WINDSURF TIME
“But Jonesey, what of the windsurfing?” I still hear you cry. Pigeon Point is our sailing spot. A short 10 minute transfer or a leisurely 25 minute stroll from the hotel, Pigeon Point is a Heritage Reserve – a national park if you will – and an example of the government’s desire to retain the natural beauty of the island. The previous owner was a local wealthy business man who 10 years ago decided to sell. Once the local government got wind that Sandals were keen to buy in order to develop a resort there – the government then purchased the land to keeps as a nature reserve. Development is minimal. It is a sandy point that is protected by offshore coral reefs (Buccoo Reef). There are a trio of bars/restaurants and the Radical Sports watersports centre and that’s it. The rest is untouched tropical lushness; coral sand and beautiful aquamarine water. Pigeon Point is protected by the large offshore reefs that make up Buccoo Reef – and is the reason that it is an idyllic flat water spot for sailing.
The Radical Sports HQ is a wooden structure set back from the beach in amongst the palm trees with a shaded grassy area to the front and side for rigging. To the other side is the Liming Lounge – a chillout zone with Brazilian bean bags and beach chairs set out under the palm trees. ‘Liming’ is Tobagoan slang for chewing the fat (which is English slang for a chin-wag) – so the Liming Lounge is aptly named – a place to hang out; recuperate with a cold beer; or just stare up into the palm fronds and feel the stress seep out of your body. At one point I overheard a client saying that this was the first time in 5 years that she has had the time to sit down and read a book!. This place – Pigeon Point – certainly gets under the skin; looking out at the crystal clear water, hearing the rustling of the palm fronds in the breeze – any cares seem a long way away. Certainly there is a laid back vibe at Radical Sports that fits with the rest of Pigeon Point. The owner Brett is Trinidadian and has a wealth of knowledge about the island and its history and culture and both him and his team are all really friendly and helpful.
The sailing area is a wide and open water area that is protected by Buccoo Reef system to the north. Buccoo Reef is a marine reserve and so any motorised craft passing Pigeon Point are speed restricted. The prevailing wind is cross-shore and low tide equals very flat water – great for all levels. The flat water combined with consistent winds means learning and improving any transitions or freestyle moves is made a whole lot easier.
One of the thrills that the group experienced out on the water was to see some small rays, beneath the water as they sailed past and occasionally some would breach adjacent to their boards!
