Aruba Rides the Wave of Adventure with Thrilling
 Annual Hi-Winds Windsurfing Competition

Aruba celebrates the 23rd anniversary of the annual Aruba Hi-Winds, the largest amateur windsurfing event in the Caribbean. The event, taking place July 1 - 6, 2009 at the Fisherman’s Huts and Boca Grandi on the east side of the island, features exciting windsurfing and kite boarding competitions for visitors of all ages. Aruba, famous for its year-round trade winds and calm seas, makes the island nation the perfect location for this series of events that attract professionals and amateurs alike.

The Hi-Winds competition includes races for windsurfing and kite boarding. Categories featured are long distance, course racing, slalom and freestyle for windsurfing; and course racing and freestyle for kite boarding. Each category is open for men, women, masters, juniors and kids.

In addition to enjoying the competitions during the day, the Hi-Winds organizing committee has put together fun festivities to entertain all participants and guests in the evenings. Celebrations include a welcome party at Moomba on the first evening, followed by an elegant dinner on the beach hosted by Divi Resorts. On Saturday, dinner will be served at De Palm Island, and Sunday’s party will take place on the beach with live music.

This historic event dates back to 1987, where the Hi-Winds competition was the first event dedicated to hosting world champions and professionals in the windsurfing community. In 1997, the organizing committee turned the Hi-Winds from a top race to a fun, amateur event appealing to all kinds of audiences. In recent years, Freestyle Windsurfing was added to the program and freestylers now compete for the coveted crown of “King of the Huts.” The event’s latest addition to the program is kite boarding, which has turned the competition into an immediate success with all audiences.

To view a full event schedule, entry fees and competition requirements for Hi-Winds, please visit www.hiwinds-aruba.com.  For more information on travel to Aruba, please visit www.aruba.com.