days with 2-4
days of light wind in between. Side shore winds average
18-25 knots with peak velocities up to 30. Typical sail
sizes range from 4.5 to 6.5. Above 15 knots, a widely
spaced, rolled swell provides great ramps for jumping. Novice
sailors will find Baja's gentle morning breeze better suited to their needs. When the wind picks up around 11am
intermediate through advanced sailor will find strong
wind (4.7-6.0) and rolling swells. During high wind
conditions uphauling is impractical due to chop. We
recommend that sailors know how to water start or be
ready to learn from one of our experienced instructors.
For current Baja wind conditions and historical wind
data please see our Baja Wind page.
Water:
Los Barriles is on the Sea of Cortez, which means there
are no breaking waves! This is not San Carlos. Los Barriles
has no breaking waves except in extremely high winds.
Water temperature ranges between 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit
(Most sailors wear a 3mil shorty).
Windsurfing
Equipment:
Vela Baja is stocked with approx. 80 boards from Starboard
and JP Australia and over 100 Neil Pryde sails rigged
and ready. No other windsurf center in Baja even comes
close! ***NOTE: RENTAL EQUIPMENT IS ONLY AVAILABLE WITH
A COMPLETE PACKAGE INCLUDING HOTEL WHEN TRAVELING OVER
THE CHRISTMAS / NEW YEARS HOLIDAY PERIOD***
Lessons and Instruction:
Free windsurf clinics are offered Monday through Friday
morning. In addition, a full staff of experienced instructors
are available daily for both group and private lessons
to cover everything from beginner, to water starting,
to jibing, to looping. For more lesson info please visit
our Baja Lessons page.
Kite Boarding
Lessons:
The 2006-2007 season is our very own Dare2Fly kiteboarding
school www.dare2fly.com/baja/index.html
offering complete lesson package for beginners to advanced
kiters. Please inquire with our reservations staff about
how you can take lessons and get up and riding in a
safe envirnoment.
Weather:
The Baja climate is nearly tropical with days in the
80s and 90s with coolish nights in the upper or even lower 60s (don't
forget your sweatshirt/jacket).
Vela Baja sports activities program:
There is no end
to the fun things to do in Baja. Mountain bike along
coastal and scenic desert single-track trails on our
fleet of Specialized bikes. Our bike trails are great fun and if you have clip-less pedals and shoes, feel free to bring them. Also... families, we also have kid's bikes, a trail-a-bike and a kid's trailer available. Glide along clear blue
waters in a sea kayak. Snorkel among colorful tropical
fish. Click here for details on the Baja Activities Program.
For more detailed travel information
click Baja
Tips & Facts.
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