Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Dubrovnik Kitesurfing & Wind Surfing
Viganj, a small
village on the Peljesac peninsula (about 30 min. by car from Dubrovnik ),
these days has become the favourite meeting spot for wind and kite surfers from
all over Europe and world on the Dubrovnik
Riviera . Sea channel between
Pelješac and Korčula and the wind that blows in it provides ideal conditions
for windsurfing and kite surfing. Such conditions are due to his position at
the narrowest part of Pelješac channel due which when the wind blows gets
multiple acceleration. Viganj today has become a favourite meeting spot for
wind and kite surfers. In the summer, mistral (northwest) is blowing and this
wind is the best for enjoyments in this sports, his virtue is a constancy and a
small wave, which enables the achievement of adrenaline speed!
Mistral usually
starts around 12am and lifts up, at the right speed from 02pm to 08pm, the
average strength reaches 5 beau forts, and if you are happy, up to 8!
All this enables
ideals conditions for various competitions. It should be pointed out that in 1989
and 1990 the World Cup in Wind Surfing took place right here. In addition,
Viganj traditionally hosts an Open Championship of Croatia in windsurfing.
In the summer there
are several schools for wind and kite surfing, most of which rent a wide range
of equipment from Surfing Boards, Safety Equipment, to Kites and Swimming gear.
Morning is ideal for first steps due to light breeze, and the channel appears
like a lake and gives a feeling of safety for beginners and children.In the
last several years expansion of kite surfing and theirs arrival in greater
numbers are forming along with windsurfers spectacular pictures in the channel.
What most people
don't know is that, Viganj has conditions to surf all year round. The
temperature of the sea does not fall below 15 degrees, and has plenty of wind,
and southern winds take control of the channel, with the average strength of 5
to 6 beau forts to lay up to 8 and more.
Sometimes in the
winter during low pressure fronts the wind that forms is called Tremuntana, which
by its characteristics is similar to mistral. Its energy is quite strong and
can cause damage to anything that isn’t tied down. Tremuntana’s powerful
tendencies usually lasts a day before breaking up. The famous Bura Wind (off
shore wind) tends to be more consistent during the winter and autumn periods.
The only snag with it is that it pushes the flow of air upwards at irregular
intervals. Forming unstable pockets of congested air at various levels of the
channel, the hazard of being pulled 20 meters into the air, is more than
evident. Since Bura Winds are most powerful out at Sea (rather then close to
shore), anyone surfing beyond 30 metres is requested to be vigilant (Hard Hats
& Life Jackets provided).
For the adventures
types who like surprises and happen to be advanced Surfers (Kite/Wind), the
Peljesac Korcula channel is a god send!
Kite Surfing
Today in
Kite surfing on the
There are a few other
places in the
(Most of this article comes courtesy of viganj.org
with bits edited & added. Many Thanks for that!)
Mistral usually
starts around 12am and lifts up, at the right speed from 02pm to 08pm, the
average strength reaches 5 beau forts, and if you are happy, up to 8!
All this enables
ideals conditions for various competitions. It should be pointed out that in 1989
and 1990 the World Cup in Wind Surfing took place right here. In addition,
Viganj traditionally hosts an Open Championship of Croatia in windsurfing.
In the summer there
are several schools for wind and kite surfing, most of which rent a wide range
of equipment from Surfing Boards, Safety Equipment, to Kites and Swimming gear.
Morning is ideal for first steps due to light breeze, and the channel appears
like a lake and gives a feeling of safety for beginners and children.In the
last several years expansion of kite surfing and theirs arrival in greater
numbers are forming along with windsurfers spectacular pictures in the channel.
What most people
don't know is that, Viganj has conditions to surf all year round. The
temperature of the sea does not fall below 15 degrees, and has plenty of wind,
and southern winds take control of the channel, with the average strength of 5
to 6 beau forts to lay up to 8 and more.
Sometimes in the
winter during low pressure fronts the wind that forms is called Tremuntana, which
by its characteristics is similar to mistral. Its energy is quite strong and
can cause damage to anything that isn’t tied down. Tremuntana’s powerful
tendencies usually lasts a day before breaking up. The famous Bura Wind (off
shore wind) tends to be more consistent during the winter and autumn periods.
The only snag with it is that it pushes the flow of air upwards at irregular
intervals. Forming unstable pockets of congested air at various levels of the
channel, the hazard of being pulled 20 meters into the air, is more than
evident. Since Bura Winds are most powerful out at Sea (rather then close to
shore), anyone surfing beyond 30 metres is requested to be vigilant (Hard Hats
& Life Jackets provided).
For the adventures
types who like surprises and happen to be advanced Surfers (Kite/Wind), the
Peljesac Korcula channel is a god send!
Kite Surfing
Today in
Kite surfing on the
There are a few other
places in the
(Most of this article comes courtesy of viganj.org
with bits edited & added. Many Thanks for that!)
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Dubrovnik Explained - Cultural Dos & Don'ts
All visitors have an effect not just on the place they're visiting but on its people too. There are numerous arguments for and against this which don't need to be enumerated here - suffice it to say that it's worth considering both the environmental and social effects of your visit.
Environment
Dubrovnik 's environment is in good shape, so don't spoil it - preserving it is in everyone's interest.
The biggest impact you personally can have on the environment is to start a fire on one of the islands. There's almost nothing that can be done once a fire's out of control, as the forests tend to be tinder-dry in summer. Indeed, unless there's a plentiful supply of water close by, it's advisable to avoid fires (or even naked flames) altogether.
Litter by comparison, is a simple question of ugliness.Dubrovnik 's old town is cleaned every day, but that's no excuse for not finding a bin to put your litter in. Out of town, where stuff won't necessarily be picked up by the authorities, the issue is even more important. Paper tissues take months to deteriorate, orange peel positively glows, and tin cans always look horrible. So take your litter with you - and if you collect any you find along the way you can feel suitably saintly about yourself. If you're in the wilds, and you can't find a toilet, do at least bury your doings - there are few sights (or sensations) more unpleasant than coming across someone else's.
Dress/Naturism
In summer you won't look out of place in shorts and T-Shirt, but you won't be welcome in churches if you're too skimpily dressed.Seaside topless sunbathing won't usually offend, but you shouldn't really be anywhere off the beach in your swimsuit (or indeed out of it).
SinceCroatia is the main homing ground for the great European naturist - and hundreds of thousands come every year just to get their kit off here - you're never that far from a naturist beach. The island of Lokrum , all of 15 minutes away, is the nearest to Dubrovnik . Naturist beaches are usually marked by 'FKK' signs.
Croatia 's also the only country I've ever been to where you can go on a naturist sailing holiday. If that’s your predilection, mind your tackle!
Gay/Lesbian
Homosexuality may have been legalised a generation ago inCroatia , but you won't find people particularly tolerant or open about it. The country's first-ever gay parade wasn't held until June 2002, in Zagreb , and only a few hundred people took part - heavily protected from hecklers by a slew of riot police.
Most activity is still very much underground, and there isn't any kind of gay/lesbian scene inDubrovnik , one of Croatia 's most tolerant and liberal cities. Same-sex couples (men in particular) can still raise eyebrows (or even hackles) when checking into hotels. How you handle this will of course be up to you - some may be happy with a plausible cover story; others may find this stance too hypocritical. As everywhere, younger people tend to be more tolerant than their elders.
Drugs
Illegal drugs are best avoided. They're available, but the penalties are stiff, and harsher still for smuggling - and don't for heaven's sake be tempted or tricked into carrying anything illegal across borders.
Tipping
A service charge isn't included in your restaurant bill, so - assuming the service has been good - it's appropriate to round up to the nearest, 10 kuna or so. Don't be afraid not to tip if you think the service has been terrible, but equally don't be stingy - waiting staff inDubrovnik aren't as well off as you are. Taxi drivers the world over expect fares to be rounded up, and those in Dubrovnik are no exception.
(Article written courtesy of the book 'Dubrovnik - The Bradt City Guide', by Piers Letcher). Many thanks for that!
Environment
The biggest impact you personally can have on the environment is to start a fire on one of the islands. There's almost nothing that can be done once a fire's out of control, as the forests tend to be tinder-dry in summer. Indeed, unless there's a plentiful supply of water close by, it's advisable to avoid fires (or even naked flames) altogether.
Litter by comparison, is a simple question of ugliness.
Dress/Naturism
In summer you won't look out of place in shorts and T-Shirt, but you won't be welcome in churches if you're too skimpily dressed.
Since
Gay/Lesbian
Homosexuality may have been legalised a generation ago in
Most activity is still very much underground, and there isn't any kind of gay/lesbian scene in
Drugs
Illegal drugs are best avoided. They're available, but the penalties are stiff, and harsher still for smuggling - and don't for heaven's sake be tempted or tricked into carrying anything illegal across borders.
Tipping
A service charge isn't included in your restaurant bill, so - assuming the service has been good - it's appropriate to round up to the nearest, 10 kuna or so. Don't be afraid not to tip if you think the service has been terrible, but equally don't be stingy - waiting staff in
(Article written courtesy of the book 'Dubrovnik - The Bradt City Guide', by Piers Letcher). Many thanks for that!
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