Windsurfing on Bonaire — the Lac Bay revolution
Early beginnings (1980s)
Before windsurfing arrived, Bonaire was mainly known internationally for scuba diving. In the 1980s, visiting windsurfers discovered that Lac Bay (Lac Cai/Sorobon area) had almost perfect conditions: steady easterly trade winds, warm water, a shallow sandy bottom, and protection from ocean swell.
The shallow lagoon made Bonaire unusual compared with many windsurf destinations. Beginners could stand up after falling, while advanced sailors could practice freestyle moves on flat water. This combination helped turn Lac Bay into one of the world’s best windsurfing locations.
The rise of windsurf centers
A major milestone came in 1988, when Ernst van Vliet brought windsurf rental equipment to Lac Bay and started what became Jibe City, one of the island’s iconic windsurf operations. Soon after, other centers followed, helping create a permanent international windsurf community.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Bonaire became famous among professional windsurfers. Local riders such as the Frans brothers became internationally recognized, and the island hosted major competitions, including the PWA Bonaire World Cup in 2014.
Today, Lac Bay remains a global windsurfing destination, especially around Sorobon, where the protected lagoon and reliable winds attract beginners, freestyle riders, and professionals.
Kitesurfing on Bonaire — the Atlantis Beach era
Arrival of kiteboarding (early 2000s)
Kitesurfing arrived later than windsurfing. The sport was still developing worldwide in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and Bonaire’s wind conditions quickly attracted early pioneers.
A key figure was Roan Jaspers, who founded Kiteboarding Bonaire in 2001 and helped establish kiteboarding as a recognized sport on the island.
Atlantis Beach becomes the kite spot
Unlike windsurfing, kitesurfing did not develop at Lac Bay. The lagoon is environmentally sensitive, shallow, and crowded with windsurfers, so regulations now reserve Lac Bay for windsurfing and wing sports. Kitesurfing moved to Atlantis Beach (Kite Beach) on the southwest coast.
Atlantis Beach became popular because it offers:
steady trade winds,
flat water protected by the reef,
warm conditions year-round,
space for launching and riding.
It is now the island’s official kitesurfing location, with schools teaching visitors from around the world.
Why Bonaire became special
Bonaire’s success with wind sports comes from a rare combination:
the trade winds blow consistently most of the year,
the island sits outside the main hurricane belt,
the water is warm year-round,
protected areas create safe learning environments.
The result is that Bonaire has two different but connected wind cultures: Lac Bay’s legendary windsurfing heritage and Atlantis Beach’s modern kitesurfing scene.
Why Bonaire became special
Bonaire’s success with wind sports comes from a rare combination:
the trade winds blow consistently most of the year,
the island sits outside the main hurricane belt,
the water is warm year-round,
protected areas create safe learning environments.
The result is that Bonaire has two different but connected wind cultures: Lac Bay’s legendary windsurfing heritage and Atlantis Beach’s modern kitesurfing scene.