Windsurfing

News about windsurfing

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Kids Windsurfing Clinics to be Held in July, August, and October, 2009

Jibe City is pleased to offer their popular Summer Kids Clinics again during July, August, and October, 2009.  These clinics are for children ages 7 through 17, with beginner and intermediate instruction offered by Jibe City’s teaching staff in the shallow and protected waters of Bonaire’s Lac Bay.

The winds in Lac Bay are onshore and the water is a comfortable temperature, so many say Lac Bay is the best place in the world to learn to windsurf.  These clinics offer the perfect opportunity to have the kids learn to windsurf, while parents can enjoy the island themselves with either surfing, kiting, or diving.

The clinics include:

- Three morning windsurf lessons under supervision of professional instructors
- All windsurf equipment for three mornings
- Jibe City surf shirt
- STINAPA Nature fee tag
- Lunch at the Hang Out bar

Dates for the clinics are July 6-8, July 13-15 (freestyle only), July 20-22, July 27-29, August 3-5, and October 19-21.  Times are from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM each morning.  Cost is $200.00 per child.  Those interested in participating should email by clicking here.  Accommodation packages are also available.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Bonaire Hosts IFCA Slalom and Pro Kids Junior Worlds and Youth and Masters World Championships

Bonaire is proud to welcome the IFCA Slalom and the Pro Kids Junior Worlds and Youth and Masters World Championships. The event will be held on Sorobon Beach, Lac Bay, from July 12th through 18th, 2009. 

Bonaire has hosted several PWA windsurfing events in recent years. The island also has been the site for the Annual Starboard Pro Kids Worlds held each summer.  As the sport grows and expands, it makes sense to bring slalom windsurf racing back to Bonaire.

Lac Bay offers perfect race conditions with water temperatures in the low 80s.  The bay is a protected area affording all racers safe and challenging courses. The entire island warmly welcomes freestylers, and the new slalom competitors, in July, 2009.

The event will officially open on July 12th, with slalom racing running July 13th through 17th.  After this competition concludes, the freestylers will take over on July 18th and 19th with the Starboard Pro Kids Youth Freestyle World Championship.

For additional information visit the two event web sites:  Slalom by clicking here, and Freestyle by clicking here.  (Source:  Starboard Pro Kids Championship and IFCA Slalom Championship Web Sites)

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Bonaire Windsurfers Race to Curacao to Help One of Their Own

March 8th will be a day to go “into the books” when Constantin “Patun” Saragoza and Elton “Taty” Frans windsurf from Bonaire to Curacao. The event is a fundraiser for one of Bonaire’s own, Erwin Muller. 

Erwin, a dive master and former windsurfer, suffered a serious stroke in January. He is recuperating in Curacao and has a long rehabilitation ahead. Erwin is well known in the community for being a man who loves adventure--whether it’s riding his quad or delivering a yacht across the Caribbean.

Locals and tourists are rallying to support Erwin and his family, Ellen and Jason. The March 8th race is dedicated to Erwin, one of the original founders of windsurfing on Bonaire.  Saragoza, a former Olympian, will race across to Curacao with Pro Windsurfer, Taty Frans. Taty, one of the top freestylers in the world, recently circumnavigated the island in 2008. He is perhaps the fastest slalom sailor presently on Bonaire.

The race commences at 9 AM outside BOPEC. Spectators are welcome to attend the send-off. Helicopters and chase boats will accompany the two sailors across the passage to Curacao. The record, set back in the 1980s by Erwin himself, is 4 hours. They will race to Light House Point on the East side of Curacao and then head down to the pier near Breezes Resort.

Donations for this fundraiser may be contributed via Paypal to Erwin2CanDive@gmail.com or by depositing funds locally into an account at Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (Bonaire), #400 050 800 c/o Linda Baker.  For those who wish to contribute, but cannot do so via these methods, contact Elvis Martinus at 786-2288.

For those wishing to accompany the flotilla, it is important that clearance be authorized in advance.  Contact Elvis at the number provided above for clearance. The safety of the two windsurfers is paramount, and this will be an exciting yet intense voyage. We wish them well as they race for a fellow man of the sea, Erwin Muller.  To follow Erwin’s recovery, click here. (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Note Update March 8, 2009: The event is postponed until March 22, 2009, due to a Mariners/Small Craft Advisory. Call 786-2288 for further details.

Note Update March 27, 2009: The event should now take place on March 28, 2009.  Call 786-2288 for last-minute confirmation.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Bonaire Briefs--News and Happenings Around the Island of Bonaire

Here’s some of the latest news from the island, perfect for divers, adventurers, families and sun-seekers.

Bonaire Seaside Apartments offer “value with a view” in their newly discounted three bedroom villas.  Previously priced at $500 per night, these spacious, modern apartments are now priced at $320 per night up to quad occupancy, $350 per night if shared by five or six people. Oceanfront, fully air-conditioned studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are also available. Conveniently located within easy walking distance of Bonaire’s capital, Kralendijk, these modern units feature a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living areas, and porch or balcony overlooking Bonaire’s picturesque anchorage and nearby Klein Bonaire.

Dive services are provided by neighboring Dive Friends Bonaire@Yellow Submarine, a PADI Gold Palm Resort and National Geographic Family Dive Center.

Seven night Drive & Dive Packages are now only $756.00 pp based on six people sharing a three-bedroom villa, including one manual transmission truck, 3 days of 2-tank boat diving, plus 6 days of unlimited shore diving, free upgrades for Nitrox divers and government room tax.  Prices are valid through April 17, 2009.  Toll free 1-800-382-1094, www.bonaireseasideapartments.com

Buddy Dive Resort has begun a major renovation of all their guest rooms, including all new furniture in the living rooms, totally new bathrooms, and new kitchens complete with all new equipment.  Buddy Dive has elected a modern look combined with comfortable furniture. The sofas and the dining table chairs will give their divers the opportunity to relax after their dives.

The Digital Photo Center at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire also recently underwent an upgrade of their cameras in their rental line.  They are now offering Canon A650 IS cameras in Ikelite housings, which record 12 megapixel images, so there is an amazing amount of detail.  Rental cameras are preset for optimal settings for Bonaire, which takes the guess work out of underwater photography. In addition to camera and strobe rentals, the Digital Photo Center features a half-day photo class that can be personalized to participant’s specific needs no matter what the photographic skill level.

Buddy Dive Resort continues to upgrade its technical diving product under the leadership of Dive Operations Manager, Augusto Montbrun. Today, they are able to offer Tec Diving courses from TDI, and the resort has rearranged the fill station area adding a complete and new partial pressure gas blending station where they are able to fill their tech diving tanks and prepare custom blends at the desire of their clientele.  www.buddydive.com

Den Laman Condominiums’ waterfront restaurant, Sunset Bar & Grill, operated by Kirk Gosden of Lion’s Den fame, is now offering room service to guests of the resort. Originally open only for dinner, the restaurant has also recently opened for lunch. The Sunset Bar & Grill is open daily (excluding Wednesdays) from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM for lunch, and 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM for dinner.

In addition to the restaurant, Den Laman features 16 modern fully A/C apartments with state-of-the-art kitchens, dining, and living areas. It is also home to Fish Eye Photo, a full service photo & video facility, as well as Bonaire Dive & Adventure, a PADI 5-Star Gold Palm full service dive and eco-adventure facility. 

Seven night Drive & Dive Packages start at $735.00 per person in studio accommodations and include a manual transmission rental truck, 6 days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, free Nitrox upgrades, and room tax. Boat dive package upgrades are also available, as are packages for one- and two-bedroom apartments. Prices are valid through April 17, 2009.  Toll free 1-800-382-1094, www.denlaman.com

Golden Reef Inn is offering a variety of specials over the coming months, including the following:  March, 2009 is the Ladies Special, for lady divers only, offering 8 days/7 nights of divine delights.  April, 2009 is Mature Shore Diving for those 50 and over, where a Sherpa will be provided, someone who can help you carry your gear from truck to water and back, and help with equipment, for those who desire it.  May, 2009 is for the Macro Photographer and Wanna-bes when staff from Fish Eye Photo will help with tips on underwater photography and editing.  June, 2009 offers two nights free when the June trip is booked and paid for now.  August, 2009 offers special packages with one night free, when a seven-night package is booked.  Guest is responsible for taxes for the seventh night.  www.goldenreefinn.com

Sand Dollar Condominium Resort, dive partner Bonaire Dive & Adventure, a PADI 5-star Gold Palm and SSI Scuba Training Facility, has just added the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty to their course offerings. This half-day course is available for $120.00 per student, excluding book, table and tax. Once completed, all Sand Dollar guests with a pre-paid dive package can receive free Nitrox upgrades for their remaining dive days.

Sand Dollar and Bonaire Dive & Adventures Ride to the Reef Package, based on four people sharing a spacious water-view, two-bedroom/two-bathroom condominium, is US $911.00 per diver, US $627.00 per vacationer.  The package includes seven nights accommodations, 6 days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, 6 one-tank boat dives, free Nitrox upgrades, daily breakfast buffet, manual transmission pick-up truck, and room tax (Nitrox Specialty not included.) Packages for shore diving only, as well as studio, one-, and three-bedroom accommodations are also available. Prices are valid through April 17, 2009.  Toll Free 1-800-288-4773, www.sanddollarbonaire.com

Bencho Car Rental specializes in Toyota Hilux pickup trucks for rental vehicles, and offers a special package where one day is free for each seven-day rental. A seven-day rental is $281.02, with one day free.  A 14-day rental is $562.04, with two days free, and a 21-day rental is $846.06, with three days free.  All rates include CDW, sales tax, and vehicle tax.  www.benchocarrental.com

Bonaire Tours & Vacations is offering a group special, valid now through April 15, 2009, for round-trip airport transfers and luggage handling.  Get one free for a group of twelve, or two free with a group of twenty. 

Bonaire Tours & Vacations also handles wedding planning, and has packages starting at $600.00, including all paperwork and the wedding day arrangements.  Those planning to get married on Bonaire can enjoy a romantic escape combined with their honeymoon, when they let a professional wedding planner make all the arrangements.  www.bonairetours.com

Jody’s Fashion & Music, a well known shop located in the center of Bonaire, has just completed a new Women’s Department.  Offering fashions for men, women, and youngsters, Jody’s has the latest board shorts, polo shirts, and original Nike sneakers.  The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 PM to 5:00 PM.

Bambu French/International Restaurant is offering a complete new dinner menu in addition to a monthly Gastronomic Evening, held every first Thursday in the month.  Their chef prepares an exclusive 5-course dinner, with all new dishes not on their regular menu. The price is Nafl. 75.00 per person, excluding beverages; reservations are necessary and should be made at least one day in advance.

Philip’s Cooking & Organizing and Suze’s Wedding Planning together offer catering with a personal touch.  Meals can be prepared for a romantic twosome on the beach, for large groups up to 50 persons, or for special or business events.  By using a caterer, the host and hostess can be a guest themselves, and enjoy their own dinner party!  Services include catered meals or party snacks, cooking lessons, and cooking demonstrations.  Full wedding planning is also available.

Telerin Car Rental announces that all new double-cabin pickup trucks are now in and available for rentals.  These manual-transmission trucks feature power steering, air-conditioning, radio (AM/FM) and CD, and have a central locking dive rack.  Telerin is committed to continuously improving the quality of their service to their customers.

BonairePros.com is offering new package options for windsurfing that include new accommodation options, discount car rental, and equipment rental at Jibe City and Bonaire Windsurf Place. New dive package options are also being offered featuring Bonaire’s favorite dive resorts and new lodging/dive operator combinations.

(Source:  TCB-NY)

Friday, September 26, 2008

41st Bonaire International Sailing Regatta is October 5 through 11, 2008

The Bonaire Regatta is an annual sailing event with many races along the coast of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. All kinds of boats, hailing from all over the world, participate in this sailing competition. Added to this are windsurfing and freestyle competitions. 

Throughout the week, daily races in various categories are scheduled during the day; the races are held close to the shoreline so spectators can easily follow them.  The evenings are filled with a variety of cultural and folkloric shows and band performances.  The Bonaire Regatta Festival takes place on the boulevard and on the streets of Kralendijk. Stands with local “criollo” food, souvenirs, and handicrafts attract locals as well as visitors. International and local bands perform on stage every day of this festive week.

The complete schedule of events can be viewed by clicking here (in PDF format).  For additional information, please view the web site of the event by clicking here.  (Source:  Bonaire Regatta Web Site)

Note Update: Thanks to Bonaire Insider reader, Kathi Risenhoover, images of the Parade of Nations from the 2008 Bonaire Sailing Regatta are available on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

The 4th Annual Starboard Pro Kids Worlds Begin July 27, 2008

This weekend begins the fourth annual Pro Kids World Freestyle Windsurfing Championships at Lac Bay, sponsored by Starboard. 

Many young windsurfing superstars from around the world are already on Bonaire, practicing in Lac Bay’s perfect conditions.  The event will host a wide variety of activities during the upcoming week, with something for everyone.  View the schedule (in PDF format) by clicking here. (Source:  Pro Kids Web Site)

Friday, June 20, 2008

Jibe City to Hold First Fashion and Dance Show on Friday, June 27, 2008

Jibe City will hold its first Fashion and Dance Show on Friday, June 27, 2008 beginning at 5:30 PM at the Jibe City location at Lac Bay.

The show will highlight the season’s newest beach fashions, including designs from manufacturers Reef, Toes on the Nose, Dakine, O’Neill, Body Glove, Rip Curl, and others, and a surprise drink and snacks will be available.  Following the show, the Jibe City store will be open for late night shopping until 10:00 PM for those who wish to purchase any of the fashions highlighted in the show. (Source:  Jibe City)

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Annual Bonaire Wave Challenge is Scheduled for March 15 and 16, 2008

This annual event is fun for both participants and spectators.  Always held during Bonaire’s windy season, the Wave Challenge pits visiting sailors against Bonaire’s local pros and amateurs.  The event takes place at Cai on Lac Bay, and it’s fun to watch the windsurfers catapult off huge waves for some impressive aerobatics.

Images of last year’s event are available on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here. 

This year’s event is hosted and directed by Elvis Martinus of Bonaire Windsurf Place, and heats will run from 11:00 AM through to 5:00 PM both days.  Thanks go to the current sponsors:  Bonaire Seaside Apartments, Fast Forward/Ellen Faller, AB Car Rental, Antillean Wine Company, The Island Supplier, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino, Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, Jibe City, and Bonaire Windsurf Place.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Note Update March 15, 2008: This event has been postponed.  No further information is available.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Caribbean Wind and Sun Vacations Premiers Quarterly Newsletter

Caribbean Wind and Sun Vacations has just issued their first newsletter, highlighting upcoming events and special trips with a focus on windsurfing and diving on Bonaire.

Ann Phelan, owner/operator of Caribbean Wind and Sun Vacations, specializes in windsurfing and diving/snorkeling trips to Bonaire.  This issue of the quarterly newsletter discusses upcoming ABK windsurfing camps, new boards available to demo when next on Bonaire, as well as specialized travel weeks.  You may read this newsletter by clicking here.  Email Caribbean Wind and Sun Vacations to be added to their mailing list.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Monday, November 26, 2007

End of the Year Races are Slated for the December 15th Weekend

Bonaire will hold its annual End of the Year Race the weekend of December 15th and 16th, 2007. Registration for the fishing tournament is Friday the 14th from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM.  The fishing tournament takes place early Saturday morning.  On Sunday, there will be an all-craft sailing race.

Yachts, Optimists, windsurfers and wooden boats will all race around Klein Bonaire on Sunday, December 16th, 2007 at 10:00 AM. This fun race/event is held in Kralendijk at Kas Di Regatta. Organized by Bonaire Sailing Foundation, it’s an annual, fun competition where pros and local sailors meet and compete. Children, as well, participate.  New this year will be a Stand Up Paddle Board demo (SUP). SUP is the newest watersport creating a buzz in the windsurf world. These large, floaty boards designed by Starboard will be on hand for a demonstration.

Island guests and tourists are welcome to attend and participate in the races to create an international event. There will be a festive atmosphere all weekend at Kas Di Regatta, so all are encouraged to attend.  For further information, contact Elvis Martinus at 011-599-717-2288.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)