La Ventana WINDFEST sets 2016 dates, expands event
Published on October 1st, 2015
The La Ventana WINDFEST, a tournament for kiteboarders and windsurfers, returns for the 2nd year in a row and expands to four days. The event will be held from January 20-23 in the town of La Ventana, Mexico, a popular destination for kite and windsurfers located 40 minutes drive south of La Paz.
The tournament is open to all kiteboard and windsurf skill levels from ages 10+, encouraging participants to have fun with these sports. Activities include downwinders, racing, slalom, freestyle tricks, big air competitions for prizes, all while benefiting the local economy and encouraging the next generation of champions.
WINDFEST is the creation of 4 Elements Kiteboarding founder and La Ventana resident Xantos Villegas, after seeing a glaring absence of a community event in the area for several years. “We have such an amazing community around these sports and our local businesses depend on events like this. What better way to boost the economy than to bring everyone together to have fun?”
But WINDFEST is not just about fun. To ensure a professional event, he has included professional race director Rob Dean. “We want up-and-coming champions to experience what it is like to compete in a world class event. That way we can help them get to the next level and build their track record,” says Villegas.
This year the event includes the addition of a freestyle category at the request of last year’s participants, more time for the big air competitions, and the addition of standup paddle (SUP) games. WINDFEST closes with the largest after-party in La Ventana, where awards are given, raffles drawn, and dancing begins to the hottest upcoming bands and DJs from La Paz.
The freestyle and big air events are also what typically draws the largest crowds as onlookers are wowed by complex tricks and long hang times from the kiteboarders. Admission is free for spectators and there will be food and beverages for sale at the event site.
Registration for those who want to participate in the events is not open yet, but there will be different prizes for the various categories of games they can register for. Participants are encouraged to follow the Facebook event page for updates and announcements for open registration:
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