Kona Worlds 2014
October 31 – November 5 at Guy Harvey’s Islander Resort
Photo by Kyle Stewart
Someone got an early start…
Only four weeks until we write another page in windsurfing history. Over one hundred competitors have either registered or reserved charter equipment for the 2014 Kona World Championships. But only 87 have completed their registration at this point and several of those have yet to reserve their necessary charter equipment. We have attempted to reach those in question and several have responded. If you are attending the Kona Worlds, please make sure that you have both registered and reserved charter equipment if needed.
One of our problems is that many have signed up as participants on the Kona One website and believe they are registered. To attend the Kona Worlds, most everyone has to take 3 steps: register through Kona USA, reserve a charter with Progressive Sports, and reserve lodging. On-line registration ends on the 15th and for a charter, we may have to put you on a wait list while we round up more boards through cancellations and other sources. Register on-line at www.KonaUSA.org/Worlds2014 and reserve charter equipment with+1-386-760-9926.
Lodging
We had a large block of discounted villas at the Guy Harvey Islander, but they have all been filled. A few of the last to register have only a partial of the days they need and are waiting on cancellations. If you have a reservation, we advise you to check your confirmation to assure the dates meet your travel plans. We are very fortunate to have 20 lodging resorts within 3 miles of the Islander. We have attached a list of additional lodging in order of closest to the regatta site and color coded for price ranges. For those staying off site, there are bicycles that can be rented for the week that should provide adequate transportation back and fort to the site as well as exploring.
Additional Lodging Suggestions
Fun off the Race Course
Islamorada is a treasure chest of fun activities and destinations that will complement the racing and help provide for a total vacation. Some are coming early, some are staying a few days later and a few are doing both. And Monday’s racing will end at noon for an ‘explore the Keys’ session. We will help provide everyone with a full menu of tasty options.
Day trip to Key West
We have arranged for a charter bus to take a group to Key West Monday afternoon. We will attempt to leave within an hour after the last morning race. It is 80 miles to Key West and it will take two hours each way. That should leave us 5-6 hours in Key West to explore, witness sunset at Mallory Square, have dinner and dance to live music. The proposed cost will be $60 per person and will include a sandwich and refreshments for the ride there. We do need to take reservations to secure the bus, so please reply to e-mail with your confirmation.
Islander Watersports
We are very fortunate to have many of the activities available right at the site through Islander Watersports. They provide snorkel cruises, eco tours, Hobie cats, waverunner tours, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, aqua-cycles, fishing gear and beach cruiser bicycles.
Stand-up paddleboards
Besides Islander Watersports, we will also have several inflatable SUPs and paddles for the Kona boards when they are not racing. We will organize some fun races and other activities right off the beach. There is also a SUP tour nearby on the bay side where you paddle through a tunnel of mangroves, a bird estuary and other explorations.
Only a Short Drive
Within 15 minutes of the site, we have two places where you can swim with the dolphins, Theatre of the Sea with a full array of tropical fish, birds and animals, a diving museum, fishing charters and a cable wakeboard park. And of course, there are numerous tasty places to eat and a full array of exotic shops and art galleries.