Windsurfing in Massachusetts

Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard have long been considered favorite vacation destinations since even before the Kennedy compound was established at Hyannis Port. Its wide, sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and numerous bays and inlets make it a premiere place to go even today. In addition to eating all the fresh seafood you’ve ever wanted to in one sitting, enjoying sparkling ocean waves from pristine beaches, and setting your very own lobster trap, windsurfing is a splendid way to spend your day on the Massachusetts coast.

In winter, the water surrounding Cape Cod maintains winter temperatures low enough to extend to its northernmost limit in eastern North America. In summer, however, its a much different story. The waters surrounding Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket become very temperate and the perfect atmosphere to do some epic windsurfing. You can find all kinds of windsurfing lessons, equipment, and instructors when you check our web site.

The body of water located between Cape Cod and the mainland, bordered to the north by Massachusetts Bay, is Cape Cod Bay; west of Cape Cod is Buzzards Bay. To the south of Cape Cod lie Nantucket Sound; Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, both large islands, and the mostly privately owned Elizabeth Islands.

Cape Cod is a popular destination for beachgoers from all over. With 559.6 miles of coastline, beaches, both public and private, are easily accessible. The Cape has upwards of sixty public beaches, many of which offer parking for non-residents for a daily fee (in summer). The Cape Cod National Seashore contains miles of sandy beach and many walking paths. In addition to windsurfing, there are also popular outdoor activities like beach walking, biking, boating, fishing, and many other outdoor amusements like mini-golf and go-karting.

The surface water sport that is Windsurfing combines the most challenging elements of both surfing and sailing. The windsurfing board is usually two to four meters long, powered by the orthogonal effect of the wind on a sail. The rig is connected to the board by a free-rotating universal joint and comprises a mast, wishbone boom and sail. This sport is very dependent upon the skill of the sailor and the type of windsurfing being undertaken.

One big difference between windsurfing and surf-boarding is that windsurfers are called “sailors” or “board heads;” not “surfers.” Sometimes, subtle distinctions make all the difference. In reality, windsurfing can be said to straddle both the laid-back culture of surf sports and the more rules-based environment of sailing. A windsurfer offers experiences that are outside the scope of any other sailing craft design. Because of this, windsurfing has a considerably steeper learning curve when compared with other similar watersports. For example, windsurfers can perform jumps, inverted loops, spinning maneuvers, and other "freestyle" moves that cannot be matched by any sailboat which is why it may take a little longer to master than sailing typically does.

With over 500 miles of coastline to launch from, Massachusetts offers an idyllic windsurfing paradise. Why not try it yourself with the help of one of our many listed companies on Funfix.com?