Friday, May 20th marked the start of the Festival del Viento 2016, a highly anticipated event organized by the Mexican Association of Kiteboard B.C. [AMK]. On the beaches of Riviera Nayarit, where good wind blows from March to June, the morning started in Boracay, where the event was hosted, with a well marked line wind that appeared on the horizon.
Finishing installation details, living and admiring the transformation of the beach thanks to the event sponsors: Riviera Nayarit, TRON-X and Slingshot, Pepsi and TUFESA, the competition began with the arrival of the wind. The AMK and VSF were grateful to nature which gave them winds blowing at 20+ knots over the 3-day event period.
There was a lot of emotion behind the curtain as they began Freestyle competitions. For the women, it was Raquel Arroyo who won 1st place, followed by Carolin Nusser Germany in 2nd place and 3rd place Debora Mestre. Carlos Rosas, “the Deer,” and one of the founders of AMK and co-organizer of FDV, said this, “has been the best event to date in Mexico, much thanks to the efforts and dedication of members of the AMK, the support of sponsors.”
Colorful lycras for 203 competitors on the beach was spectacular to see thanks to ULAB Beach Wear. On Saturday 23, Vallarta Plus transported competitors to Marina Riviera Nayarit where they started the traditional Downwind of 10 kms. Talking to the official broadcaster of VSF for 7th consecutive year, “Captain Danger”, Francisco Cabildo Quiroz, narrated that, “Santiago Ramirez won in the Downwind foil kite, leading the group of more than 200 competitors from La Cruz to BucerÃas in an colorful and spectacular arrival to a beach full of kites, bikinis and style. “Xanthos Villegas came in 2nd place, followed by Pedro Pablo Gonzalez in 3rd place, 4th Adam Finer the 5th Carlos Rosas, 6th Alberto Martinez, 7th Agustin Tapia, 8th Oscar Peregrina, 9th Anthony Legare and Luis Geraldo in 10th.”
The event ended with music by DJ Cheto, lots of playing in the waves and enjoying ceviche toast, Pepsi and Tequila Cava de Oro, while many appreciated the sunset, kited and and enjoyed the good lifestyle offered by this sport that moves us so much. Life is more beautiful when the wind blows.
Final Downwind Results
Juniors
1- Anthony Lagare
2- Anthar Racca
3- Santiago Mestre
Seniors
1- Pedro Pablo González
2- Agustin Tapia
3- Luis Geraldo Chávez
Masters
1- Carlos Rosas
2- Alberto MartÃnez
3- Óscar Peregrina
Grand Masters
1- Fernando López
2- Merle Mcassey
3- Federico Ashida Ponce
Women
1- Raquel Arroyo
2- Alina Karam
3- Maru de la Peña
Foilrace
1- Santiago RamÃrez
2- Xantos Villegas
3- Adam Finer
Twintip Overall
1- Pedro Pablo González
2- Carlos Rosas
3- Alberto MartÃnez
Slalom
1- Xantos Villegas y Carlos Rosas
2- Pedro Pablo González y Agustin Tapia
3- Alberto MartÃnez y Jaime Ancira
Pro
1- Anthar Racca
2- Anthony Lagare
3- Andres Tapia
Old School Master
1- Carlos Rosas
2- Jaime Ancira
3- Foka Racca
Old School Open
1- Carlos Rosas
2- Juan Pablo Tron
3- Jaime Ancira
Women
1- Raquel Arroyo
2- Caro N.
3- Debora Mestre
Best Trick
1- Anthar Racca
2- Jaime Ancira
3- Juan Pablo Tron y Anthony Lagare
Long Distance Regatta
1- Xantos Villegas
Photos provided by Tina Lang at Kitesurf Vacation Mexico.