Article by Rosalie Klein, courtesy of:
The Morning NewsSince its early years in the mid-eighties, when windsurfing greats like Robby Naish and Bjorn Dunkerbeck raced in Aruba year after year, the Aruba Hi-Winds has remained one of the biggest names in windsurfing events in the Caribbean, including freestyle windsurfing and Kiteboarding.
Aruba is blessed with almost ideal wind- and water conditions for windsurfing and Kiteboarding. Whether you’re a traditional down-wind slalom racer, a fearless freestyler or if you’ve joined the newest craze in watersports: kiteboarding, the Aruba Hi-Winds is there for you!
Besides being a first-rate windsurfing and Kiteboarding event, the Aruba Hi-Winds is renowned for having an extensive and exhilarating entertainment and social program for its competitors and friends. Participating in the Aruba Hi-Winds means partying from start to finish!
Tomorrow, Palm Beach sunbathers should watch for the breathtaking sight of dozens of sails on the horizon and have your cameras ready, as the 24th annual Aruba Hi-Winds takes off today with their welcome event at Buster’s Garage in the South Beach Center.
Windsurfing Slalom and Kiteboarding competitions will begin at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, providing ample photo ops and a charming sight for all those on the beach. Monday afternoon, the organizing committee, consisting of Frank and Wim Eelens, Evert Bongers, Maartje Dolfing, Mann Bijl and Ron Henriquez welcomed island media to MooMba Beach Bar and Restaurant to outline the five days of activities, which comprise the Aruba Hi-Winds, including the beach events for spectators.
One of the most popular amateur windsurfing events in the world, the Aruba Hi-Winds attracts an international coterie of competitors. The races are punctuated by festive evening gatherings and great beach parties over the weekend along with daily happy hours, this year sponsored by Amstel Bright. This year, 4-time Dutch Kite-boarding champion Jalou Langeree has agreed to be the judge of the competitions, as well as provide a number of demonstrations of her winning technique.
Friday, beginning at 4:30 p.m. DJ Jason and DJ Theo will keep the sounds spinning during a dinner on the beach sponsored by De Suikertuintje and Delifrance restaurants. That same day, a workshop in Capoeira will be conducted Abad a Capoeira at 3:30 p.m. Cool FM DJ’s will take over Saturday at 2:00 p.m. to provide the background for a Zumba workshop and one of the famous beach parties with live bands Earplugs and Datapanik.
There will also be a spectacular display of athletic prowess and lighting effects over the shoreline with the Night Riders Show at sunset; not to be missed!
The Sunday of the HiWinds has always been a special day for beach activities, this year including a Bula fashion show, and competitions in Jerk Dance and Body Painting sponsored by Spare- time. Mystical Connection will join Datapanik while spectators can enjoy the famous freestyle King and Prince of the Huts competitions, another Night Riders show will be staged from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Soccer fans can also enjoy the great outdoors while keeping up with World Cup action, which will be broadcast from several screens. Final award presentation will take place at Paseo Herencia Mall on Monday evening, July 5.
The Aruba Hi-Winds 2010 is here offering five days of fun times on the water and along the shore. Check their website hiwinds-aruba.com for a full schedule of events, competitors and racing results. As organizers state “Be there for the big air!”
