The last few weeks has seen Pompey windsurf club out at Moonbeach, enjoying both the variety of conditions and of course the bar. For those people who have made the trip out to Egypt we have had a great month as the windstats will show.

The weather is definitely warming up and the feeling is that summer is well  and truly here.  We have been putting on our usual mix of casual and relaxed evenings along with great tuition which as you already know is included for this year.

Put that alongside great equipment from RRD, Ezzy, North, Tushingham and Starboard we have something for everyone’s taste. As mentioned in the last Blog remember to post your designs for the inaugural T-shirt competition. The GPS challenge is also up and running with loads of categories…. In fact if we have missed any out or you have any ideas please let us know.

More from the beach soon.

In amongst all the stuff we’ve had to do to get the 2012 season up and running, we’ve forgotten a pretty important one.. ..the centre T’s… It’s a sorry state of affairs.. staff wandering around in last years’ worn attire, shop shelves half empty and that’s only the start of it..

So with that in mind we’re launching our inaugural Design a T-Shirt competition… and maybe you can help?

We’re looking for something unique, inspired and that very much reflects life and of course windsurfing at Moonbeach. Everything is down to you, from the style, to the colours and indeed anything else that you can think of…

It’s open to anyone (apart from our 2012 staff), and you don’t have to have even visited us to take part. The final shortlist of 5 (chosen by the staff) will be up on Facebook for the final vote.. all above board and correct..

The winner will receive a voucher for £200.00, equivalent to a week’s free kit hire, lessons and kit insurance. Redeemable against Board hire, retail and life in general onsite at Moonbeach.. and for those of you who have already been out this year.. fear not, should you court creative victory, drop Schlep a line and we’ll either reimburse you, or stash it away for when you visit us next. Oh, and of course there’s a free T-shirt too…

Undoubtably there should be a whole of terms and conditions but the long and the short of it is; design a T, email the design to us at info@moonbeachholidays.com with your contact details and we’ll keep you posted.. The closing date is a month from today – 13th May 2012.

*Nope.. it’s not a wet one guys.. as much we appreciate you wanting to see Dan parading around, you’re just going to have to get yourselves out to the beach for that one.

But it has, and with the centre now all set up, shiny and clean, the kit rigged and the staff all settled in, the only thing missing are the guests.. who begin arriving tomorrow.

As promised, the wind stats will be posted online each week.. seemingly bizarre I know, and very much in the vein of ‘you should have been here yesterday’, but hopefully a good way for us to log them regularly and for everyone else to stay informed. Click here for the windstats link.

And last but not least.. some pics of the set up, with shiny flags, new toys and the fearsome rescue boat trolley having a ‘grease’..

Sails rigged and ready for the off..

Nice work lads.. Dan & Dave flag-up the club rack..

Clear blue sky, flags blowing in the wind.. bliss…

and introducing the world’s heaviest boat trailer… As anyone who’s had the privilege will know.. getting the boat out at the end of the day is certainly.. interesting…

That about it for now, more soon.

After a winter gathering dust and sand, the centre and indeed some of the team – well actually just Dan all need a good freshening up… Getting the kit rigged, dusting off the rescue boats and firing up the bar.. coupled with some great uncrowded sailing.. everyone is very happy to be back.

It seems that team have arrived just in time for the start of the wind too… with 5.2 and 4.7 weather having been the order of the day since they got back to the beach.

Dave – our new Barman heading out – not a bad job really..

Lastly, one of the best bits of a new season is all the new toys that we get to play with.. and just for starters we’ve just landed our new RRD FreestyleWaves…  from 78L up to 105L they’re proving to be the ideal board to take advantage of our diverse conditions.

Some of our new toys.. currently being ‘tested’…

Now that the season is up and running, check back for weekly updates from the beach.. inc. all the latest tip, tricks and weather stats from our little spot on the Sinai.

Our group page (Moonbeach in Egypt) will still continue to update you on life at the beach, with latest news on all the comings, goings and endless new tricks being perfected. It’s still the place to post your pics, catch-up with friends and stay in touch.

Don’t forget our new booking details too. bookings@moonbeachholidays.com / Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 32878224

It includes all the latest prices, options and the bits and pieces that matter when it comes to organizing your holiday. There are a still a few bits still to finalize and the website updates will go through over the 24 hours, but hopefully there’s enough to get you started.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch; you can call us on 020 3287 8224 or email: bookings@moonbeachholidays.com and we’ll be happy to help.

In the meantime, either click on the image above or head to the bottom of the website and click on the “Download our brochure” button, and if you’ve not already joined our mailing list, please add your details for regular updates, info and special offers as they happen.

That’s all for now, have a great weekend.

We’re just in the final stages of gearing up our 2012 season.. which begins with aplomb on the 1st March…

New toys, new events and some great courses to boot! Over the the next 3 or 4 days the site will be updated and everything should become clear.. In the meantime if you’re after a holiday, we’d love to have you visit… Be it your first visit, or indeed your 12th.. Whether it’s your first time on a board, or you’re breaking out the forwards… everyone is welcome… Uncrowded water, perfect side shore conditions, great kit and a cool team – we’ve something to offer everyone.

If you’re looking to get in touch, the numbers has changed: 020 3287 8224 or alternatively email: bookings@moonbeachholidays.com and we’ll give you a shout!

So, here’s wishing you all a fantastic, windy 2012, and for us.. well, we’re just after a fun, busy season… hopefully we’ll see you at the beach!

Egypt post-revolution has it would seem been less than inviting to the windsurfing populous…

Perhaps the idea of dodging the perceived bullets, avoiding the riots, the road blocks and the revolutionaries is too much..  Alliterations aside Moonbeach has seen none of the aforementioned action and has been a positive sanctuary for many local residents and expats during the upheaval that seems come with political change in the Middle East. Whilst those of you who have visited from the UK, Bahrain, Europe and even further afield can also testify that the windsurfing has been as epic as ever, the dolphins have been in abundance and generally the season has gone swimmingly.

But on the whole, the consensus has been less positive and it’s for this reason, along with a couple more minor hiccups that we’re closing our doors on the 2011 season on 26th September. After the year that’s been we feel we need the time to consolidate our position, and plan for a post-election, democratic Egypt.

So.. if you’re after a last minute escape there is still time to join us, and with flight prices falling post-Ramadan and the end of the school holidays approaching there’s really no better time to join us. August and September can offer some of the best conditions we get all year. Strong, reliable wind, water as warm as a bath and uncrowded, straight off the beach windsurfing, what more could you want?

If you can’t make it, and we know it’s short notice, then don’t worry. 2012 has all the signs of being an epic year, and Moonbeach Windsurfing will be back. Not necessarily bigger, but almost certainly better.. with the same great location, stunning conditions, playful dolphins and the perfect unspoilt windsurfing playground.

To stay informed, please join our mailing list, or check back every now and again for an update and info regarding next season. Prices, season dates and all the new toys will be up on line as they become available.

So, for now; happy sailing and all the very best,

Schlep & Greg.

2nd only to the Suez Canal – tourism is what keeps this part of the world ticking over.. and yup, this is slightly bias – but when all around you innocent folk from the local petrol station to Mohammed at the fruit and veg shop in Ras Sudr are struggling to get by, and even the local off-license has gone out of business.. you begin to wonder when it will end…

As for the guilty pleasure bit.. after the first 8 days of this month have brought us Force 6+ everyday we’ve got ourselves a slight dilemma.. just like everyone else in Egypt we need the custom…. but when there is a massive stretch of water, endless wind and temperatures that are sitting mid 30’s.. With a few guests and only 5 under-utilized folk (staff!!) using it – they’re going to really struggle to share the space and their toys again…!

Save us the decision.. take them out of their comfort-zone and join us for some epic conditions, a few beers and a week or two in possibly the most relaxing windsurfing location you’ll find post-revolution anywhere in the world…

In the meantime we’re already setting our sights on September.. Phil and Danielle of GetWindsurfing are planning another course with us. After the success of their March group they’re taking full advantage of our perfect coaching location to offer another of their increasingly popular intensive coaching clinics… From the 11th to 18th of September they’re going to be offering their own brand of windsurfing clinic.. loads of learning, a ton of play, and of course all the aprés surf you can handle.. So, whether you’re intermediate or advanced, doing battle alone, or traveling en mass why not take advantage of some superior coaching, an epic location and of course a shed full of the finest windsurfing toys…

For more details please check out getwindsurfing.com or drop me an email schlep@moonbeachholidays.com… now then, back to Final Cut…