Windsurfing in U.S. Virgin Islands

Windsurfing

St. Thomas

Expect some spills, anticipate the thrills, and try your luck clipping through the seas. Most beachfront resorts rent Windsurfers and offer one-hour lessons for about $75. One of the island's best-known independent windsurfing companies is West Indies Windsurfing (Vessup Beach, No. 9, Estate Nazareth. 340/775-6530). Owner John Phillips is the board buff who introduced the sport of kite boarding to the USVI; it entails using a kite to lift a boardsailor off the water for an airborne ride. A private kite-boarding lesson costs $125 per hour, while a semi-private lesson starts at $85 per hour. Allow 2 to 4 hours to get the hang of this demanding, yet thrilling, sport. Speedy WindRider 17 trimarans are popular water toys here. They rent for $125 an hour or $350 a day.

St. John

Steady breezes and expert instruction make learning to windsurf a snap. Try Cinnamon Bay Campground (Rte. 20, Cinnamon Bay. 340/693-5902 or 340/626-4769), where rentals are $30 to $70 per hour. Lessons are available right at the waterfront; just look for the Windsurfers stacked up on the beach. The cost for a one-hour lesson starts at $70. You can also rent kayaks, boogie boards, and surfboards.

St. Croix

St. Croix's trade winds make windsurfing a breeze. Most hotels rent Windsurfers and other water-sports equipment to nonguests. St. Croix Watersports (Hotel on the Cay, Protestant Cay, Christiansted. 340/773-7060. www.stcroixwatersports.com) offers Windsurfer rentals, sales, and rides; parasailing; and water-sports equipment such as kayaks. Renting a Windsurfer runs about $25 an hour.