grantmac wrote:Just go to the Hook in the Gorge. Perfectly flat and 1/4 the cost.
True, that rice and beans will fill you up. But having a great meal sometimes is worth the price. And depending on the time of year, you will not like the Hook (cold and no wind).
Not going to really comment on flight prices, but many travelers are not that savvy. I haven't priced any flights to Aruba or Bonaire. But if I were to be going in December, my first choice would to fly into Orlando (MCO) directly (dirt cheap flights on certain days with WestJet) and then taking Southwest Airlines from MCO to Aruba. Spend one week in Aruba and take a cheap flight to Bonaire. Show me nicer waters than Bonaire? You can walk out to the reef for almost 1 mile. Excellent place to learn. Flat water and cross the reef for wave sailing.
https://dunkerbeckprocenter.com/Now that I live in the PNW, my first choice would be Hood River, Pistol River, Hawaii or Mexico (maybe). But you need a wet suit for most of those areas. Never used a wet suit elsewhere. Never even owned one prior to moving here.
Again, your main issue will be travel restrictions and easiest at this time is to fly into the USA (Seattle/Portland), rent a car and come back via the land border. No expensive 3 day hotel stay, just a negative Covid test (within 72 hours) and 14 day quarantine. This might still be in affect until the end of the year. Who knows.
Not many offering lessons in the Hood River at this time. Except this place.
https://www.brianswindsurfing.com/