Foiling fever is increasing in the Caribbean. To capitalize on this, Maxim van den Pol and Sacha van der Wouden have co-founded the Caribbean Foiling Championships, set for February 21 to 23, 2020, in St. Martin. Some 60 foilers, including kite and wind foilers divided into professional and leisure classes, are expected to compete. Enthusiasm is evident as competitors from St. Martin, St. Barths, Martinique, Guadeloupe, France and the Netherlands confirmed their attendance in the first week of registration in August.
“Foil boarding is a recent and popular development in the kitesurfing and windsurfing world, with participation rates in Generation Y and Millennials (15- to 35-year old’s) skyrocketing,” says van der Wouden. “It consists of adding a hydrofoil under the board to limit water resistance which elevates the rider above the water. As such, foil boarders seem to be floating above the surface in a fast, free and fluid movement.”
The first day of the Caribbean Foiling Championships features competition in and around Orient Bay and St. Martin’s offshore island of Tintamarre. The second day’s action moves to Nettle Bay (Marigot). The third and last day presents the spectacular finale of a ‘round the island’ race. Guadeloupe kite foiler, Sebastien Queney, who holds the circumnavigation record of 1 hour 29 minutes and 32 seconds, is entered and looking forward to defending his title. Organizers will offer a special spectator boat package for those who want to watch the action up close.
Register by October 31, 2019 to receive a 20 percent discount on the entry fee. www.caribbeanfoiling.com
