Turks & Caicos is Lindsey Harding’s favorite escape. When the Sacramento Kings’ assistant coach isn’t breaking down barriers as one of the first African-American women to coach an NBA team, she’s kitesurfing and eating good in Providenciales, the most popular destination in the stunning island chain. “I’ve been eight times,” Harding says of her visits to the Caribbean paradise, located northeast of Cuba and southeast of the Bahamas. “The beaches are amazing. You can walk far out into the ocean and the water is still so calm and shallow.”
Mudjin Harbour in Middle Caicos may be a remarkably picturesque locale, but Taylor Bay is her spot to kick back, sip Bambarra rum on the beach and just chill. “I can go anywhere in the world and feel comfortable,” says Harding. “I learn what the locals do, embrace the food and culture and stay open.” Being open is a theme that runs throughout Harding’s career trajectory.
Before joining the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, she had a successful nineyear run with the WNBA. “I played and lived in Russia, Turkey and Lithuania and during off-season toured Europe,” she recalls. “Because of the way I traveled, I’m not into touristy things. I prefer to go off the beaten path. When you live somewhere else, you just have to figure it out.”
Global Good
Harding teamed up with Giants of Africa—a nonprofit organization founded by Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri— to lead coed youth basketball programs across the African continent for the third consecutive year. “This summer we went to Mali, Cameroon and Tanzania and last year Nigeria, Senegal and Kenya,” Harding says.
“The camp gives talented kids hope and happiness. Seeing how strong these children are and what they’re forced to overcome makes my commitment absolutely worth it.”
Experience The Islands
Just Kick It
“Long Bay is the best place to kitesurf. Stay at an Airbnb on the beach and go out in the morning when the tide and winds are low, which only happens for a few hours each day,” advises Harding. “When I’m done, I make my own drinks, play music and hang out with friends on the beach. It’s definitely an all-day-houseparty-on-the-beach kind of vibe.”
Eat Well
“I’m a pescatarian, and one of my favorite places to eat on Providenciales is Mr. Grouper’s,” says Harding. “It’s a local establishment a little more inland. I usually order the blackened grouper with rice and peas— that’s their thing—and a Presidente, which can be really hard to find in America. I love eating here. Every visit I always go a few times.”
Lime Like The Locals Do
“The Thursday Fish Fry is a huge event—everyone on the island goes!” Harding shares. “They play live music, people are dancing, all the local eateries set up food booths. It’s a really big deal and a lot of fun.”