THE TOURIST – ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
If you were to close your eyes right after reading this sentence and post your mind off to an archetypal tropical paradise, you’d probably image something similar to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Nestled deep in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, this chain of islands has managed to evade the molestations of mass tourism.
Words – TOM COURT // Photo TOBY BROMWICH
Fresh off the back of a full-on start to the year in Cape Town, I had three weeks to appreciate the green landscapes and grey skies of the UK before setting off again to unknown territories. As an adventurer, I look for destinations that deliver something exciting and unusual. I like setting off not knowing the outcome and relish in the surprises I encounter on the way. Re-united with my North International team mates in the airport, we met Capt. Richard Scott of The Cayenne, a forty five foot catamaran that would be our home for the next two weeks. You may be wondering why I’m trying to weave kiting into a SUP story, but the two very much go hand in hand; I don’t think that’s a surprise to many people.
Our mountains of equipment proved challenging for the tender which rocked under the towering load as we motored out to the catamaran anchored a hundred yards offshore. Once on board, we were ready to kick back and watch the sunset, but the Capitan was eager to run us through the boat ensuring we were fully sea-worthy before setting sail into the night. Anchor up and hoist away! We headed south, making the crossing between St. Lucia and St. Vincent. As you can imagine, there is nothing like a long haul flight, a few refreshing beers and the dulcet rocking of a large boat to stir up a bit of sea sickness. Attaining ‘sea legs’ as quickly as possible was my aim, and after a few hours of coping with the initial delirium, I finally got down to enjoying a night’s rest.
We were stirred by the sounds of a tropical morning in a sheltered bay on the west of St. Vincent. The lapping of the water against the sides of the boat and the morning song of exotic birds were borderline magical. But there was scarcely time to let it sink in before we headed off again, this time navigating down the coast of St. Vincent toward the Grenadines. Eight hours from our first night’s sleep we slipped through a gap in the reef and set our anchor as the afternoon light started to fade. Itching to get in the water after a long commute, I took the opportunity to explore the reef at sunset. The water at this time of the day was bustling with all sorts of marine life, those returning from a day in the ocean and some species just waking up for the night ahead. It’s otherworldly, somewhat eerie, but without a doubt a very special time to be in the water.
No wind, no worries.
The auspices for my trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines was for an official North Kiteboarding photo shoot, however the wind was somewhat flukey. As any water sports enthusiast and adventurer will know, having the right equipment for your environment will enhance your trip, and having my SUP onboard the catamaran, kept me engaged during the windless days. It was an ideal facilitator that got me to unique spots where boats can’t sail, and to reefs so far out that no short board surfer would ever dream to paddle.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines are made up of 32 islands and cays, some of which are small and very close together. The networks of coral reefs are among the healthiest and strongest in the Caribbean, with some islands being designated as marine conservation areas. If you’re into SUP touring, exploring and island hopping then this is a destination for you. From a cocktail on Happy Island, to cruising with the turtles across butter flat lagoons, and surfing peaks that are inaccessible to boats, there’s an endless list of adventures that can be had here. Head to the Tobago Cays and explore the archipelago of five small and uninhabited islands. Heavenly lagoons, coral reefs and crystal waters play host to a plethora of marine life, including a huge amount of green turtles and rays which you can swim with. Part of the National Marine Park, there is so much natural beauty to be seen, including the Island of Mayreau. Off the beaten path, it’s a pristine enclave of white, palm-fringed sandy beaches, with a string of small islands ready to be explored.
“As you can imagine, there is nothing like a long haul flight, a few refreshing beers and the dulcet rocking of a large boat to stir up a bit of sea sickness ”
Just a short boat ride away from the exquisite Tobago Cays and Mayreau is Union Island, home to the JT Pro Center, a unique SUP and kiteboarding destination. Not only are the conditions textbook for both sports, but the SUP downwind tours along the southern coast of the island are breathtaking. The list of places to go and things to see in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are endless. As a destination, you’ll find it hard to stay in one place as every island offers something different from the last. For those of you looking to combine sports in uncrowded territories,
grab you gear, some mates, and jump on board a vessel with a zest for adventure and a dream to paddle in paradise… SUP