The Calema Midwinter Windsurfing Festival, the largest US Windsurfing event, will take place in Merritt Island from Feb. 28 - March 3. The event is an International Windsurfing Association Sanctioned event, and will includes the Techno 293 North American Championships and the Kona National Championships.It is expected to draw windsurfers from around the world. The action will be based at Calema Windsurfing and Watersports, in Kelly Park on N. Banana River Drive, Merritt Island.
This festival strives to bring together World Cup Pros, Olympic Class Competitors, Beginner sailors and all other levels in between. In addition to competition, there will be classes for all skill levels and type of equipment.
Lessons
For those interested in learning a watersport, Calema's offers private and small group instruction year round at all levels in Windsurfing, Stand-Up Paddling and Sailing. They also offer group clinics and camps as well as rentals. Instructors are all US Sailing certified.
While lessons are available for kids and adults year round, during summer break, they begin their Kid’s Summer Camp Season. Kids can learn Windsurfing, Sailing, Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddling in various camp formats. For camp dates and registration see the “For Kids” page on the website. Camps are for ages 8-18 and are available for all skill levels.
Olympic coach
Calema owner and head coach, Tinho Dornellas, is not only U.S. Sailing certified, but also one of only two Master Instructors in the U.S. When asked how he became interested in windsurfing, he stated, " In 1978 in Portugal, waiting for waves. I saw someone going out through the chop, then coming back in surfing. WOW surfing BOTH ways! I have to do that! " In addition to coaching, Tinho also designs his own boards.
Windsurfing is catching on around the world, but especially in areas that aren't blessed with natural waves. Like stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing can be enjoyed on any inland body of water, as long as there is a breeze. Watch Windsurfing Freestyle World Champion, Gollito Estredo as he demonstrates just what is possible. If it appeals, put Calema Windsurfing Festival on the calendar for February 28 - March 3.
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