Windsurf Spots

This aesthetic sport took root in Turkey thanks to a group of European enthusiasts in late 80s. Recently the number of beaches providing windsurfing facilities has increased and shores are embellished with colorful surf.

The daily Hürriyet newspaper has formed a jury of surfers, sports writers, instructors and lovers of extreme sports in the summer of 2003. Following are the best windsurfing areas as selected by the jury.

AlaÇatı Plajı (AlaÇatı Beach)
All the members of the jury ranked this beach number one. It is considered one of the best windsurfing areas in the world. The beach, 30 minutes away from ızmir and 10 minutes away from ÇeŞme, has been a favorite place among surfers for fifteen years. The peak period is between April and November. The waist-deep and sand-covered shallow water zone extends for 700 meters from shore into the bay, creating perfect conditions for beginners of all ages. Moreover, the establishments provide all equipment needed.
AlaÇatı Windsurfers' Paradise (232) 716 66 58

Akyarlar Feneri (Akyarlar Lighthouse)
Turgutreis and Akyarlar are both among the favorite coves in the Bodrum peninsula for windsurfers. Although The Windsurf School has increased the popularity of Turgut Reis, it is still not so crowded. Fener Windsurf Center (252 393 69 67) in Akyarlar is run by French surf intructor Jean Michel Lebaut and Jale Lebaut and is the most famous surfing school in the area. The shore is exposed to the Aegean's meltem (light breeze) winds and has rough waves for expert surfers, which also means that the open sea is not suitable for beginners. Finally, the Municipality of Turgutreis organized a surfing course this year. The Municipality's phone number: (252) 382 30 19.

Bitez Cove
Bitez has the widest sandy shores on the Bodrum peninsula and can easily be reached from Bodrum by minibus in 15 minutes. There are small docks for sunbathing and swimming. Gentle breezes in the morning and good winds in the afternoon make it the ideal spot for beginners and pros alike and also the local establishments provide necessary windsurfing equipment. Nielsen Su Sporları Merkezi (Nielsen Watersports Center) run by English teachers is quite popular nowadays. Sunsail Surf Center in Javelin Hotel, located on Kargı Cove in the Ortakent YahŞi district, is also well known.

DatÇa Peninsula
DatÇa is 70 kilometers away from Marmaris and reachable by ferryboat from Bodrum between June and October. The winds, which blow all day long, make the peninsula a favorite spot for windsurfers. Due to its windiness, it is not recommended for beginners. Surf Holiday Village in Gebekum area is one of the establishments the windsurfers can take advantage of.

Mimarsinan
Mimarsinan, located on the shores of BüyükÇekmece Lake, is the most popular windsurfing spot in Istanbul. Surfers discovered the area about six or seven years ago and the wind is most suitable between July and November. The Municipality of Mimarsinan has built a storehouse near the lakeside to provide the surfers with space to keep their equipment throughout the year free of charge. Municipality of Mimarsinan (212) 883 55 60.

Saros Körfezi (Saros Bay)
Saros Körfezi on the Gelibolu peninsula offers several spots to windsurfers. However, you will have to bring your equipment with you. The most popular place is Güneyli Köyü, 12 kilometers away from Gelibolu. The surfers crowd the area in the summer. Kumbaba shores are also one of the highlights.

Ilıca Plajı (Ilıca Beach)
With its wide, 2-km.-long white-sand beach, Ilıca is the largest and the most popular center in ÇeŞme. The Ilıca beaches show mostly thermal characteristics; some hotels and pansiyons (boarding houses) even have thermal water. The waist-deep, sand covered shallow water zone extends for 100 meters from the shore, providing an excellent environment for beginners. It is exposed to northern winds in the summer, making the spot preferable to windsurfers.

GümüŞdere Plajı (GümüŞdere Beach)
GümüŞdere beach is located on the shore of the Black Sea in Istanbul and is only one hour away from downtown. It is possible to surf with both northern and southern winds. BurÇ Beach in GümüŞdere provides kite boards and catamarans in addition to windsurfing. Tel: (212) 287 02 32

Tuzla
Tuzla is just one hour away from downtown. The windsurfing season begins in April and continues till November, but the best winds are in June and July. It is an ideal spot for beginners. Mercan Surf Club provides lessons.

Pırlanta Plajı (Diamond Beach)
Pırlanta Cove is in Çiftlikköy, which is 10 kilometers southeast of ÇeŞme and just opposite Sakız (Samos) Island. It is mostly used by expert windsurfers due to its hard blowing winds. As Pırlanta Koyu has been designated by the government under protection against development, there are no services provided.

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