SUP in Barbados
Barbados is the most affluent island in the Caribbean, brimming with soft sand, turquoise water, and warm smiles. Accommodation ranges from budget to five-star luxury resorts, scattered along the island, just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. Snorkel with turtles, submerge in a submarine, play some polo, golf, or even pop inside one of the retired Concorde supersonic jets. Or better yet, visit Silver Sands and let local legend Brian Talma teach you how to kitesurf or stand-up paddleboard.
Length of Trip : 7 days
Cost :
Brian Talma's de Action shop rents and sells kitesurfing kits and stand-up paddle boards. Contact them about arranging group or private lessons.
Best time to go : Dry (and high) season is December to April, although many visitors prefer the less crowded months of June to October.
Wheelchair friendly : Call ahead to make arrangements.
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat :
Definitely head over to the legendary Oistins Fish Market on Friday night. It's an experience.
Official Site :
Visit Barbados
Brian Talma de Action Man
Where to Stay :
If you're serious about learning how to SUP or kitesurf, you can rent studios or apartments in Silver Sands. A great beach resort option is the Bougainvilla Resort
Getting There :
There are direct flights to Barbados from major US and European hubs. Silver Sands is a half-hour drive from Bridgetown. You can rent a car or take a taxi.
Note from Robin :
You can't have a better watersports teacher than Brian Talma, a Bajan legend and pro on the international circuit. You also can't have a better place to learn: squeaky white sand, warm turquoise water, and that infectious Bajan enthusiasm. Stand up Paddle Boarding is a fast-growing watersport sweeping beach resorts around the world. With its origins in Polynesia, this early form of surfing has you standing up on a long board, paddle in hand, riding the tides and waves. Like surfing, balance is key, but unlike surfing, you can practice without being smashed by the waves. Once you can stand, you can paddle along the shore, or ride with the waves, using your oar as an anchor. It’s a fun, physical way to get fit in the sun, popularized by the likes of celebrities Kate Hudson, Pierce Brosnan and Ben Harper.
PRESENTED BY FORD OF CANADA
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It’s a rare occasion when the name of a car aligns so perfectly with what I’ve used it for. Whether rocketing along the notorious Trans-Labrador Highway, or cruising among the mountainous candy of one of the world’s most beautiful drives, the Ford Escape has indeed lived up to its name. It has stood up to some pretty epic challenges, and that includes taking a 6-month baby on a 30-day cross-country book tour. Compact yet spacious, powerful yet fuel efficient, and loaded with features you’ll soon wonder how you did without, the Ford Escape more than lives up to its moniker. – Robin Esrock |