VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

I will be heading back down to Punta San Carlos next May for 2 months and I hope to see some other BC sailors/kiters/surfers down there! Is there anyone contemplating a trip???

Hey Mike,

I'm looking to make a trip down as well hopefully. Unfortunately it won't be for 2 months though. I'll keep in touch!

Mike C wrote:Is there anyone contemplating a trip???

Dunno, I'd hate to leave here since it's been so good lately

I'd like to go for the month of May...I'll have to wait until spring to see if I can though. Put me down as a definite maybe.
dave

I'd like to give San Carlos a go if I'm able to get the vacation time, I have last pick this year. How long is the drive and can you do this trip by plane easily or do you have to bring your home with you?

If you plan on a long stay at San Carlos, some kind of hard shell RV or Van is good for the sanity. The wind can blow what seems like 24/7, and its offshore at night so its got a good cold desert feel to it, for anyone in a tent. You would probably only like tenting there a couple of weeks...unless you're truly hardy!


Heres some info on the location: San Carlos used to be a free beach for all, but it was grabbed by an entrenpreneur who now gets some cash out of everyone who visits, one way or another. He has the lease on the land. You can get there on your own, and pay to stay, or use Solosports to carry you and camp you right on the beach!

http://www.solosports.net/Punta_San_Car ... Carlos.htm

Wavos

Yea, San Carlos is better with a camper or camper van because you will want to be out of the elements at some point but for windsurfers there is a reasonably sheltered place to camp in the arroyo in front of the chillibowl. For kiters it is a tough launch.
It took me three 14 hr driving days to get there but I was in the camper driving 60mph instead of the speed limit.
Solo Sports is NOT the way to go. I spent 2 months there and saw a ton of guests get skunked. It is also cheaper to drive than it is to fly and stay w/ solo for their standard 6 day trip. If you are no staying w/ solo the longer you stay the chaeper it gets. 5$ per night per person to camp with a seasons pass at $135.

Hey Mike- love to try this, may have to happen sooner than later tho. What's the wind dependant on down there, is there a best "season"? I could go up to having to be back maybe May 15th latest. Any chance of that time being a success? I've heard that some folks score decent 5 of 7 there in March already, any truth to that and how about April? I'm reading the Solo sports info.....

If anyone else has a clue, appreciate this input. And.....can the windkusshine make the hill and corner? It's done Mt. Wash so I figure it's up to it Thx

Yea, April is typically a solid month from what I hear. Usually wind is best in the spring and waves are better in the summer. If you go bring a surfboard and a bike and a sense of adventure. I've seen many a motorhome out there but you want to bring a couple of spare tires and a really good jack and you want to have 4 wheel drive for sure. There is a narly arroyo called "pin-ball alley" on the main road right before you get to the campsite that can be avoided with local knowledge on a much easier route....
My Dad and I will be leaving Vancouver on April 27 or 28th so I expect to be there by May 1st.