Courtesy of: The Morning News
By: Rosalie Klein
The registration desks open tomorrow for the 27th annual Aruba Hi-Winds, one of the most prestigious PRO/AM windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions in the Caribbean. Registration will be followed by the official opening ceremonies and a welcome party at the Fisherman’s Huts area north of the Marriott Resorts.
This year, the two organizers charged with putting this massive event together are Cees Terpstra and Jorke Braaksma. They claimed to have changed a few things. “The Hi Winds will be bigger and better than ever,” they announced to island media at Casa Tua last Friday. “This year we will bring diversity and excitement to the activities with our 1stAruba Hi-Winds XCC Mountain Bike Event. There will be more long distance races for windsurfers and kiters, a beach tennis competition and SUP races. Now everyone can participate in the Aruba Hi-Winds!”
A traditional part of the Hi Winds are a constant parade of festivities to keep spectators on the entertained and engages, such as the Fashion Show and a Night Kite Show. Radio Station Cool FM will transmit from the beach and there will be a Lounge with bargain priced ice cold beer all week long. Night time entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will include: Zazazú, Earplugs, DJ Mr. Ed. D, Datapanik, Mystical Connection and Honeypot, for an endless beach party.
This year, Aruba Hi Winds is hosting international celebrities on the circuit. Famed professional kitesurfer Rob Douglas, the speed sailing world record holder at 55.65 knots, will participate in the long distance races. Also pro kitesurfers Damien Leroy and Melissa Gil will strengthen the jury of the Hi-Winds.
The week of the Hi Winds will end on Monday, July 8, with the awards night conducted at Paseo Herencia Shopping Mall.
After the prizes are awarded the annual Event Movie, an anecdotal recounting of the highlights of the week, will be screened The organization of the Aruba Hi-Winds everyone to enjoy the trial and triumphs, hilarity and tears.
For the latest news and race results, visit the event website: www.hiwindsaruba.com or the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/arubahiwinds where fabulous photos and videos will be posted daily. iPhone users can also download the free Aruba Hi-Winds App to stay up to the minute on all the news and happenings of this exciting event. Sunbathers should keep their cameras handy for the beautiful sight of colorful sails zipping along the Palm Beach coastline.
