FAQ Vela Cabarete

That’s probably the #1 question we get!

Cabarete is famous for its trade winds and is one of the Caribbean’s legendary windsurfing and wingfoiling destinations.

Of course, we can never guarantee Mother Nature. Conditions change throughout the year and even during the day.

Our advantage? We’re on the beach every day.

The Vela team follows the conditions closely and can help you choose the best time, equipment and activity for the forecast.

Cabarete generally starts lighter in the morning, with the wind building throughout the day.

Mornings can be great for beginners and lighter-wind training, while afternoons are generally better for stronger wind, wingfoiling and more experienced windsurfers.

January – March
Good trade winds combined with winter swell. A fun period for riders who enjoy wind and waves.

April – May
Transition season. Warm conditions with trade winds becoming increasingly established.

June – August
Typically our strongest and most consistent wind period. This is prime time for dedicated windsurfing and wingfoiling trips.

September
Often still windy and very warm, although conditions can become a little more variable.

October – November
Usually our more variable period. We can still have fantastic riding days, but flexibility is important.

December
The winter trade-wind pattern begins returning, together with more winter swell.

We prefer not to promise an exact wind speed months ahead.

Cabarete’s local wind is influenced by the trade winds, thermal effects, clouds and weather systems.

If you’re traveling soon, contact us. Our beach team can give you a much better idea of the current conditions and what to expect during your stay.

Unfortunately, even we can’t control the wind!

What we can do is help you make the most of the conditions. Depending on the day, we can adjust your lesson time, equipment or activity whenever possible.

Everyone progresses differently.

If you already windsurf, kitesurf, surf, foil, sail or have experience with other board sports, you may progress much faster.

If you’re starting from zero, think in terms of several sessions rather than one lesson.

We progress step by step:

Wing control → safety → board control → riding direction → staying upwind → getting onto foil → transitions → becoming an independent rider.

Our goal isn’t simply to get you through a lesson. Our goal is to help you become confident and independent on the water.

Yes!

You don’t need previous watersports experience. Your instructor will adapt the equipment, conditions and progression to your level.

Absolutely.

Beginners start with balance, sail control, steering and basic technique before progressing toward stronger wind, harness use, foot straps, water starts, gybes and more advanced skills.

Yes.

If you already ride, coaching can focus specifically on what you want to improve — transitions, jibes, water starts, foiling, wave riding, efficiency, speed or other technical skills.

Tell us your level and your goals and we’ll recommend the right session.

We recommend it, especially during busy holiday periods and our summer wind season.

Because lessons depend on conditions, the exact starting time may sometimes be adjusted to give you the best possible learning conditions.

Yes, if you are already an independent rider.

For everyone’s safety, our team may ask about your experience or recommend a short assessment before releasing equipment.

Yes.

We have equipment for different rider levels and conditions, and our beach team will help you choose the right setup for the day.

Not always.

During our busiest periods — particularly the peak summer wind season — hourly cards and certain flexible rental options may be restricted or unavailable.

This allows us to maintain equipment availability and service for guests with reservations and packages.

Please check with us before your trip for the rental options available during your dates.

Storage options may be available if you’re traveling with your own gear.

Contact us before arriving for current availability, pricing and information about what is included.

For regular lessons and rentals, cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled activity can normally be rescheduled or converted into Vela credit.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled activity and no-shows are non-refundable and the session may be forfeited.

Groups, clinics, multi-day packages and special promotions may have different cancellation conditions, which will be communicated when booking.

Safety always comes first.

If our team determines that conditions aren’t appropriate for your scheduled activity, we’ll first try to reschedule your session during your stay.

If rescheduling isn’t possible, the unused value can be issued as a Vela credit voucher.

Talk to our beach team.

Depending on your level and the conditions, we may delay the session, change equipment, reschedule your lesson or recommend another suitable option.

Vela credits are valid for 12 months from the date they are issued, unless different conditions are stated when purchasing a special promotion.

Credits have no cash value and reservations using credit remain subject to availability.

Special promotional packages are generally non-refundable.

Promotions may have specific booking periods, validity dates or blackout dates. Any special conditions will be clearly communicated when you purchase the package.

Yes!

Throughout the year we release selected packages and special promotions, including offers around Halloween and Christmas.

These are available during specific purchase periods and may include special pricing on lessons, rentals or Vela experiences.

Because these packages are limited, the best way to hear about them is to follow us on social media or join our newsletter.

Coming to Cabarete for Halloween, Christmas or the holidays? Ask us about our current Vela specials.

Cabarete has warm tropical water, so most riders are comfortable in board shorts or a swimsuit.

A rash guard is recommended for sun protection, and some people prefer a thin neoprene top depending on personal comfort and the season.

Bring swimwear, good water-resistant sunscreen, a rash guard if you have one and drinking water.

We’ll let you know what technical and safety equipment is included with your lesson.

Depending on their age, size, swimming ability, conditions and the activity, yes.

Contact us before booking so we can recommend the safest and most appropriate option for your child.

Absolutely.

Vela is directly on Cabarete Beach, so friends and family can enjoy the beach while you’re riding.

And right next door is VoyVoy Restaurant & Bar, making it easy to meet for something to eat or drink before or after your session.

There are beachfront hotels, condos, villas and guesthouses close to Vela.

Tell us what kind of trip you’re planning and we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Vela Watersports Center is open daily from 9am to 6pm, with lessons and watersports activities scheduled according to the day’s conditions.

Because the wind and ocean conditions change throughout the day, activity times may differ from our regular center hours.

Contact us before your session for the current daily schedule.

Yes — and that’s part of the experience!

VoyVoy Restaurant & Bar is right next to Vela on Cabarete Beach.

It’s our meeting place before and after sessions — somewhere to eat, grab a drink, watch the action on the water, meet other riders or simply enjoy the Cabarete beach lifestyle.

VoyVoy isn’t just the restaurant next to Vela.

It’s part of our community, with food, drinks, sunset gatherings and special events throughout the year.

During Cabarete Wing Fest, VoyVoy also becomes one of our gathering places for riders, friends and the community.

Follow VoyVoy:
Instagram: @voyvoybar
Facebook:VoyVoy Cabarete

If you love wingfoiling and ocean sports, this is one week you don’t want to miss.

Cabarete Wing Fest is our annual celebration of wingfoiling, parawing, ocean sports and the Cabarete lifestyle.

International athletes, recreational riders, brands and our local community come together for racing, downwinders, clinics, gear demos and plenty of time on and off the water.

In 2026, Cabarete Wing Fest hosted an official SFT Downwind Parawing World Cup stop.

A lot!

Vela Cabarete is at the heart of the event, with riders, demos, activities and gatherings taking place at and around our center.

And when the riding stops, the community continues next door at VoyVoy.

June 16–20, 2027 — Cabarete, Dominican Republic.

Website: cabaretewingfest.com

Instagram: @cabaretewingfest

Absolutely.

Vela is directly on Cabarete Beach, so friends and family can enjoy the beach while you’re riding.

And right next door is VoyVoy Restaurant & Bar, making it easy to meet for something to eat or drink before or after your session.

There are beachfront hotels, condos, villas and guesthouses close to Vela.

Tell us what kind of trip you’re planning and we’re happy to point you in the right direction.