Windsurfing

News about windsurfing

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)

Thursday, October 04, 2007

40th Annual Bonaire International Sailing Regatta Gets Under Way

After 39 years of exciting races and spectacular activities, this year Bonaire celebrates the 40th edition of the International Sailing Regatta of Bonaire. The preparations have been in full swing, and the event will begin this weekend with a full spectrum of activities.

For those not already familiar with the Bonaire Regatta, it’s an annual sailing event with many races along the rugged 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. Daily races in various categories are scheduled during the day; the evenings are filled with a variety of cultural and folkloric shows and band performances. The races are held close to the shore so spectators can easily follow them.

The week’s schedule of events can be viewed by clicking here (in PDF format).  For additional information, visit the Regatta web site by clicking here. (Source:  Bonaire International Sailing Regatta web site)

Note Update October 9, 2007: A revised schedule of events has been posted and is available by clicking here.  (Source:  Regatta Foundation)

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Final Agenda Announced for Bonaire’s Pro Kids Freestyle Worlds 2007

From August 1st through 5th, Bonaire will once again host the Pro Kids Freestyle Worlds 2007.  This competition is in its third year, and young windsurfers from around the world flock to Sorobon at Lac Bay to compete.

The final agenda has been recently released as follows:

Wednesday 1st
16: 00 – 18:00 Registration
18: 00 - 18:30 Press Conference
18: 30 - 20: 00 Opening Ceremony

Thursday 2nd
12:00 Lunch
13: 00 Skipper’s Meeting
14: 00 Competition starts
17:00 Happy Hour

Friday 3rd
10:00 Skipper’s Meeting
11:00 Competition continues
13:00 Lunch
17:00 Happy Hour
18:00 BBQ Beach Party

Saturday 4th
10:00 Skipper’s Meeting
11:00 Competition continues
13:00 Lunch
16:00 DJ Contest
17:00 Happy Hours
Classic Free Style Expression Session TBA

Sunday 5th
09:00 Skipper’s Meeting
10:00 Competition continues
13:00 lunch
14:00 Beach Culture, Dance Contest, Fashion Show, Rap, Brass Band
17:00 Awards Ceremony

(Source:  Pro Kids Freestyle Worlds)

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Windsurfing Kids Around the World Prepare for Bonaire’s Starboard Pro Kids Freestyle Event

With the return of summer, one of windsurfing’s hottest events, the Starboard Pro Kids Freestyle World, also returns to Bonaire.  The event is set for August 1st through 5th, 2007 at windy Lac Bay.  International freestyle qualifiers have been running all spring and will continue into the summer with young freestyle talent competing for an opportunity to fly to Bonaire for this event.

The Bonaire Pro Kid’s Team will be heading off island early this summer to compete in several events and to promote the August Freestyle Event. The first stop is in Aruba at one of the sport’s oldest ongoing windsurfing events, Aruba Hi Winds. Over 60 Bonaire sailors will head to their sister island to compete in the freestyle and slalom action. This windsurf delegation will promote the Starboard Pro Kids Worlds while enjoying the Aruban hospitality and hot windsurf action. A group of Pro Kids heads to the Slalom Pro Kids Worlds in Turkey later in July. The team is comprised of nine-year old Jurgen Saragoza, ten-year old Amado Vrieswijk, twelve-year old Dylen Robles, fifteen-year old Bjorn Saragoza, fifteen-year old Clifton Pier and his older brother Harvey.  The adult chaperon will be former Olympian Constantine Saragoza, who will also compete in the Master’s Worlds. Traveling with the team for support will be the families of these talented hot shots. Pro Sailor Ruben Petrisie will be on hand to help raise the Bonaire flag at the opening ceremony. Ruben has been on the European Freestyle Tour for several years representing Bonaire. Later, Bjorn Saragoza, a Starboard and Hot Sails Team Rider, will head to the EFPT Turkey event celebrating his rise to Pro status.

Rumor has it Team Aruba has over 20 sailors flying in for the August Bonaire event. Sara Quita Offringa, one of the world’s best women freestylers will be on hand along with her equally talented brother Quincy. Other Aruban wiz kids will be in the house to represent their island. Sailors from Germany, France, Belgium, Dominican Republic, and beyond have already bought their air tickets and will begin arriving mid-July to train for the finals. The heat is on and the windsurfing place to be in August is certainly Bonaire.

For event details, contact ann@bonairewindsurfing.com. Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations will arrange discounted accommodations, gear and vehicle rental as well as hospitality support. For additional information, visit the event web site at www.prokidsfreestyle.com.

Our Event Sponsors: Starboard, RRD, TCB, Maduro and Curiel’s Bank, Rocargo, Bonaire Windsurf Place, Aquaspeed, Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, Budget Car Rental-Bonaire, Plaza Resort Bonaire, Habitat Resort, Coco Palm Garden, NetTech, Windguru, TELBO, Hot Sails Maui, Blue Lagoon.  (Source:  TCB Release)

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Visit Bonaire via Google Earth

Now afficionados of Bonaire can visit the island vicariously by viewing a new video recently posted on YouTube, utilizing Google Earth technology coupled with underwater and aerial images. 

This seven-minute video provides an overview to Bonaire’s official dive sites, along with other key spots like windsurfing at Lac Bay.  Most of the underwater photos are by Albert Bianculli.  Aerial photos are by Philip Bodifee, a KLM flight attendant who visits the island regularly.  Fans of Bonaire are encouraged to visit the site and to rate the film and share it with their dive buddies.

You may view the video by clicking here. (Source:  Sunspots Bonaire)

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Caribbean Wind and Sun Announces Fall Specials

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations has teamed up with Budget Car Rental Bonaire, Jibe City Windsurf Shop, Dive Friends, and Blachi Koko Apartments to offer fall specials for windsurfers and divers. 

Fall is a great time to visit the island, since the corals are spawning, the trade winds are blowing an average of 22 knots daily making for some decent light wind freestyle and slalom windsurfing, and air fare prices are substantially lower.

To view the details of these specials, click here.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Windsurfing “Week of Fun” Begins July 23, 2007 for Families

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, ABK Boardsports, and Jibe City have teamed up to bring a “Week of Fun” for families from July 23 through July 27th, 2007. 

There are planned activities for any member of the family including a kids-only windsurf camp, non-sailing activities for kids, and an adult ABK Clinic.  The activities will be planned for each morning of the week, Monday through Friday, leaving plenty of free time to explore the island. 

View the release by clicking here (PDF format). (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Women’s Windsurf Week on Bonaire is July 14-21, 2007

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations has joined with Bonaire Windsurf Place to create this popular windsurfing event for women, from July 14 through 21, 2007.

Bonaire is one of the world’s best places to learn to sail or improve your skills, due to its shallow depths and clear water. Bonaire Windsurf Place has state of the art 2007 gear and excellent instruction. On site is a healthy restaurant with stunning views of the sailing venue and there is plenty of shade and sun so friends and family can join in.

Various land packages are available in a wide variety of prices from apartments to oceanfront condos. Air land, clinic, car and gear packages available. This group is limited to 20 women, so interested parties should reserve their space now.  Air specials from select cities are available on a limited basis.

The week’s package includes: airport meet-and-greet, free on-island concierge service, and a welcome cocktail party. Participants will have a windsurf orientation meeting with their instructor and then three days of lessons geared especially for women. Also available on site are spa services by Luna Massage. There will be guided nature hikes, snorkel trips, and opportunities to learn to scuba dive. For those who are keen on learning to kite, instruction is available by an IKO Kite Instructor.  Special programs can be arranged to keep children or non-sailing partners busy and entertained.

Cost is USD $150.00 for the three-day clinic. Gear rental is additional. Accommodations start at USD $65.00 per night. Vehicles start at USD $176.00 per week. Taxes and insurance not included.

For additional information, contact Ann Phelan at ann@bonairewindsurfing.com or call 1-800-219-0118.