Windsurfing's Frequently Asked Questions

Why get into it?

Windsurfing is a fun and healthy way of enjoying Puerto Rico's great outdoors and a challenging exercise that can bring the whole family together. Age or sex is not an issue in windsurfing. Anybody can do it as long as they can swim and have no fear of the ocean.

And windsurfing gear has really come a long way in the last few years. Its lighter, much easier to use and assemble and offers way more performance than the gear of years ago. If you can stand on a sidewalk, you can stand on today's learning boards - they're just as stable. Gone are the narrow, tippy boards of windsurfing's past. Now boards are wide, which allows newcomers to focus exclusively on sail-handling skills without balance problems. The result? For today's beginner it's not uncommon to stay dry throughout the lesson, but hey, getting wet is part of the fun!

Modern sails are lightweight and user-friendly thanks to materials like monofilm and carbonfiber components. But the big change is that current sails for learning are shorter, which makes them easy to pull out of the water and easy to control. They're also more stable - no longer do they flutter wildly in the wind. Match these sail upgrades with a wide board and windsurfing becomes easier than ever. It also means that if you tried windsurfing before and failed, try again. You'll sail - guaranteed.

How do I get into it?

The easiest way is take lessons from a professional windsurfing school like Velauno. Our methodical approach and easy board-side manner combined with specialized beginner equipment guarantee success every time with just a few hours of lesson time.

What equipment do I need?

Windsurfing equipment consists of a board that looks like a big surfboard and the rig. The rig is like the engine. It has many parts including the sail, the mast, the boom (the part you hold onto) and the extension and universal.

The choice for your first windsurfing board and sail depends on many factors. The main ones are: sailing conditions where you sail, your weight and your ability. Stronger winds, less weight and higher skills call for a smaller board and sail.

The pros at Velauno will hook you with the right gear at the right price. Beware of bargain base deals in the classifieds that may have you end up with cheap but useless gear that is woefully ill-suited to your real needs.

How much does it cost?

Complete new packages run from as little as $1399 to more than $3000 depending on the level of gear purchased. There is also used gear available for around $900. Velauno's exclusive trade-inprogram allows the first time buyer to purchase with confidence. Velauno is willing to take your transition equipment in trade-in towards the purchase of more advanced equipment. This way you can always feel safe in buying the equipment that is proper to your skill level.

Where to sail?

Puerto Rico has many beautiful beaches and most are accessible to windsurfers. The most popular beach for windsurfing is Puntas las Marias, right between Isla Verde and Ocean Park in San Juan and only minutes from our shop. Here you will find windsurfers, kiteboarders and paddlesurfers during weekdays and dozens of weekenders enjoying themselves in the warm, clear Caribbean water of San Juan. For information on other places to sail click here.

How do I carry the equipment?

Most people chose to purchase a Thule Rack to carry the equipment on top of the car. Velauno carries the complete line of Thule Car Racks. Inexpensive Velauno Soft-Racks and Rack Pads are also  available. For information on Thule Car Racks and to verify if they can be installed on your vehicle please click here.

HOW TO RESERVE? IT IS FAST AND EASY.