ORANJESTAD – The Wind Racers Club Aruba (WRCA) is making waves in the local sports scene as it introduces the next generation of windsurfing champions. Led by passionate parents eager to share their love for windsurfing with their kids, the club has recently transitioned under new management and is now a hub for local youth, eager to embrace the sport.
Windsurfing for All Ages
Every Sunday, members of the WRCA gather at Fishermen’s Huts for exciting races across three categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Young Guns. These categories are inspired by Blue Highway, Aruba’s unique long-distance racing strip, where many thrilling windsurfing races are held.
This past Sunday, the event received a special boost from Sara-Quita Offringa, 25-time Free Style World Windsurfing Champion, who cheered on the young participants and shared her passion for speed and the blue waters of Aruba.
New Leadership and Vision
Since July 2024, the club has been guided by a new group of board members: Hans Mondria, Marcel Nobels, Patrick Rosse, and Renier van Sisseren, all experienced windsurfers who are committed to developing the island’s windsurfing talent, especially among youth.
Youth Participation and Community Engagement
A total of 27 youngsters participated last Sunday, including 20 members and 7 non-members. The age range of participants was impressive, with the youngest racer at just 8 years old and the oldest at 14. The WRCA is determined to bring local kids into windsurfing, making it as popular as football or baseball, with accessible after-school and weekend practices.
How to Join
To participate, kids must be 8 years or older and should bring a rash guard, sunscreen, and water shoes (optional). All windsurfing equipment is provided by the club. The monthly contribution for beginner and intermediate levels is AWG 100, based on an average of AWG 25 per session. As a non-commercial initiative, the WRCA’s primary goal is to foster the growth of local windsurfing talent.
Meeting Times and Location
The club meets every Sunday at 9 AM at Fishermen’s Huts, next to Vela. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
A Rich History
Established in 1986, the WRCA initially raced at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, but has since settled at Fishermen’s Huts as the preferred location. The club has grown from hosting the first Hi-Winds competition to being a staple in Aruba’s windsurfing community, representing a group of individuals ready to take their passion for the ocean to new heights, delivering exhilarating experiences for both practitioners and spectators alike.
Photo credits : https://www.aruba.com/us/news/the-wrca-is-proud-to-introduce-the-next-generation-of-windsurfing-champions
