How Kite Surfing in Remote Colombia Transformed a Boy and a Village

The Arrival of Kite Surfing

Nearly two decades ago, the winds of change blew into Cabo de la Vela, a remote town on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Foreign visitors, known as arijuna in the Wayuu language, introduced kite surfing to this small Indigenous community. Cabo de la Vela, with its nine-month windy season and flat waves, proved to be an ideal spot for the sport. However, the introduction of kite surfing was met with mixed feelings among the Wayuu, Colombia’s largest Indigenous group, who have long fought to preserve their land and traditions.

A New Opportunity for the Wayuu

Despite initial resistance, kite surfing began to take root in Cabo de la Vela, transforming it into a budding destination for the sport. For Beto Gomez, a 24-year-old Wayuu native, kite surfing became a life-changing opportunity. Gomez, who first saw kite surfing at the age of seven, was captivated by the sight of riders soaring through the air. Determined to master the sport, he defied the odds and, today, he stands as the world’s only professional kite surfer with Wayuu roots.

Bringing the World to Cabo de la Vela

Gomez’s success has attracted amateur kite surfers from around the globe to his hometown. Students from India, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States have traveled to Cabo de la Vela to learn from him. For five days each year, these enthusiasts gather to experience the thrill of kite surfing in the very place where Gomez himself learned the sport. “In India, we were really cheering for him,” said Shyam Rao, one of Gomez’s students.

Economic and Social Impact

The impact of kite surfing on Cabo de la Vela extends beyond the sport itself. For Gomez’s family, it has provided a new source of income beyond the traditional fishing and artisan crafts that sustain many in one of Colombia’s poorest and most malnourished regions. The kite surfing school that Gomez owns with his older brother has become a symbol of hope and economic opportunity for the community.

“Kite surfing has been a gift for us because it opened the door for our town; it allowed me to leave and to fly all over the world,” Gomez said. His journey from a fascinated child to a professional athlete has inspired others in his community to dream big and pursue new opportunities.

A Community Transformed

Margarita Epieyu, Gomez’s mother, recalls a time when Cabo de la Vela was much smaller, composed of just six extended families. The town has since grown, partly due to the influx of visitors drawn by kite surfing. While some in the community remain wary of the changes brought by the sport, many see it as a way to improve their livelihoods and preserve their culture in a rapidly changing world.

Gomez’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of embracing new opportunities. By turning the winds of change to his advantage, he has not only changed his own life but also brought hope and economic growth to his village. As he continues to teach and inspire others, the legacy of kite surfing in Cabo de la Vela is sure to endure.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/17/world/americas/kite-surfing-colombia.html

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