Bonaire, one of the world’s best windsurf destinations is proud to host the 4th Annual Starboard Pro Kids Worlds. Having started one of the Caribbean’s first kids only windsurf teams Bonaire is the perfect location to host a kids sailing event. Designated as the Freestyle Finals location, Bonaire welcomes all to the island during the event slated for July 27- Aug. 3.

Qualifiers are being held world wide where freestylers are competing to win a chance to compete in Bonaire at the finals. Sponsors will fly the winners to this Dutch Caribbean island where over 150 kids are expected to compete during this week long event. Along with freestyle competition there will now be slalom racing. IFCA has sanctioned Bonaire’s Aug. event so that all windsurf disciplines are represented. Along with sailing there will be a Beach Culture Week with music, food, dance and more. Windsurfing is Bonaire’s unofficial national sport so come to the island that celebrates the wind and sea and come to Starboard Pro Kids Worlds. Bon Boni (welcome).

Bonaire WAVE Challenge 2008!

Thanks to a Caribbean wide storm, the swell was enough to create a challenging wave event a Lac Cai on Saturday. The local contingent of windsurf youth and pros and a few international riders were on hand to compete in the annual wave challenge. Italian rider Davide Giardini, studying at CIEE was on hand to compete. An impressive group of junior riders were eager to sample the afternoon swell. Local pros Taty Frans, Kiri Thode and Tonky Frans each performed a set of freestyle wave feats including forward loops, table tops and more. When they were up, the junior division dazzlied the crowd in the big swells. Young Dylan Robles proves practice makes perfect. His skill in the waves has vastly improved since last year’s event. Top gun Bjorn Saragoza wowed the crowed with some sick moves.

Photos courtesy by Vanessa Zufelt

There was a large spectator crowd on hand with a mix of locals and tourists. During lunch everyone enjoyed local food including fish and fungi and creole style chicken. The mood was enhanced by Antillean and Latin music and a festive vibe. The awards ceremony was a fun time and the winners revealed were

Juniors:
1. Bjorn Saragoza (Hot Sails/Starboard)
2. Hendrick Balentien (JP)
3. Amado Vrieswjk (Hot Sails/Starboard)

Pro:
1. Taty Frans (North/Starboard)
2. Kiri Thode (Gaastra/Starboard)
3. Tonky Frans (Gaastra/F2)

Photos courtesy by Aaron Balentien

Thanks to the following supporters who provided prizes, event support and cash: Fast Forward, Jibe City, Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, Bonaire Windsurf Place, AB Car Rental, Bonaire Seaside Apartments, Antillean Wine Company, The Island Supplier, Divi Hotel Bonaire, The Red Cross and Aquaspeed.

Ann Phelan Press PR
www.prokidsfreestyle.com
BSaF

for more pictures click here.

TATY CHALLENGE 2008
Around the island of Bonaire
in 3 hours and 43 minutes

Bonaire’s own professional windsurfer, Taty Frans has windsurfed around the beautiful island of Bonaire. Situated in the Netherland Antilles, Bonaire is rapidly becoming known as one of the premiere windsurf destinations.
For Taty, the circumnavigation was the biggest challenge of his life and career. He windsurfed around the island in a record time of 3 hours and 43 minutes.
The residents of Bonaire came out to see this talented young
man demonstrate his skills.
The local and international media were present to cover the extravaganza.
This was truly an unforgettable day for windsurfing and Bonaire!

(Article in Papiamento "Extra Bonaire 3-3-2008)
KRALENDIJK—E hóben windsurfista Tati Frans, djasabra último promé di mart a pone un hazaña un “record” pasando rònt Boneiru riba su planki di windsurf den kuater ora i 43 minüt. Dòkter Castro
ku a chèk e atleta promé ku su salida i tambe na su yegada a kontrolá e hóben i deklará ku
e ta den perfekto kondishon. Un kantidat di grandi di públiko tabata dilanti Kas di Regata djasabra mainta pa yegada di Tati despues di a pasa rònt Boneiru riba su planki. Tabata 8or di mainta en
punto ku Tati a sali riba e trayekto kompañá pa Patun“Olímpiko” Saragoza ku a kompañ’é te na Sorobon/Lac. Dòkter Castro a hasi un tremendo trabou kompañando e atletanan for di diferente sitio
na kosta i tambe a kontrolá Patun na su yegada na Sorobon/Lac. Tati mes na su yegada a
duna di konosé ku e ta sintié bon di kondishon i di salú sin ningun problema promé ku Dr.
Castro a kontrolé. Tabata un tremendo hazaña di Tati poniendo un “record” tras di su nòmber i ku lo bai den historia. Tati pabien di parti redakshon deportivo di e korant aki.

Riba fotonan momentu ku
Tati tabata yegando Kas di Regata bèk djasabra mainta djis promé ku 12or, despues di su hazaña rònt Boneiru riba su planki di windsurf den tres ora i 43 minüt, tambe momentu ku Dr. Castro a kontrolé e hóben na su regreso di e trayekto.

STARBOARD Prokids World Championship
Youth Freestyle
27 July - 3 August 2008

PROKIDS Freestyle 2006 DVD from DASHER films

Starring: All ProKids 2006 particiants, including the Champions Sara Quita Offringa, Kiri Thode and more . . . DVD Video: 60 minutes - Menu - Chapters - Bonus Tricks - Bonaire travel and Region Free.