Where do all the good times go?

As another fantastic season draws close to ending, we bring you a recap of the many many highlights

(click on the photo above)

Wind summary: up to 35mph   Rating:

Yet another day of strong wind and classic bump and jump... it was also Pedro's birthday!

Thanks for the party Pedro

wind Summary: up to 35mph   Rating:

The great conditions continue, with another solid day of wind...

These moments of excitement and fun can pass all too quickly, so click on the photo to experience the thrills at a more leisurely pace....

wind summary:  28mph   Rating:

good fun in town, on and off the water... its mardi gras time in LB

click photo for more

Wind Summary: 25mph  Rating:

windy enough to blow dust on the bar!

Wind Summary: 20 mph   Rating:

Another great day on the water for our more advanced riders, but hey, let's not forget newcomers to the sport. With this in mind here is a brief clip of an introductory lesson from Vela Bajas new instructor for next season.

Guys, i have a feeling lessons are going to be oversubscribed next season, so better book well in advance!

Wind Summary:  30mph      Rating:

Its always good to see returning clients. It is particularly good to see Michael (pictured below) as his original planned trip had to be delayed... still, he seems to have an uncanny knack of getting his timing just right... forecast for this week looks awesome!

Wind summary: 25mph   Rating:

Wind came back and there was plenty of on water action.. no photos tho'... your wind reporter must have had his head in the clouds!

Vela from above... click photo for more

Wind Summary: Light    Rating:

No wind, but the town hosted the inaugural "Los Barriles East Cape 300, off road motor race... which was colourful, noisy and dusty fun!

click photo for more

Wind summary: 25mph plus     rating:

The wind returned with force, it came early and blew hard all day long!  This didnt stop 9yr old Isabel taking her first ever lesson tho'...

Isabel! still practicing on the land based simulator despite 25mph wind!

Wind summary:  17mph   Rating:

Wind came as a relatively steady slightly on-shore breeze.  Good freeride and kiteboard conditions in the Baja sunshine..

Wind summary: calm    Rating:

Well owl be, yet another bird photo... I guess the Vela Baja staff are just a bunch of horny thologists!

Wind Summary: 20th - 25mph,  21st - 20mph.  Rating: 

Good wind over these two days... with some good flat water blasting conditions... sorry no on water action shots, so instead...

One quad runner gets a lift from another.. 

Wind Summary: Dead calm    Rating:

Walking the dog at sunset

Wind Summary: 0mph   Rating:

Beep Beep!!

Now, where is Wile - E - Coyote?

Wind Summary: Nada   Rating:

Perfect wind for...... horse riding. At the beautiful Rancho la Venta

click photo for more...

Wind summary 15th - 20mph   Rating:

Wind summary 16th - 17mph  Rating :

As is not untypical here in Vela Baja, the wind actually came through better than forecast!

Wind summary: 15mph    Rating:

Feb 14th... doesnt this date have some particular significance?

"Give us a kiss sweetheart" ..... click photo for more

Wind Summary:  20mph   Rating:

Just another February Baja Day.... sunshine, 24degC and 20mph...

Wind Summary: 20mph     Rating:

click on the photo for more

10th feb summary:  20mph  Rating:

11th feb summary:  23mph  Rating:

Rob, shuvs - it with committment!

Wind summary:  Calm    Rating: 

So, in the absence of any wind today... we bring you Franks latest superb edited video of windsurf and mountain bike action, utilizing high def. "Go Pro" on board/bike footage..

Wind Summary:  Zilch   Rating:

The first truly calm day for ages..

The latest addition to the family  "Playa Zanderzwet"

Wind summary: 23mph    Rating:

Back to being typical Baja conditions.... ie the best bump and jump on the tropic of cancer..

Steve makes most of his last full day

Wind summary: 20mph   Rating:

Good cruising wind and calmer seas. So instead of wind or kite action, today we bring you some mountain bike/scenery .... the other great reason to visit Baja...

Thanks Chris for the photos...

The start of the expedition, the entrance to San Antonia de la Sierra national park... more photos - click photo

wind summary: 30mph  Rating:

Another windy sunny day.. albeit a little chilly... or maybe not!

Wind Summary: up to 40mph   Rating:

Wind dropped a bit from yesterday, so we had to make do with the larger sails, like 4.2s and 4.5s!!!

Todd shows that kiting isnt really the light wind alternative!

wind summary: up to 50mph!   Rating:

Time to blow the dust of the small gear... even your wind reporter was out on a 3.9m and 74l board and he hasn't used gear that small for around 10yrs (obviously he hasn't visited the gorge)

1st feb summary: 20mph   Rating:

2nd feb summary: up to 33mph   Rating:

Your wind reporter as a small confession. He was so busy having fun on the water on the 1st and 2nd that he neglected to take any photos... however... i arrived this morning (3rd feb) to conditions that only come maybe once every few years (so all you intermediates out there, please dont be put off) so here are the initial photos du jour... tomorrow i will bring more actual windsurf photos... looks like its gonna be a great day!

todays clinic.. "coping with the shore break!"

click on photo above for more...

wind summary: light    Rating:

Most of the action on the water today was from the local sealife..

No wonder he's wearing a crash helmet..

Wind summary:  Light    Rating:

Wind still light.... Baja scenery still fantastic!

Wind Summary: light   Rating:

No wind and even more rare.... a cloudy and chilly day! So to perk everyone up, Sky organized a S.U.P exursion north to Pedro's palapa... where hot coffee was waiting.

Some last minute SUP tuition.... (more on next page)

Wind Summary: 15mph    Rating:

The on water action wasn't particularly spectacular, but the sunrise was..

click photo above for more.....

Wind summary: 18mph    Rating:

The wind arrived a little unexpectedly late in the day, fo a good freeride session... earlier in the day we actually had some clouds (a rare event) which gave some interesting perspective to the view..

Wind Summary: moderate 15 to 20mph   Rating:

Wind not so strong over the last few days (enough for planing on the bigger sails and freeride boards) but never mind... this little fella said he wood (keep his) pecker up

Wind Summary: 20mph    Rating:

Last day of the Matt Pritchard clinic, so a special "how to gybe" wind report.... click on the image below....

Wind Summary: 25mph    Rating :

The wind came back to give the Matt Pritchard clinic attendees a great opportunity to put all that theory into practice!

The Ja-NICE  gybe

Wind Summary: Nada    Rating:

No wind, but that didn't prevent the Matt Pritchard clinic attendees receiving a full programme of top notch instruction... (oh, and we had plenty of dolphins passing by too)

Matt ensures his clients know one end of the sail from another...

Wind Summary: Light both days    Rating :

This dog owner has perfected the "moonwalk"

Wind summary: 15 to 20mph     Rating:

First day of the Matt Pritchard clinic and once again perfect conditions were provided with steady wind and relatively flat conditions... perfect for working on those planing gybes. Meanwhile on the beach, Casey and Jerry were practicing..... er..... Salsa?!

wind summary: 25mph     Rating:

Once again the wind came through to give a great day on the water for Vela guests and "lord of the wind" competitors alike..

Representing Vela in the competition, instructor Neil, was happy to finish the competition undefeated with 11 heats under his belt to claim the first prize in both Slalom and Course racing (amature class)... Neil gives a huge thankyou to his Vela colleagues for covering his absence during the competition..

Vela representative Neil

you really really should check out these post "Lord of wind showdown race" interviews from Windsport.com  (click on the link and scroll down)

http://windsport.com/news_article?news_id=1075&uniqid=1993

wind summary:  25mph,    Rating: 

Another great day of racing at the "Lord of the Wind " competition... with more heats of course racing, some more "big air" kiteboarding, a windsurf freestlye expression session and the all important Lord of wind showdown... a long distance race over 10miles or so, with windsurfers and kiteboarders all racing simultaneously , and a winner takes all single prize of $3500.... unconfirmed result is..... Pro windsurfer Kevin Pritchard, who came in with a huge margin in front of all other competitors ... including all the pro kite racers (yay!!!!) Well done Kevin for doing windsurfers proud!

you can read the full story on Kevins daily blog at http://blog.pritchardwindsurfing.com/

Meanwhile, back at Vela the REAL serious competition was taking place...

 congrats Michael , inaugural winner of the Lord of the Mallet!

wind summary: +25mph all day every day for last three days  Rating:

Thanks Karl for keeping everyone updated with the Lord of Wind post a couple of days ago... the competition has been intense with many rounds of Freestyle, Slalom and course racing for both wind and kite as well as a spectacular "big air" kite jumping competition... two days to go, with SUP and distance downwind race still to go...

Kevin Pritchard doing a little pre comp warm up

JUST A QUICK NOTE TO WISH ALL THE COMPETITORS OF THE LORD OF THE WINDS SHOWDOWN THEIR BEST IN ALL THE EVENTS! IF YOU CAN'T BE THERE TO WATCH IT IN PERSON, CHECK OUT THIS LINK TO FOLLOW THE ACTION ON EPIC SESSIONS TV.COM.

(GO GET 'EM NEIL... ;)

Wind Summary: 20 to 25mph  Rating:

The Buoys are back in town!

The buoys arew already out in preparation for the upcoming Lord of Wind Showdown.... and already there is some hot freestyle action to be seen on the water.... (see read on page)

wind summary: Light    Rating:

As the wind was light today, we shall instead bring you a small movie of our day at Punta Colorada last week.... enjoy! (we certainly did)

wind Summary 8th Jan: 15 to 35mph very gusty  Rating:  in the gusts  in the lulls

Wind Summary 9th Jan: Light  Rating:

If you are going to play.....

Wind summary: 20 to 25mph    Rating:

More wind, a bit gusty and choppy (observations not complaints!) and some fine sunrise photos courtesy of Videographer Frank

Wind Summary: (at Punta Colorada) +25mph  Rating:

Today - road trip to Punta Colorada.. the forecast was good, our clients were keen, so we loaded up a whole bunch of gear and made the road trip to this awesome spot.. Epic!!!

see read more section for a taste of the action.

Wind Summary: 15 to 30mph  Rating:

Good wind again, albeit a bit on the gusty side...

thats one windy looking sea..

Wind Summary: +25mph   Rating :

Another great day!  And the wind came early enough for departing guests to claim a last blast!

In a hotly contested battle, Mike just about managed beat himself and was awarded victory after a photo(shop)finish.

wind Summary: 15mph    Rating:

Wind a bit on the light side.... but perfect weather for flying....

a bit of fancy aerobatics from Rick...

Wind Summary : +25mph   Rating:

Another great day and plenty of photos to show it !

This Young Gun, showed us how to rip.

Wind Rating: +25mph    Rating:

What an awesome day of wind we had to kick off 2011... now, normally i would post plenty of action photos of the day, but as it was actually your wind reporters day off i am afraid he was far too busy enjoying the action on the water to take any photos! ... so instead i bring you this little bit of tomfoolery from early New Years Eve..

Wind Summary: Still light   Rating:

Not too much action during the day, but the New Years Eve party was classic Baja with beach bonfire, succulent pig roast and live Mariachi band.

The beach bonfire... more photos on next page

Wind summary: good for helitacks  Rating:

Back in the Uk, we would occasionally see foxes in the garden.... here in Mexico it's......

wind Summary: light  Rating:

No wind, but the sunsets remain spectacular

Wind Summary: 10mph   Rating:

Still, there is plenty of other stuff too do!

Wind Summary: 15mph late afternoon breeze. Rating:

A ray of hope for wind!

Wind Summary: 0   Rating:

Sunday night is Movie night! (thanks Frank for putting on the show)

Wind Summary: 10mph  Rating: Sufficient for Santa to arrive

Lots and lots of images on the "read on"  to record our Baja Xmas... but first a message from the staff (courtesy of Pedro's van)

Wind Summary: 25mph  Rating:

More wind! So much so that your wind reporter was busy on the water most of the day.. so just the one photo today... however, the smile on Alex's face provides a pretty good summary of the day!

Wind summary: 20mph   Rating:

The wind is back! The following photo sets the stage. For the action, thrills and spills... read on

Wind Summary: Great for kids camp   Rating:

A puff a wind?   Nope,  a puff -er fish!

Wind Summary: Dead calm  Rating:

Still no wind, but still no lack of ways to enjoy the water and sunshine.

Wind Summary:  Nada     Rating: but

Someone said to me this morning "The people that come to Baja JUST to windsurf or kiteboard, kinda miss the point!" ... and you know what, i think that is exactly right! check the photos below and on next page to see why..

Free scuba lessons in the pool...

Wind Summary: light    Rating:

Today despite the lack of wind, was perfect for many of our younger new arrivals to enjoy the water..... in other words it was a day for ..

PUPS ON SUPS

click photo for more....

Wind summary for 17th:  Zilch  Rating

Wind summary for 18th: 20mph  Rating:

The wind returned! Yay!

A few more photos on the next page

Wind Summary: Uh oh!   Rating:

With the current little spell without wind, there are a few falling tears .... talking of which, here is a photo of our very own gang of "Falling Tears" (volunteers) ... what a miserable bunch... NOT!

Wind Summary: Nil  Rating:

So with the absence of wind, Todd organised a great biking/hiking/swimming excursion to the Sol y Mayo canyon and waterfall.. there's always something great to do in Baja!

Wind Summary: Nada    Rating:

So, as the wind took a well earned rest today, its a good opportunity to air the promo video (produced by Frank) to promote the upcoming "Lord of Wind" competition...particularly interesting is Jay's theory on why the famous El norte wind blows..

Wind Summary: Up to 15mph    Rating:

New for Vela Baja this year... the perfect activity for earlybirds (those who aren't already up on the trails mountainbiking), organised downwind paddleboard tours.. exercise your core whilst enjoying the beautiful Baja coastline... dolphins, whales, sealions and rays a distinct possibility...

Wind summary: 25+ mph    Rating:

Once again, we shall let the photos tell the story of a really enjoyable day on the water... but first a question... (click on photo for the answer)

wind summary: up to 15mph  Rating:

Wind a little light today, so a good opportunity to bring you another small video from Frank, our on site pro- videographer, showing some action from recent days and including some light wind alternatives!

Wind Summary:  20mph  Rating:

Another pretty good day of windsurfing and kiteboarding... talking of kiteing, here's a couple of photos of the kite centre, set in the extremely scenic north beach arroyo.

Wind Summary: 25mph all day, Rating :

It is said that pictures speak a thousand words... so see below and the next page for a veritable feast of images from a great day!

Wind summary: morning 20mph, afternoon 25mph. Rating:

The wind returned and filled in to give the perfect "sweetspot" of conditions (sails around 5m and boards around 90l )..check out a few photos below and next page..

Wind summary: up to 15mph   Rating :

Perfect conditions for those having their first kite lessons, and once again some big freeride cruising.. whilst back on the beach..

Wind Summary : Up to 15mph in the afternoon  Rating:

Wind came up enough to tempt a few kiters and windsurfers using the larger freeride boards and sails on the water.. meanwhile, the sunset during croquet was spectacular.

Wind summary: Light, up to 10mph  Rating :

Today was one of those tranquilo warm, sunny but windless Baja days... still, a perfect day for your wind reporter to enjoy his day off chillin' and admiring the view from Calebs cafe.. (great coffee, service and the best "sticky buns" in the known universe!

Wind summary: 10 to 15mph   rating:

Wind a bit light (but forecast to return in a couple of days)... in the meantime, there are plenty of bikes..

Wind summary: 20mph,  Rating :

Shown below, a typical scene on our local weather station.... wind 20mph, temp 23 to 26 degC , sun, zero rain ....

Wind summary:  25 to 30mph all day!  Rating

Despite December arriving with yet another excellent day of high wind sailing.. i thought it time i remind everyone that there is equal fun to be had out on the MB trails..

Wind summary: 35mph +  ALL DAY LONG.  Rating

The photo below shows what we were greeted with upon arrival to the beach this morning! Click on the photo for more action shots from this awesome finale to November.

Wind summary: Morning 15 to 20mph, Afternoon 25mph, Rating

So, as promised a few days ago, we now have our first little demo trailor from Frank, our on site pro videographer.. follow the links below to the "read on" page to view... enjoy!  (more to follow shortly)

Hmmm, something must have got lost in the translation, Pedro swears he asked Starboard to supply 3 fleet 80litre boards.... not a fleet of 380litre boards!

(just kidding folks, we have really only got the one 380 "phantom" retro style longboard from Starboard... looks to be an interesting bit of kit, can't wait to try it in the light early morning winds.. in addition to the phantom we have the usual comprehensive range of 2011 toys from JP and Starboard, including many "pro-edition" and "full wood" top of the range models from 68litres to 145litre... something for everyone for sure!

After the solid day yesterday with everyone out on 4.5m to 5.3m sails from 11am to 5pm.... today we were allowed a respite to let the sore hands and aching muscles recover... time instead to admire the Baja wildlife..

Back to business as usual at Vela Baja

Happy Thanksgiving from Vela Baja!                                    

Special thanks to the staff at Playa Del Sol for providing such a tasty spread for the Vela guests and staff.... and after the scrumptious meal, it was off to the beach for the weekly bonfire... read on...

The wind backed off a little today... so chance to appreciate some of Baja's other attributes.

click photo for more...

Another great day down here in Baja. Sun and wind and our new for 2010/2011 season pro-videographer Frank on hand to capture all the action. Watch this space in the coming days for a link to Frank's first edited trailer..

As predicted, the wind arrived today. Check out some of the action below and on the next page...

The forecast is looking good for the coming days... It seems to quite often be good wind around the full moon..... talking of which...

click on the photo above for a few more pics..

Tick, tock, tick, tock.... Doesn't time fly!

 Yes folks, the countdown is on. In just a couple of days the Vela centre down here in Baja will be open once again to welcome you (back?) to the delightful sea of Cortez on the beautiful East Cape of the Baja peninsula. Pedro and his team are busy putting the final touches on the centre... Finch is busy rigging all the brand new 2011 sails, Todd is occupied with assembling the all new "state of the art" full suspension mountain bikes and Neil? ah, of course Neil is busy testing the hammocks once again! 

So, if you haven't already done so, hurry and book your trip and come on down and join the fun! See you soon...

Are you ready for another great season at Vela Baja? I know we are! Our team has been busy preparing the center for the first arrivals this week (plus a few early-birds) and invite you to sign up for some vacation-time! Keep tuned here for more news, pics, videos, and more as we set to create THE BEST season ever.