[gmap markers=small red::39.917099702216184,4.033420085906982:Sant Tomas - windsurf, surf
info + 39.89942209883311,4.072709083557129:Son Bou - windsurf, kite
info + 39.814357777474655,4.281857013702393:Punta Prima - windsurf, surf
info + 40.01307813163531,4.202120304107666:Addaia - windsurf
info + 40.04078415974043,4.124507904052734:Fornells (Ses Salines) - windsurf
info + 40.048701855800125,4.106708765029907:Cala Tirant - windsurf, kite
info |markers=small pyellow::39.952, 4.26832:Es Grau - windsurf
info (limited) + 39.9263, 3.89408:Son Saura - windsurf ?? surf ??
info (limited) + 39.925, 3.84236:Son Xoriguer - windsurf, surf? kite?
info (limited) |zoom=10 |center=39.95501708352986,4.0594482421875 |width=640px |height=400px |control=Small |type=Map]
Fornells (and Ses Salines)
The bay of Fornells offers a lot of space and security for windsurfers. The narrow entrance to the sea keeps the water state flat (although in strong Tramontana winds a half-metre sized chop can build). Most people sail from Ses Salines although Fornells can also be used as a launch point. Fornells can be sailed in almost all wind directions:
- Tramontana (north) - sideshore - the most reliable wind and at times very strong. refreshing in summer, a bit cold in winter.
- Gregal (northeast) - side-on - a bit gustier than the straight northerlies.
- Llevante (east) - onshore - a typical summer thermal wind. Very often it will be better in Fornells than in Ses Salines, there are even some days when there will be planing wind in Fornells and the flags won't even be moving in Ses Salines.
- Xaloc (southeast) - not the best direction but decent enough for freeriding. If the wind strengthens it will tend to swing to the south.
- Migjorn (south) - a warm wind that can be stronger than it seems. Normally Fornells bay is the best place to sail in this direction in the whole island. In summer there are sometimes southerly thermals.
- Llebeig (southwest) - cross-offshore - although the wind is offshore in the south of the bay it is fine for windsurfing, and the surroundings are very attractive. Sailing from Ses Salines the wind kicks in about 200m from the beach.
- Ponent (west) - directly offshore - the only really bad direction - don't bother.
- Mestral (northwest) - in summer there is sometimes a thermal that comes in from this direction strong enough for decent freeride windsurfing. The northwest part of the bay has the strongest and cleanest wind. Strong Tramontanas can also come in from this direction.
There isn't much kitesurfing in Fornells and in summer the crowds and tight launch spots would make it difficult.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUh1q-ckrZ4 - strong tramontana
Cala Tirant
Cala Tirant is the most reliable wave sailing location on the island, and offers a very different setup to most spots. There are various different areas that can be sailed. Depending on the day it can be fun but it can also be a demanding place to sail with big destructive waves.
Tirant is sailed with winds from mistral (northwest) to gregal (northeast), which are very onshore winds. Normally windsurfers launch from the gulley below the parking spot in the Playas de Fornells urbanization, and the kites leave from the west side of the beach itself. The big waves break far out away from the beach before reforming. These are often good for jumping or riding when you sail in the middle of the bay; but care should be taken when you cross from here towards the far shore as waves breaking here can take you straight to the rocks. Once past this section sometimes you can surf frontside (forced!) with the waves that break along the boulder strewn shore. Depending on the day it will be better for jumps on port or starboard tack.
Sometimes the shorebreak is surfed but it tends to close out and rides are short.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znF-8InCf-k - nice and not untypical
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6468X6bZek - includes a few frontside turns on the far shore
Sant Tomas
Is a beach with a similar orientation to Son Bou, but with an island that offers protection from the wind and helps clean-up the waves. As such it is a good surf spot, with short but fun and punchy waves. It is also windsurfed although the wind can be a bit gusty if it has to pass over the island. It does however work very well with easterly winds. As the beach isn't that big it isn't particularly suitable for kites, and when the waves get big it becomes complicated to windsurf.
Son Bou
Is a long beach with a lot of space making it popular with windsurfers and kiters. There is room for everyone with a big carpark behind the dunes. The best wind direction for windsurfing is westerly, especially when there are also some waves. It can also work with winds from the northwest. Winds with south in are onshore and often accompanied by messy and closely spaced waves, although there are still days when it can be sailed. The kites get on better here with onshore winds.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hTayF6_jy8 - a meaty day
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMXhMdG6wMM - Son Bou in the middle section
Punta Prima
With strong tramontana (northerly) or gregal (northeast) winds Punta Prima starts to get waves. The swell comes in quite clean and organised and close in by the rocks it is good for surfing. If the wind is northeast and strong there can be good cross-off windsurfing conditions, although unfortunately this happens rarely. It also works with winds from the southwest and east and although the waves are messier conditions can get pretty good.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiQhZdn2v4Q - a good day
Addaia
Port Addaia works with northerlies and is an interesting alternative to Fornells. The water is very flat which makes it a good spot for freestyle. On the days with strong tramontana (northerlies) a small wave wraps around the island and provides some good ramps, although water depth behind the island is limited. If you sail towards the outside island you'll find bigger waves although these can be dangerous and the rocks are sharp! Addaia isn't a spot for surfers and kitesurfers are rarely seen here.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDYq5EtKGIA - ramps wrapping around the inner island
Son Xoriguer
This beach can work with winds from southeast to southwest. Make use of the corners of the beach to get past the shorebreak and head somewhere else if it gets too big. There is a small sailing school that operates here during the summer months.
Es Grau
A pleasant place to windsurf in summer and an alternative option in northeasterly winds for higher wind sailing.
Son Saura
A picturesque south coast beach with access requiring a short walk. This beach will sometimes work on a small swell and winds with a southerly component to them (there are reports of windsurf sessions in southeasterlies)