Jean Patrick van der Wolde CUR-191

North American Champion ship 2010

North American Championship's 2010 The morning of 20 October, which was on a wednesday, my team and I travelled to Miami for the North American Championship's. I trained very hard for this event and I was in good shape to kick some butt.   When I finally arrived at the Miami International Airport (MIA), I had to drag my gear all the wait out the door. Then I sat there 2 hours long waiting for my dad to arrive with the “pick up”. When he finally came, I saw that I was going to drive in a mini van. So it took a lot to get all the windsurf gear on the car and in it. I had 4 board's in the car and a huge and heavy windsurfgear bag on the car.   On our way to the hotel we stopped at a restaurant to refill our tummy's. All the times we visited Miami before we always ended eating at that typical restaurant. Afterwards we jumped back in the car and headed to the hotel. Alex Morales, a man who did a lot to organize the event got us a special price for a hotel. It was a very nice hotel, the room's were big enough for the gear to fit in it, and still have enough room to walk around and for the suitcases. We rested for a while and then we hit the mall! A vacation in Miami is nothing without shopping right?? We did not stay long because I was tired and I needed some rest.   October 21,   Today there were no races planned so, me and my family went to the mall again. We were there the whole day wasting good money. At the end of the day we wen't to the beach were the races would be heald to check out what is what. The beach was very nice and so was the water and wind. I saw Alex for the first time in real life. It was a pleasure to meet him and look forward seeing hi more in other international competitions. After that we went back to the mall.. My mom and sister wanted to go shopping again. After the mall we headed back to the hotel. The drive was so beautiful, we passed thru the city. Sky-line I believe? So many lights, I didn't know where to look. That night I slept like a baby. Which is good because I had to compete in the morning.     October 22,   Today was the first official day of the event. I arrived early in the morning with Ethan Westera and his dad from aruba following us in the car. I checked the wind how it was and the waves. Because it can be blowing light but you have to have control in the waves. So going big wasn't a good idea. I decided to rig up my 7.5 Ka 2007 sail and go out with my 110 AHD Slalom board.   As I was rigging up my sail I saw Micah Buzianis ride up in his van. I was almost drewling, you could feel the pro-ness. As he opend the back of his car the only thing you saw was new gear. I was so jealous. Afterwards I registered for the race, and I was ready! The wind was good enough a steady 16 knots. My races were all good! I had a few tight races with the guy from Puerto Rico, he was really fast. After all the races I derigged all of my equipment and put everything in it's bag. I left my gear on the beach with Beth Winkler. They were sleeping there in their caravan. It was really great to see her again. The junior fleet and the women fleet started together. And everythime at the start Beth was almost in my butt. She may be old but she goes fast! After the races we went to the mall again. And went to bed early for the next day of races.   October 23   I woke up with the expectations that it was going to be a windy day today! Everybody on the beach was talking about it yesterday. I jumped out of my bed because I heard the wind howling. I looked out the window and it was so windy, the palm three's were dancing. I had breakfast and said to myself, today is going to be a good day.     When I arrived at the event site, the wind was even stronger! I was jumping of excitement. Because the last months there was no wind, not enough for slalom. That's why I had to get used to the wind, water and waves at first. I had a quick and sick session with the Ihangloose boys. The joy of finally having a lot of power in my sail boost me up to go even faster. Thanks to a tip from Micah Buzianis I surfed a lot faster, and had more control.   We had a fast skippers meeting in the morning and afterwards were ready to rock and roll. The Ihangloose boys and me were all set to kick some butt! I performed really good, I almost won all of my races. I was neck in neck with Ethan Westera from Aruba. We really showed them that KA sails can go fast. Too bad I did not have the 2011 sails, I would of have a lot more speed. At the end of the day I was so tired! Even the mall didn't wake me up. So we wen't to the mall just for my sister and mom, after that we went to the hotel, because I was finished for the day. When I arrived at the hotel, I jumped on my bed and fell asleep. Dreaming of my ways to win tomorrow.   October 24   Today was the last racing day, I was very focussed in winning my races. We arrived at the beach and I was fully into winning all of my races, untill my mother yelled “Breakfast!” I was so mad at her for doing that, although I ran to her screaming “Yay yay!”. Breakfast was delicious! Now it was time to focus on my races again. It was light wind so I put on my big stuff. With big I mean 2007 KA Sail 7.5 And 2009 AHD Slalom board. I went on the water and I was full powered! The sail might be old but It goes fast like hell! I got all of my races good, and had no wipe-outs. At the end of the day the racing commitee held the awards ceremony. I was crowned North American Champion 2010 (under 18). With my team mate on third place.   Competing in Miami was very cool, I had a lot of fun and gained more experience. I would love to come race again in Miami it was great! The waves were out of control and on my island we don't have that very often. It was great windsurfing in Miami and I am defenitly looking forward to it next year.   I thank all of my sponsors! Ka Sails, Insel Air, ABC Marine, Windsurfdeal They are the best, and because of them I got this opportunity.   Hangloose, CUR-191