Philip Soltysiak has been keeping busy this off-season, between the release of his entirely redesigned website and his on-the-water training in different locations. Read one of his updates from the windy and sunny island of Isla Margarita, Venezuela:

"2004: My first ever visit to El Yaque – 10 windsurf centers – Over 100 windsurfers on the water – Windy every day.2016: My 8th visit to El Yaque – 1 windsurf center – 15 windsurfers on the water – Windy every day.

International news about Venezuela’s economic mis-management and safety concerns coupled with no direct flights to Porlamar Airport, only 5 minutes from El Yaque, has lead to a dramatic drop in the number of windsurfers on the beach. Has that changed my El Yaque experience? Personally only for the better, particularly as there is more space on the water for me and the few other windsurfers to enjoy.

Though on the water it’s not particularly busy, the weekends at El Yaque beach are packed. This beach on Isla Margarita has become one of the hippest in Venezuela, in large due to the movie “Pueblo de los Campeones”. On Sundays and holidays there is often pumping reggaeton (latin pop music) and Cuba Libre’s (rum and coke) on one end of the beach, while sports enthusiasts enjoy the wind at the other end, where I keep my gear at Club Nathalie Simon. Lifeguards are on duty and keep swimmers safe by making sure they stay in the swimming area, while the watersports area is reserved for windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Many restaurants line the beach, some that have been around for years such as "Sharks", and newer ones like "Beach Bar". My personal favourite is a little lunch spot just across the street from the beach where I eat fish, rice, platanos, salad with a drink for 1000 BSF (Bolivar Fuerte). At the black market exchange rate that is about $1 US. Some afternoons I indulge and enjoy a dozen fresh oysters on the beach for 400 BSF..."

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To make sure you know all of the latest about Philip Soltysiak, visit his brand-new website here.