St. Martin » spot info

FBC St. Martin (Windy Reef) is located in Gallion Bay on the eastern side of the island, in the heart of a peaceful and protected natural reserve where mangroves, turquoise water and white sand mix in total harmony. There are no jet skis or motor boats here – just the center, you and the unique surroundings. The spot is a classic tropical paradise, and has been voted the best and safest beach on the island.

The chilled out center is on the beach just meters away from the waters’ edge and is open all year long. You will be very well looked after here – the small team pride themselves on giving a friendly and personal service. The owner, Jean Seb Lavocat is always at the top of his game and will inspire you with his incredible energy and passion for both the spot, which he discovered 11 years ago, and all the sports offered here. Working alongside Jean Seb is Julien Quentel, a top instructor and World Champion of Formula Windsurfing and a real asset to the place – not just because of his profile, but also his desire to influence and share with the next generation.

The eastern coast of St. Martin is exposed to almost constant trade winds which blow side onshore from the left November to March (18-25 knots) and side onshore from the right June to September (16 – 20 knots). April and May are the least windy months. From the end of June to the end of October is a cyclonic period and the place can really rock at this time! September, October and November are well known for the quality of the waves and surf.

The sailing area is a 1km wide sandy lagoon with some standing areas, protected by an outer reef about 400m from the shore. The reef offers great wave riding conditions with breaking waves between 1m and 3m – superb for both windsurfers and surfers! The water in the lagoon is warm, flat and safe – a perfect learning environment as well as fantastic freeride and freestyle conditions.

New at FBC St. Martin this year is professional kitsurfing instruction. Guests are transported by boat from the center to “Little Kay” a sandy spit curled around a rock, protected from waves and offering standing areas with no stones or current ensuring perfect safety. The spot is a dream teaching spot for all kiter wanabees and instructors! Locals and private kiters can use the downwind side of the lagoon at Gallion Bay, but overall one tries to limit the amount of kiters at the spot. As an alternative FBC St. Martin offer boat trips to the nearly Island of Anguilla to take advantage of the fabulous and much talked about freeride conditions on the east coast there. It’s the ultimate day kiting in paradise, as well as being well taken care of and sampling the delights of local beach life and reggae vibes.

Thanks to the outer reef, surfing features highly here too, and Jean Seb is dedicated to the younger generation. He has formed a surfing association (SMX Waterboys and Watergirls) and is a creator of young surf champions all over the Caribbean. He has built a special 23 m2 catamaran platform with a nature reserve friendly 30hp engine to transport surfers, friends and photographers out to the reef to enjoy the show in comfort and style.

St. Martin is the perfect all round spot for families, kids, windsurfers, surfers and kiters of all levels. It is very rare indeed on this planet that so many can be satisfied at the same time – but trust us – St. Martin does it all!

INSIDER TIPS:

Wetsuit and shoes not needed but if you prefer to wear shoes please bring them with you.