There are watersports for beginners and experts alike in calm lagoons or strong, steady breezes on this beach in southern Barbados.
‘Silver Sands’ really does describe this beach perfectly. On the southern tip of Barbados, with steady breezes and swirling seas, this gently sloping beach 14 kilometres south of the capital, Bridgetown, has a treasure trove of watersports catering for all abilities.The white shore of Silver Sands is perfect for peaceful relaxation basking in the sunshine with a book and a rum punch, taking in the picture-perfect blue seas. Treat your toes to a stroll along the soft beach and head into the ocean to cool off – it’s very easy to spend a day here bathing in the sun and the sea.But this is not why most people come here. Barbados was colonised by Europeans for its important position in the trade winds, and this steady breeze has brought international renown for a different reason: watersports. Olympic sailboard athlete Brian Talma trained here for the 1988 and 1992 Olympics and it’s easy to see how Silver Sands gave him exactly the conditions he needed.You don’t need to be a professional sportsperson to enjoy the waves here. The shallow pools near the shore are a great place to learn how to paddle surf and manoeuvre a body board. After your lesson, you can join a water safari and snorkel with sea turtles or venture out to the historic fishing port at Oistins.Once you’ve mastered the board, try your hand at windsurfing. Lessons start in the shallow lagoon again, and when you’ve learned to balance on the board, let the wind fill your sail and take you out onto the waves.Further out from the shore, you can put your skills into action and try actual surfing. Paddle out, stand proud and ride the waves towards the beach again. For the ultimate fun and adrenaline rush, take your adventure one notch higher with kite surfing. Leap high in the air, twist, turn and crest the waves, all with the beautiful coastline at Silver Sands in view.
