Without sports, evolution would just be a theory. Kiteboarding is the fastest growing extreme watersport in the world. And South Padre Island is one of the best places to do it. The island has been pegged as “Kiteboarding Mecca” in the U.S. And on February 21st – 23rd, two to three hundred people will converge on the South Flats to show you what this new sport is all about, and what evolution has done with watersports.

Sports have always been defined by the athletes that make it an art. Lou Wainman, arguably the most progressive and talented kiteboarder on the planet, is flying in from Maui. As a professional kiteboarder, Lou has been kiteboarding since the inception of the sport, crossing over from wakeboarding and windsurfing. He has traveled all over the world and has made significant contributions to the growth and energy of the sport. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the amazing talent of Lou.

Adam Finer is an up and coming pro from Canada. Adam has started 2003 right, recently taking a double win in Baja, Mexico. Dimitri Maramenides, originally from Athens, Greece, currently lives in Outer Banks North Carolina. Dimitri has kited almost everywhere for competitions and media promotions. The martial arts twist he adds to his huge jumps are a sight to see. Gary Reed is flying in from Hood River Oregon. Gary has been competing for several years and is a firefighter in his spare time. Ben Meyer is currently dividing his time between Hood River Oregon and Maui, focusing on training. He recently placed in the Red Bull King of the Air in Maui. And other local favorites Cliff Stone from SPI, Bucky Ashcraft and Jeff Howard from Corpus Christi, to name a few.

The event is slated as the first ever Free Kiteboarding Festival, with manufacturers representatives from the industry major companies, an Expression Session for Amateurs and a Pro Kiteboarders Exhibition. Demo equipment from Naish, Slingshot, North, AirRush, Bic Sports, Cabrinha, NSI, Litewave, ProLimit and HammerSurf. The event will also include a series of FREE learning clinics to give people an introduction to the sport.

As long as Mother Nature cooperates, the South Texas Kiteboarding Festival will be three days of fun for participants and spectators alike. Kiteboarding is an incredible spectator sport, so come on out and play or enjoy watching the action. The South Flats are located on the North end of the island, just past the convention center.