2016 Windvibes Watersports Event Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

Founder Hope LeVin’s Dream Attracts an International Crowd to the Turks & Caicos Islands

If you were a 13 year old girl what’s the kind of activity you’d want to do? Hang out with your friends in the mall? Check out the latest music video on YouTube? Or maybe, organize a massive water sports event that draws an international crowd?

If that last one surprised you, then you’ll be amazed about the story of Hope LeVin who did just that.

Event Date

The 2016 Windvibes Watersports Event takes place on Long Bay Beach on Providenciales, with a start time of 10am, and is a larger-than-life manifestion of Hope LeVin’s dreams from when she was just 13 years old. And, Sunday, July 10, 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the annual event!

Windvibes Watersports…An Event for Everyone!

Since planning each event is a tremendous undertaking, we were lucky enough that LeVin was able to share her story and her vision for the 2016 event with us via email. When asked to describe what makes this event special, Hope generously provided some great information about the history of the event:

“Windvibes is a unique experiential event because all the attendees actually get involved. It’s an amateur “competition” with the goal of promoting watersports to normal people. This concept came around as I was travelling to events that only focused on professional athletes and everyone else was just meant to be a spectator. Many people can get inspired by watching, but you can’t replace the feeling of actually being on the water yourself.”

“Unfortunate weather conditions also brought around another big change for Windvibes. We had several years with no wind (it became the local joke that Windvibes day was the day to go fishing!) and so given the ability though Big Blue Unlimited’s fleet of watercraft which they brought to the beach on Windvibes day, the event transformed into a multiple watersports event and didn’t solely focus on kiteboarding.”

“Suddenly so much was going on during the day and the weather didn’t matter. If it was windy we could kite and do most of the other watersports such as stand up paddling and swimming, and if there wasn’t any wind, the other sports covered for kiteboarding.”

“Rescheduling a big beach event like this isn’t a possibility and no wind turned out to be a blessing in disguise. No longer was Windvibes just the event for kiteboarders and their friends, the interest for the event breached many areas of the local community looking for a beach party or having an interest in the wide range of watersports now offered at Windvibes. The event suddenly began to grow exponentially. Windvibes started as a way to promote kiteboarding in the Turks & Caicos, and it’s funny how as we’ve moved a bit of the focus off that, the exposure of kiteboarding has been increased!”

“Windvibes began as a very local event, but now it’s gained international recognition and we’re actually seeing attendees travel to the TCI for this specific weekend.”

Roster of Events

The event features kiteboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It is the biggest multiple water sports event in the Turks and Caicos Islands and draws hundreds of people from all over the world. All the action kicks off at 10:00 am, and each event has a separate category for men, women and children. Proceeds benefit ten local charities including the Turks and Caicos National Trust and the Turks and Caicos Kidney Foundation.

Windvibes reflects the diversity of water activities that can be enjoyed in the Turks and Caicos, and it provides an opportunity for people to try a new activity, enjoy camaraderie, and celebrate the islands. Those keen to do stand-up paddleboarding can enjoy use of Naish boards supplied at no charge by Big Blue Unlimited. Younger ones can enjoy taking part in the Children’s Swim Race organised by Jill Swann of Waterplay TCI.

“It’s a completely amateur event,” says LeVin, “There is so much going on throughout the day and we purposely host many different activities to ensure every attendee gets involved at least once.”

As well as appealing to the beach crowd and watersport enthusiasts, Windvibes also attracts celebrities like Olympic windsurfer and international kiteboarding personality Brian Talma known as “deAction Man”. Also attending are professional kiteboarders Susi Mai from Cabarete, Dominican Republic and Andre Philip of Antigua.

While it’s definitely a water event, there are lots of fun options for those who prefer to stay on the land like the tug-o-war, log throwing contest, or a version of the old whack-a-mole game called Concha Woncha. Michael Burchill known as “DJ Dayoh”, a popular music aficionado is on deck with lots of great island musical vibes to sustain the festive atmosphere. Cold beverages and an array of beautiful barbecued dishes are available throughout the day.

When it started Windvibes had seven participants, but over the years it has increased significantly in popularity and attendance.

“We anticipate 150 amateur competitors for Windvibes 2016,” says LeVin.

While Windvibes has definitely been a hit with attendees, it has proven to be a source of personal development for its young founder.

“Windvibes has been amazing for many areas of my personal development,” says LeVin who was just a young teenager when her idea started to take shape. “Probably most important has been the lesson of never giving up, especially during those years of no wind. A little faith can go a long way. I had no idea about event organization, and the process of putting together Windvibes allowed me to develop hands-on organisational skills. The first year I was too scared to talk on a mega phone to fifteen people on the beach, and had my Windvibes rock Mike Rosati, announce to everyone. To say my public presentation skills have improved would be an understatement!” says LeVin.

Sponsors

Over the years LeVin has been joined by avid supporters Philip Shearer of Big Blue Collective, one of the event sponsors, and Mike Rosati of Abuv-It-All Watersports.

In expressing his pleasure of sponsoring this event, Shearer states on the >Windvibes website “Working with Hope is easy,” says Shearer, “Planning is as much fun as the event itself.”

Rosati, states, “When Hope came up with the idea for Windvibes how could I not help?”

For the 2016 Windvibes, Hope tells us, “Big Blue Unlimited will return as our presenting sponsor, and we’ll shortly be announcing our title sponsor for Windvibes 2016.”

Event Registration

Event registration for anyone interested in participating can be completed by contacting Windvibes

It’s a day with all the right vibes, community, collaboration and culture. Windvibes 2016 is an invitation for all to celebrate island watersport, wind and natural wonders.

Save the Date

New this year is the Windvibes Gala fundraiser scheduled for Thursday, June 9, 2016. The event will feature professional violinist Dave Kim of San Francisco and local dj Dayoh. Stay tuned for more details!!

Windvibes Special at Villa del Mar

Celebrate your love for all things aquatic with this special booking bonus. The Watersports Fun Booking Bonus is available to guests who book their stay directly with Villa del Mar during the 10th Annual Windvibes Watersports Tournament. Guests will receive the following special bonuses:

• Easy access to the parade and other enjoyable activities on Grace Bay on July 9th.
• Complimentary shuttle by Villa del Mar to Long Bay Beach on July 10th to enjoy the day’s activities including musical perfomances and a full day of kite, kayak, stand up paddleboarding, and swim races for all age groups.
• Half price on all Happy Hour Cocktails on July 9th and 10th at Villa del Mar’s Tiki Bar.
• Dedicated equipment cleaning area for kite and SUP boards for guests.

Booked dates must include overnight accommodations on July 9 and 10, 2016. You must call the property directly to make your booking. Mention the promotional code: Windvibes2016. This offer may be used in conjunction with the 4th Night Free Special Offer. This offer applies to new bookings only. Not applicable for groups. Free nights are consecutive and cumulative. Free nights apply at the end of the stay. Not transferable, nor redeemable for cash.