Still no official IFCA races today due to lack of wind. We were able to hold a funrace. All competitors were asked to participate, and it was a surprise that there were approximately 70 contestants. Everybody is eager to go surfing! [more]

With 70 competitors starting together at the same moment, the chaos at the first gibe marker couldn’t be avoided. The first price for participants above 18 was a six-pack of Polar beer, so all the surfers went crazy.


Ben van der Steen was practically leading the race from the start. But, just a couple of meters ahead of the finish, the wind dropped. At that moment Jocelyn de Souza (17 years) took his shot, but he was already too late. Van der Steen finished first and can proudly receive his six-pack of Polar. Runner up, de Souza, deserves some credit for defeating a lot of great surfers. The third place was for Amado Vrieswijk, the sixteen-year-old racer from Bonaire. Very nice Amado!


We are hoping for a lot of wind tomorrow because want to see some great surfing. Luckily we could give the big crowds (hundreds visited Surf Town today) a taste of what slalom windsurfing is all about.


Pics







There hasn’t been any races on Day 1. The wind stayed steady around 8 knots (a minimum of 11 knots is needed). Predictions for the next couple of days are looking good though. [more]


The delay gave the volunteers and organization the time to relax after the big opening ceremony. The Surf Town has been perfected for the expected crowds this Easter weekend. The competitors enjoyed themselves with some wake-boarding and Stand UP Paddle-boarding (offered by local windsurf school Windsurfing Curacao).


If you want to know who is competing in which class, check the complete Entry List.


More on the event website, including photos from Bea Moedt to give you an impression of the day.


Livestream


The IFCA Slalom World Championships on Curacao has officially started with a grand opening ceremony. With 85 competitors from 16 different countries from 4 different continents, this is the biggest windsurfing event on Curacao since the 90’s.[more]


During the opening ceremony there were various prominent speakers, such as Prime Minister Schotte, Minister of Education and Sports Lionel Jansen, President of the IFCA and main sponsors Albert Heijn and InselAir. They all had a similar message: the unique accomplishment of the organization and the Curacao windsurf community to be able to organize such a big international event.


The ministers officially opened the Surf Town, which features various shops, bars and entertainment. Afterwards there was a DJ and completely in style: a campfire on the beach.