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 Croatia

Kite surfing on the Adriatic started to take off in early 2000. Because of strong pulling power of the proceeding winds at certain places, Kite Surfing & Wind Surfing Industries cantered around technological advances, are not only shaping the Tourist Industry on the Adriatic but also shaping the new Entrepreneurial face of manufacturing at various places in Croatia. About 10% of all Kite Surfing equipment sold across the EU is produced in places like Karlovac & Varazdin!

There are a few other places in the Dubrovnik area where the wind gradiant reaches well adjusted speeds. Around the St Jacob's (Sandy) Beach at the South-Eastern edge of Dubrovnik City, is one of them. Comfortable winds form surface waves from the edge of the sheltered lagoon. While the winds there aren't as powerful as the once at Viganj, for a beginner/intermediate Wind Surfers, there isn't a better place. Other places in and around Dubrovnik include, Neretva Delta (40min by car), Konavle Cliffs (20-25min by car), Karbuni at Korcula Island (2.5 hours by car & ferry) , Kolocep Channel (10-20 min by car).

 

(Most of this article comes courtesy of viganj.org with bits edited & added. Many Thanks for that!)

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).
Since Croatia 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 in Croatia, 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 in Dubrovnik, 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 in Dubrovnik 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!