St. Martin waves

[Eduardo]

I have a chance to go to SMX in January but would only spend the miles, money, time, ... if there are waves. All the trip reports seem to have it as a flat water spot with some mention of 'waves outside' but I didn't hear if anyone is riding them or if they're good.

Is this worth the trip as a wave destination (similar to Barbados for example)?

Also, I've read the recent posts on Le Galion closing. From what I can piece together the waves are outside that bay but you can still launch from Orient and ride there anyway?

[Eduardo]

I changed my online search to 'windsurf' and it looks like a nice break but this can't possibly be near Orient bay...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF_2jmGGGgk

[dannybarnette]

Hey man,
I recently met a couple who spend their winters living on a boat in St. Martin and they were telling me about some awesome wave riding both left and rights (wind direction dependent) on the outer reefs! Not sure exactly where, check out google maps and start planning your sessions !! Sorry I didnt get more info, but hope you score so sick waves!

Cheers,
Danny

[Lanc]

I was on SMX (1week) and BVI (2week) in January 2010 there was not much swell 1-2 foot. I would not recommend SMX if you main focus is waves. The BVI had a lot more options though you need a boat.

[Arnone]

Hi, there are 2 main waves spots in SXM :

- Le Galion (little bay behin Orient bay,)
- Wilderness (spot after the landfill, not for beginner)

Enjoy your trip and have fun !

[Eduardo]

Thanks guys. The landfill must be what's called 'garbage heap' by surfers?

http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/Central_A ... ?WD_LNG=fr

I'm planning to bring my non-kiting hottie with me so I'm not sure this would go over very well. But if conditions are right...

Lanc looking at swell data it does look like a spot where I'll have to be lucky. I'm still undecided.

[Eduardo]

I'm back so a few comments for other kiting travelers. Had wind about 1/2 the time on a 10 or 12 meter. Some rain kills the wind but often something very early late or early in the day.

Orient Bay is a great spot for beginners to intermediates with families. Light chop and if you are blown downwind no problem. beach everywhere. The family can hang out right with you on the beach.

For more advanced kiters, if you exit Orient Bay upwind on the south outlet it is open ocean conditions with swells and ramps. Lots of fun. Reefs a little shallow in a couple spots.

Le Galion is the main spot for advanced kiters. There is flat water on the inside for tricks and small waves/ramps on the outside. Despite that Le Galion beach seems largely abandoned by beach goers (whereas Orient is very crowded), you cannot launch or land there. There is instead a launch from the south end of the bay. Head towards 'oyster pond' to get there instead of 'Le Galion'. You'll see other kiters if it's windy. Beginners should not launch there. It is in a gusty wind shadow with kites launched facing inland and relatively hot launches needed to catch a gust. Waves in both spots were too on-shore to surf but were still fun to play in.

Overall a nice spot. I was there for a wedding so can't say I would choose it compared to Barbados for a kite trip, but still enjoyed it.

[eldadgold]

Thanx for the info

[Stinky]

Any recommendations for the best way to get to Tintamarre and back? How about good downwinders? SXM: Feb 20 - 27. Any other wave types there the same week?

Thanks - Stinky

[blu]

I'm in Smx now and having great time on le Galion and Orient Bay. Windy every day but
about 3-4 knots lower then all forcast, I'm on 12m every day but could use 15m at times
(left that one at home), hope to use 9m soon