The Reef, Vieux Fort, St Lucia

It's finally here!

2011-12-30T06:39:00.000-08:00

The poster speaks for itself ...

The long-awaited HISTORY OF ST LUCIA is finally here, and the phone has been ringing off the hook with congratulations pouring in for Jolien and her co-authors. The shipment cleared customs on the Friday before Christmas so didn't make it into the shops as the great stocking-filler that it would have been, but you can get your own copy at branches of Sunshine Books, Jambe de Bois restaurant at Pigeon Island and of course, The Reef in Vieux Fort. It will be available in many more locations island-wide once new year celebrations are out of the way. Retail price is EC$75.

For those of you who like that sort of thing, here's the official press release:

PRESS RELEASE - 29 December 2011

The first-ever comprehensive history of St Lucia is now in local bookstores. The authors hope it will become a tool for teaching students about their island’s past, as well as providing St Lucians world-wide with a detailed and factual history of their own ancestors’ lives.

“A HISTORY OF ST LUCIA” covers the period from the island’s creation to the passing in 2007 of long serving Prime Minister and “Father of the Nation”, Sir John Compton, the architect of independence.

The 400-plus page book records the island’s geological formation and subsequent Amerindian occupation, through colonization by France and England to the rise and fall of the sugar industry, the tribulations of slavery, the Brigand wars, Emancipation, the struggle for independence, dignity and respectability, the birth of trade unions and political parties, the demise of the sugar industry and the social revolution created by the advent of bananas as an economic emancipator.

The book was originally commissioned by British publisher MacMillan Caribbean, whose efforts to produce it were derailed by the 2008 world economic crisis. However, the three authors decided that such a vitally important book simply could not be abandoned at that stage and, given the tremendous amount of work already put into the project, decided to produce the book themselves.

Principal driving force behind A HISTORY OF ST LUCIA was Dutch-born Jolien Harmsen, who has lived in Vieux Fort since 1994 and holds a PhD in Social History based on research done on the island.

Another author is former Director of the St Lucia National Trust Robert Devaux, who has spent a lifetime promoting the conservation of St Lucia’s natural and cultural heritage and has several published works to his credit.

The trio of authors is rounded off by journalist Guy Ellis, whose career has run side by side with the island’s more recent past and who has written books on St Lucia as well.

An interesting aspect of the content of A HISTORY OF ST LUCIA is the choice of some very unique photographs of developments on the island over the years. For instance, the cover design by Cecile Wiltshire features an uncommon photograph of two local women’s teams playing a cricket match in Castries around 1900.

A HISTORY OF ST LUCIA is published by Lighthouse Road Publications of Vieux Fort. It is already available for sale at the island’s leading bookstores.

(Ends)

Freeing 'Japan'

2011-10-05T05:18:00.000-07:00

For 7 months, a dog called 'Japan' lived on board a ship that had been seized on drug charges in the port of Vieux Fort. For all that time, the dog was looked after by a singularly dedicated customs official. With a little help from the St Lucia Animal Protection Society, she was finally released from her round-the-clock guard duties in late August...

Click to view

Watch out, there's a doctor about!

2011-04-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Not many people know Jolien as 'Dr. Harmsen', but there was no getting away from it last week in Soufriere, where she delivered the 11th annual S. Wayne Louis Memorial Lecture. The lecture is one of the leading activities of National Youth month, and is the initiative of the S. Wayne Louis Foundation, in collaboration with the Saint Lucia National Youth Council and the Department of Youth and Sports.

In accepting the invitation, Jolien joined the ranks of noted local and regional scholars and academics such as Professor Hilary Beckles, Barry Chevannes, Dr Tennyson Joseph, Kennedy "Boots" Samuel and Cynthia Barrow - all of whom have made presentations in the lecture series over the years.

The topic, 'The Untold stories and Contributions of Liberated Africans (Neg Djine) in St Lucia' was chosen from a chapter of Jolien's soon-to-be-published work, 'A History of St Lucia' which she co-authored with Guy Ellis, MBE and Robert Devaux, OBE.

The presentation recounted the history of liberated Africans who came to St Lucia as free labourers in the decades following Emancipation, and discussed their impact and influence on contemporary society. Jolien's lecture was enthusiastically received and prompted a lively question-and answer-session.

Prior to the lecture, Ras Isley set the tone for the evening with a rousing cultural presentation featuring drumming and poetry.

The death of Stephen Wayne Louis in 1998 prompted a group of like-minded family, friends and colleagues to establish a foundation in his honour. During his life, Wayne held a passion for African history, community development, youth work, sports and politics and he made valuable contributions to numerous organizations. Central to his diverse interests was his drive for the advancement of African peoples. The S. Wayne Louis Foundation continues on his philosophies, creating the opportunity for St. Lucians to be actively involved in various aspects of the promotion and advancement of African heritage and St. Lucian society.

Kite Fiesta 2011 – what a weekend that was!

2011-03-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

Fri 11th – Sun 13th March 2011

It all started with a blistering Friday night launch party … “That party was da bomb” someone said … and I couldn’t have put it better myself. With only a couple of official speeches (you can never really get away from those) and a lot of fun, laughs, dancing, delicious food and flowing drinks, it was a great way to welcome all those who had joined us for the event, as well as for setting the mood of the entire weekend.

Saturday dawned windless and overcast, and as we later found out, although it was mainly dry where we were, everywhere else outside of an approx 1-mile radius of The Reef experienced downpours for most of the day. Highly unusual for the time of year, but apart from a couple of light showers, at least we were spared the worst of it.
But nothing kills a good beach party, and since that’s what the fiesta is all about, the moderate crowds that gathered still had lots to enjoy. The local restaurants invited to participate, served up Caribbean fare from booths set up on the beach. From Jamaican Jerk, and Indo-Guyanese curried dishes to Rastafarian itals and local seafood, there was something for all palates.
Whenever the wind filled in, kiters hit the water to put on a show for the audience even though it was not consistent enough to run any of the kite events. Jeremie Tronet and Nicholas Dulac first of all invented, and then demonstrated, kite-fishing to everyone. Clearly, with one or two refinements, there’s definitely a future in it!
Tropix band were a hit on Saturday night. What a great sound … and we’ll be looking to book them again really soon (any excuse for another party). Watch this space.

Sunday morning, 4 am... still utter darkness outside but with the definite sound of wind in the trees! By 7 am it was blowing nicely so off to The Reef to get the sound system going and to rouse the kiters. The effects of too many Strongbows the night before was hastily washed away with cups of steaming cappuccino and massive plates of bacon and eggs. By 9 am, the skippers' meeting was underway and the first kites got out on the water. A couple of free-style heats later and the beach was full of spectators from town and further afield, enjoying the action; huge jumps, handle-passes, kite loops, the Jesus-walk and other tricks, completed successfully or - not! The sight of riders soaring and/or crashing, with glittering water spraying everywhere only fuelled the excitement, especially amongst the younger members of the public.

By noon, the traditional St Lucia Dash - a race in which kiters partner up with individual kids to perform a relay race on sea and beach - brought out a record number of kids from town, jumping up and down eager to be chosen to run the next race. A 16-year old girl who promised that she "could tell dem she was only 12" was turned down, but the little kid who raced his heart out, all the while holding on with one clenched fist to the waist band of ripped and hugely oversized shorts, stole everybody's heart. The orange Superman-kites handed out by Dimitri Maramenides, pro-kiter and judge for the event, were keenly received and several took to the skies immediately. More than 10 days after the event, whilst driving through Vieux Fort, we had to put the brakes on and swerve to avoid a series of little home-made kites being flown on the road along Bruceville. Inspiration starts at age four!
Sunday night got the beach back into full party mode with the 'Changes' band warming-up for 'Fourth World' reggae band who came on and blew us all away. Can't wait for next year's fiesta. Make sure you don't miss it!

See more pics from the event HERE.

The event was endorsed by the Southern Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and sponsored by The Reef, Strongbow cider, Terra Online Real Estate, Paradise Springs water, Goddard Catering, Jako Productions, Phoenix Entertainment and Paramount Appliances.

Overall results

1. Jeremie Tronet
2. Beth Lygoe
3. Cody Modeste

Women
1. Beth Lygoe
2. Linn Svendsen

Men
1. Jeremie Tronet
2. Cody Modeste
3. Tommy Rungaldier/ Piotr Gasperski

National Ranking

Women
1. Beth Lygoe

Men
1. Cody Modeste
2. Stan Gustave

Kite Fiesta is back!

2011-01-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Reef will once again play host to the St Lucia Kitesurfing Fiesta on 12th-13th March 2011. Sandy Beach, Vieux Fort is the place to be if you don't want to miss out on all the fun and action!
As the name implies, the Kite Fiesta is more than just a competition. It is two days of amazing stunts carried out by leaders of one of the fastest-growing adrenaline sports, and a celebration of the laid-back freedom that Vieux Fort offers visitors from near and far.
Along with kiddies events, local food stalls, equipment demos and a variety of other beach activities, you can also dance the night away to the sounds of live reggae and rock bands.

Best of all, the Kite Fiesta is free to spectators, and there's only a modest US$50 entry fee for participants in the kite competition. For more information about the event and to reserve accommodation (available at reduced rates to spectators/competitors attending the event), visit the event website at: www.kitesurfstlucia.com.

You can also enjoy images from last year's event by clicking here.

Improve your technique with Clarissa Hempel

2011-01-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

Clarissa Hempel, Cabrinha pro-team rider will be at
The Reef Kite + Surf
7th-10th February 2011

Here's your chance to hang out and ride with a professional kitesurfer who is passionate about the sport, and to get hints and tips about those manoeuvres that you've not quite been managing to pull off.

Clarissa's experience in wave riding, freestyle and racing, allow her to help others improve their skills and boost confidence in order to take their riding to the next level.

Tips and advice will be offered to kiters at The Reef Kite + Surf in free informal sessions brought to you courtesy of The Reef and Cabrinha Kites.

Ladies and Gentlemen ... Ms Areefa Franklin!

2010-11-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

We are extremely pleased to introduce "Areefa", the latest addition to the Reef family. With her sights firmly set on reshaping the fashion world, Areefa takes a keen interest in footwear of all descriptions and displays a fond affinity for surfwear and casual beach attire (hide your slippers and boardies folks!).
We hope you'll enjoy spending time with her as much as we do.

Here's what happens when ...

2010-02-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

Here's what happens when you're in the middle of a great kitesurfing session and then ...

... the wife calls you up on Skype!

Pretty as a picture

2010-01-30T10:34:00.000-08:00

A group of eleven artists on a week-long painting holiday chose The Reef and surroundings as one of their 'locations of inspirational beauty' in St Lucia. That's pretty mega considering that we were on a list that also included such jaw-dropping scenery as The Pitons, waterfalls, rainforest etc. (which the group also painted). They spent the day capturing aspects of the scenery, life and energy around The Reef and by all accounts were really pleased with the results.
What an easy group to please - do come again, we loved having you!

Someone's been pinching our nuts

2009-11-26T12:52:00.000-08:00

Never before has a set of nuts been so keenly watched, so eagerly anticipated and so jealously guarded. BUT - Blimey, some tealeaf's been half-inching 'em and the staff have had enough!

Our Boy Dave

2009-11-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

Cabrina Team rider David Hastilow is currently the 'featured rider of the week' on the homepage of the Cabrinha website. You can read his bio and interview her e.
Both Dave and photographer wife Rachel ( http://www.rachelhastilow.com ) were recently back in St Lucia visiting family, friends and exploring all their old haunts. They also took some time out to put their feet up before the next leg of their hectic schedule.
Love the pic Dave. Lookin' good mate ... lookin' good!

Dave is also sponsored by The Reef Kite + Surf.

Reef-sponsored swimmers bring home the bacon

2009-11-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

The St Lucia national swim team placed second at the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) swimming championships held in Grenada over the weekend of November 6^th - 8^th 2009.
In the 9 - 10 boys age group, Mark 'Mogli' Emanus and Joshua Healy (seen above sporting fabulous Reef T-shirts) showed the regional gathering that members of the Southern Flying Fish swim team are not to be trifled with. Overall, St Lucia tied with Grenada with 63 Gold medals each but fell behind in the Silver (39 to 84) and in the Bronze (40 to 59).

Results:
50m Freestyle - Mark Emanus - Gold
100m Freestyle - Mark Emanus - Silver
50m Butterfly - Mark Emanus - Silver
4 x 50m Relay - Joshua Healy - Silver
4 x 50m Relay - Mark Emanus - Silver

Well done lads!

Amy Winehouse in St Lucia

2009-05-23T06:44:00.001-07:00

(Photo: JustJared.com)

And while we're on the subject, there's a new bar opening in Rodney Bay:

Truth is, we're all huge Winehouse fans.
Be well Amy - [group hug]

Sir Richard Branson: New teaching technique rivals IKO methods

2009-04-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Always the innovator, Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin group of companies, is seen here demonstrating the latest patented Virgin Kitesurfing Instruction Method (VKIM). Sir Richard cites some of the advantages of VKIM over legacy methods which he says are "so last century".

Personal VKIM instructor provides instant feedback on all manoevres thereby vastly improving the learning curve for newcomers to the sport.
Not only warns of potential dangers ahead, but reminds the kiter of right-of-way rules at all times.
Instructor instantly detaches on wipeout.

In the media

2008-10-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

Click here to read some words about us published in the Sept 2008 edition of Caribbean Travel + Life. Franck didn't quite make the magazine cover, but the center-spread is pretty good too. Maybe next time Frankie!

And the New York Times also thought our spot was worth a mention. Click here to read.

Barack Obama bodysurfs at Sandy Beach

2008-08-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

OK ... that's Sandy Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii. Not Sandy Beach (Anse De Sable), Vieux Fort, St Lucia.

Coverboy David

2007-05-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

Homeboy David Hastilow graces the cover of the May 2007 Italian 'Surfers' magazine. Last December, David and four of his team mates from the Cabrinha pro team (Cameron Dietrich, Damien Leroy, Susi Mai, and Clarissa Hempel) toured the Caribbean on a yachting safari, checking out some of the top kiting spots in the region. The tour kicked off from David's home location at The Reef Kite + Surf in St Lucia and took the riders as far north as the islands of St Martin and Anguilla.

According to the magazine's website, the accompanying article is a 'Speciale Caribe, alla scoperta di 5 fantastiche isole dei caraibi' which we believe is an in-depth story about the copious amounts of pasta consumed by the pro team while visiting five fantastic Caribbean islands - but our Italian is not so hot, and the article might be about something entirely different.

David is sponsored by The Reef Kite + Surf.

The man with the midas touch

2007-04-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Edward 'Vaval' Emanus (age 71) dominated the track at the 4th annual senior games held at the national stadium in Vieux Fort. Vaval added four gold medals in the 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m relay events, to his already weighty collection of gold from other senior competitions held both at home and regionally. He puts his success down to a generally healthy lifestyle, regular training and of course the streamlined aerodynamics of his 'go-faster' Reef lycra vest - congratluations Vaval!

St Lucia Kite Fiesta 2007 - a huge success

2007-03-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

Limbo dancers, fire eaters, snake charmers, live bands, calypso serenaders ... and of course lots of kitesurfing action - this was the first ever St Lucia Kitesurfing Fiesta held at Anse de Sable beach on 16th - 18th March 2007.

The fun, pro-am competition was one of the fringe events organised for the 2007 Cricket World Cup which is currently being hosted by the West Indies with several first-round matches played in St Lucia. The event was organised by the Southern Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) in collaboration with The Reef Kite + Surf and was sponsored by Hawaiian Tropic, Red Bull, Transcend Clothing and The Reef.

Over a two-day period, riders from Guadeloupe, Barbados, Costa Rica, UK, USA, and St Lucia competed for cash prizes, slogging it out in freestyle, course racing and big-air sessions and wowed the crowds with innovative expression sessions. The mood of the event was fun, fun and more fun.

Cabrinha pro-rider Damien Leroy flew in to judge the event and with the help of David and Rachel Hastilow, kept everyone's eyes glued to the action with riveting commentary. One often heard remark from spectators was: "I didn't think it would be so exciting."

Results:

Women's Freestyle

1. Beth Lygoe (UK)

2. Melissa Gil (Costa Rica)

3. Rachel Hastilow (UK)

Women's Course Racing

Men & women rode the same course and Beth Lygoe was the overall winner.

1. Beth Kygoe (UK) - overall winner

2. Melissa Gil (Costa Rica)

Men's Freestyle

1. Yoann Guignot (Guadeloupe)

2. David Hastilow (UK)

3. Evan Ponka (USA)

Men's Course Racing

1. David Hastilow (UK)

2. Evan Ponka (USA)

3. Yoann Guignot (Guadeloupe)

Want to see more Kite Fiesta action?

Here are two things you can do:

1. Make sure you're here for next year's Kite Fiesta 2008

2. Visit our gallery

Paula Deen films Food Network special at The Reef

2007-02-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

Paula Deen, the Food Network's Queen of Southern Cuisine and star of "Paula's Home Cooking", visited The Reef to film a TV special featuring the Reef's own creole home cooking. She was accompanied by equally famous sons Jaime and Bobby who were eager to try out some kitesurfing with our resident pro-rider, David Hastilow.

While the guys discovered the joys of bodydragging,

Paula and husband Michael tucked into some of The Reef's 'good ole home cookin'.

... So was our cooking all it was cracked up to be?

You betcha!

Visit Paula's website
More behind-the-scenes pics in our gallery soon ...

Clinton Bolton and the Best Odyssey

2007-02-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Best Odyssey yacht arrived in St Lucia and the folks onboard spent several days kiting with us at our home location of Anse de Sables bay. Best pro-rider Clinton Bolton (see pic) accompanied the trip from Grenada to St Lucia stopping along the way at Curriacou, Union, Tobago Cays and Canouan.

Click here for more info on the Best Odyssey

Cheap at half the price:

2006-11-24T13:55:00.000-08:00

At only US$1.70 a glass, should we should be charging more for our seamoss punch?

Lucinda and Kemry Hughes took a "procreation vacation." The couple — expecting their first child in April — credits the trip for their pregnancy.

Couples go on 'procreation vacations'

MIAMI — When Lucinda Hughes heard she would have to drink sea moss elixir while vacationing in the Bahamas, she was certain it would make her sick. Sure enough, three months later, Hughes is very sick — every morning — and expecting her first baby in April.
She got pregnant after she and her husband went on a three-day Procreation Vacation at a resort on Grand Bahama Island.
It's part of a trend in which hotels around the world are luring couples who are trying to have a baby. Resorts are offering on-site sex doctors, romantic advice and exotic food and drink calculated to put lovers in the mood and hasten the pitter-patter of little feet.
Even some obstetricians are promoting the trend. Dr. Jason James of Miami said he often encourages couples trying to have a baby to sneak away for a few days, and he often sees it work.
"One of the most easy, therapeutic interventions is to recommend a vacation," James said. "I think the effect of stress on our physiology is truly underestimated."
Hughes and her husband, Kemry, went to the Westin at Our Lucaya Grand Bahama Island, where the three-night Procreation Vacation starts at $1,893. They lounged on the beach, swam in the pool, sipped pumpkin soup and enjoyed couple's massages. Hughes and her husband also were also served an age-old Caribbean fertility concoction three times a day: sea moss, the Caribbean's version of Viagra, mixed with evaporated milk, sugar and spices. (She said it tasted like an almond smoothie.) ...

Extract from story By Kelli Kennedy, Associated Press Writer

Photo Shoot at The Reef

2006-11-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

For four days, The Reef played host to the models, photographers, make-up artists, lighting crew & dressers of the "Boston Proper" catalogue. The photo shoot featured the spring collection in preparation for the next edition of the catalogue.There are more pics of the 'behind-the-scenes' action in our gallery, so the fashion-conscious amongst you can get a heads-up on what will be 'in' next season.

ATV Jungle adventure

2006-11-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

The Reef Kite + Surf team spent a day out with Kurt of ATV Paradise tours exploring Fond Estate on the east coast of St Lucia.This is an amazing ATV tour of what was once a fully-working plantation (some of the cultivation has now been cut back) and the approx. 4-hour tour covers 14 miles on existing plantation roads. The route takes you through fruit orchards, banana plantations, rain forest and mangrove to a secluded atlantic beach.

En-route Kurt treated us to a feast of fruits picked straight off the trees, and the swim in the cool forest river was the highlight of the trip.

You can book the trip through the Kite + Surf centre if you'd like to experience this natural side of St Lucia. More pics in the gallery.

Cabrinha Pro Team on Demo Tour

2006-10-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

5 Riders, 4 Islands, 2 Weeks, 1 Boat
TRY OUT ALL THE LATEST KIT at The Reef!
7th-8th Dec 2006

Winter is rapidly approaching, the sea temperature is dropping, if you are already starting to get the winter blues then why not plan a trip to the Caribbean and meet up with the Cabrinha guys who are sailing around the Islands with a boat packed full of the latest kit.With a choice of 4 locations to visit come and meet the guys, try the new kit, see what everyone is raving about. What better excuse is there to plan your winter vacation?
Join up with International Riders, Cameron Dietrich, Damien Leroy, Susi Mai, and National Riders, Clarissa Hempel and David Hastilow, as they show you the new kit, how to use it and give you those all important pointers on riding technique. Each location has been chosen due to the amazing conditions available so check out the contact details for each location.

Demo Dates:

St Lucia: 7th - 8th December 2006 - www.slucia.com/kitesurf
Martinique: 9th - 10th December 2006 - http://www.airfly972.com/
Guadeloupe: 12th - 13th December 2006 - http://www.akc.fr/
St Martin: 19th - 20th December 2006 - http://www.gokitesurfing.com/

Leave your wetsuit at home, grab your boardies or bikinis and make your way over to the Caribbean for the chance to try the new Cabrinha kit and enjoy some winter sun.

For more information check out:
http://www.cabrinhakites.com/ or
http://www.caribbeankitesurfari.com/

Liquid Dreams - watch David Hastilow's video

2006-07-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Click here to see David in action.

Vin Diesel in da house ...

2006-07-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

David joins Cabrinha team

2006-07-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

David Hastilow has joined Cabrinha as a sponsored team rider. You can read his bio on the Cabrinha website here. Dave is also a certified IKO kite instructor and teaches at The Reef Kite + Surf. He recently featured in a photo shoot for the center.

This summer Dave has also been checking out some 'secret' kite spots around the Caribbean with 'Captain Ben' who knows the islands like the back of his hand. More about the Captain, his boat and our soon-to-be-launced CARIBBEAN KITE SAFARIS & DOWNWINDERS in a later post!In the meantime, here's a sneak preview:

A wedding with Scottish flair

2006-05-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

Wedding bells rang and champagne flowed for Sarah & Stuart today. We wish them all the very best in their new life together.

May 2006: Daphnée LaLiberté

2006-05-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

Daphnée is sponsored by VIRGIN mobile, AAER systems, EH kiteboading, SOÖRUZ wear, DAKINE, ZEAL optics and travels the world competing in PKRA World Cup events. She is also an IKO Examiner and spent time with us in St Lucia leading an instructor training course, training, and doing a photo shoot for her sponsors.

Visit Daphnee's blog with info about her St Lucia Kite trip

May 2006: Instructor training course

2006-05-01T05:05:00.000-07:00

LIVE YOUR DREAM
Become an IKO kitesurfing instructor

IKO INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE
8 - 12 MAY 2006The Reef Kite + Surf, St Lucia

Click for more info ...

March 2006: Christiaan Brouwer

2006-03-01T05:24:00.000-08:00

Former Dutch Champion and PKRA pro rider, Christiaan Brouwer spent 3 weeks in St Lucia with us for a training session. Read about Christiaan's St Lucia Kite trip (written in Dutch)

February 2006: Nevin Sayre

2006-02-19T05:09:00.000-08:00

Nevin Sayre is famous for his accomplishments in windsurfing, spanning the early days of the Windsurfer One Design class to the high-performance Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA) World Tour and accumulating more than 20 national and international titles along the way. He is a five-time U.S. National Windsurfing Champion and director of marketing windsurfing, kitesurfing for BIC Sport USA. During the US Presidential elections, Nevin was 'outed' as Senator John Kerry's kitesurfing buddy! Nevin spent 2 weeks at The Reef Beach Huts with his family and friends and declared it "the perfect place for families and kids. Windsurfing ... kitesurfing .... something for all levels ... uncrowded - there are not too many spots like this left in the world."