RIU AND CLUB ION
The Riu Resort, which is actually three adjacent hotels, is home to the new ION Club (formally Club Mistral) and was undoubtedly the best place to stay. En-route we were treated to a decent tour of the Island with the transfer taking just over an hour from the airport. Once you arrive at the Riu, there really is very little reason to leave, since it is located in one of the most beautiful spots on the island and also slap bang, right in front of one of the world’s most incredible windsurfing playgrounds. The ION club is literally a stone’s throw from the water’s edge and is well stocked with North sails, Fanatic boards plus SUP and kite equipment. The spot enjoys wind and waves all year round with the premium window being between July and September when the south easterly trades are most consistent. The centre also boasts two safety boats which are imperative in this area since all the water from the lagoon has to drain out somewhere and any equipment breakages at Manawa are quite a long way offshore. The beauty of Le Morne is that one group can be blasting or freestyling in the safety of the inside lagoon while more advanced parties can head out to two different reef breaks, both with new challenges and equally fun to ride.
I asked German windsurfing legend Klaas Voget for his opinion on the conditions at Le Morne: “Mauritius is amazing! If you wanted to sketch the ultimate windsurfing location, you’d probably end up drawing something very similar to the lagoon of Le Morne with all the different waves around it. Flatwater on the inside, leading into an intermediate level reef for jumping and small wave rides (Middle Reef). On the outside a side shore wave that is like an opposite wind version of Ho’okipa without rocks (Manawa). Then on the other side, a super-fast wave (One Eye) with cross offshore winds; perfect for huge aerials. All that, with temperatures similar to Hawaii and in crystal clear water; I don’t think there is any other windsurfing location in the world that combines so many aspects”