If Lewis Black hasn’t convinced you to travel to Aruba yet, then maybe the annual Aruba Hi-Winds windsurfing competition will get you there. We realize this is a pretty active endeavor, but since there's the option to take it all in from the shore, you won't have to sacrifice any precious beach time.

From July 1-6, windsurfers and kiteboarders will try their best to tame the island’s trade winds for their own pleasure and bragging rights, competing in different categories like long distance, course racing, and slalom. Amateurs and professionals alike will then gather at island haunts like Fisherman's Hut and Boca Grandi to strut their stuff.

Our pick for best battle has to be Freestyle Windsurfing, but we aren’t the flip and spin type, so you’ll catch us happily sunning ourselves as we them wrestle the winds for title of “King of the Huts.” Just make sure you don't overdo it at the welcome party at Moomba Beach Bar on the first night—those daiquiris go down easy and you've got days of sitting in the sun to do.

Related Stories:
·Aruba Hiwinds 2009 [Official Site]
·Aruba Travel: The Island's Best Dive Bar [Jaunted]
·Windsurfing [Jaunted]

[Photo: Official Site] ]]> kjb 2009-06-24T09:18:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/2/10/214144/067

Wash that winter right out of your hair with a trip to western Australia's sandy beaches. This is the last good month of the season for windsurfing, so whether you're a novice or a pro, Perth wants you.

The harbor in Perth shields it from the most violent currents of the Indian Ocean. Safety Bay, despite its name, more for people who have windsurfed before, but try Pelican Point at Matilda Bay for an easy approach. Windforce Windsurfing School will give you three days of beginner weekday lessons for $150 (about $100).

We pulled up a round-trip fare of $1215 from Los Angeles to Perth on Qantas, but you could probably go for much cheaper by flying to Sydney or Melbourne and snagging a discount fare.

Related Stories:
· Windsurfing and Julia Roberts in Mexico [Jaunted]
· Five Reasons to Visit Perth [Jaunted]
· Perth Hotels [HC]

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