Aruba Hi-Winds
Aruba's windsurf, kite and wing-foil festival, held since 1986 at the Fisherman's Huts on Hadicurari; the 38th edition ran 13–18 May 2026.
Aruba Hi-Winds is the island's long-running wind and water sports festival, held every year since 1986 at the Fisherman's Huts on Hadicurari, north of Palm Beach. The 38th edition ran from 13 to 18 May 2026, with races in windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling and more; dates for the 2027 edition had not been published on the official site when we checked on 29 October 2026.
What is Aruba Hi-Winds?
The organisers describe a multi-day festival of competition, entertainment and beach parties built around Aruba's steady trade winds. The 2026 programme listed seven disciplines: windsurf slalom and long distance, kitesurf long distance and freestyle, wing foil slalom and long distance, windsurf foil slalom and long distance, kitesurf foil long distance, Sunfish long distance, and a mountain-bike race. The Aruba Tourism Authority notes that the longest course, about 20 km, is for windsurf, kite and wing foil, and that the competition finishes at Eagle Beach.
Is it a professional event?
Alongside open and amateur categories, the 2026 edition hosted the PWA Aruba Hi-Winds Youth World Cup, the windsurfing world tour's youth slalom event, with divisions for under-15, under-17 and under-20 riders, including slalom foil for under-20s. The PWA calls the Fisherman's Huts "a legendary slalom location in windsurfing". Registration for competitors is through the official website, which also publishes the schedule.
Where is it held?
The base is Fisherman's Huts on Hadicurari Beach, the wind-exposed stretch of the west coast north of Palm Beach. Spectators can watch from the beach: the races take place close to shore, and the long-distance courses head down the west coast. If you are staying in Palm Beach & Noord, Hadicurari is within easy reach along the coast road.
Tips for spectators
- Check the daily schedule on the official site: start times depend on the wind and the race programme.
- Bring shade and water. Hadicurari has little natural shade and the trade winds hide how strong the sun is.
- Keep clear of launch zones. Kites and boards launch at speed from the beach; stay behind marked areas.
- Want to try it yourself? See our guides to windsurfing and kitesurfing.
When is the next edition?
Recent editions have been held in May (13–18 May 2026). The official site had not announced 2027 dates when this page was checked, so confirm on arubahiwinds.com before planning a trip around it.
Programme highlights
- Festival week Slalom and freestyleShort-course racing close to shore at the Fisherman's Huts.
- Festival week Long-distance raceCourses up to about 20 km for windsurf, kite and wing foil, finishing at Eagle Beach.
- 2026 edition PWA Youth World CupYouth slalom for under-15, under-17 and under-20 windsurfers.
Know before you go
- Check the daily schedule. Race times depend on the wind; the official site publishes the schedule.
- Bring shade. The beach is exposed and the breeze masks the strength of the sun.
- Respect launch areas. Kites and boards leave the beach at speed; stay behind the markers.
Where
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