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Sailboards Miami
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| by Robyn Accetturo |
Who would’ve ever thought that my then, seven year
old son, Stephen, would be courageous enough to actually
get up and balance on a sailboard, catching a tail wind
heading off toward Coconut Grove? He looked like an expert
his first time around. But I know he did this, mind you,
only to spite his ten year old sister, Kathryn. Because
after our family finished our very first windsurfing class
taught by Ovidio DeLeon, Owner and President of Sailboards
Miami, and U.S. Sailing Certified Master Instructor/Trainer, “Vid,” as
he likes to be called, promised all of us, adults and children
alike, that if we followed the simple instructions he was
teaching us, guaranteed, we would be up windsurfing in
no time, or our money back! As soon as the lesson was over,
and before Stephen had even decided if this was something
he really wanted to try, Kathryn raced over to put on her
life vest, and with a little help from a rope, led by Karen,
Vid’s wife and Vice President of the company, she
was off and sailing! I could tell by the look on Stephen’s
face, he wasn’t quite sure of even the inkling of
a possibility that he, at such a young age, could be standing
on a sailboard by himself above God knows what… deep
water… home to sharks and big fish… until
his sister sailed right past him with a huge grin on her
face. Within a matter of minutes, he too, was up and sailing,
and feeling quite proud of himself. Judging by the look
on both of their faces, life doesn’t get much better
than that!
As for the adults, I enjoyed the solitude of paddling my kayak. Kayaks are
also available for rental from Sailboards Miami. I had just recovered from
major knee surgery and didn’t want to test my fate just yet, on a sailboard.
I wasn’t at all afraid that I would tip over in their kayak, unlike the
kind of kayak I was in with my Girl Scout troop. This kayak felt very stable… no
Eskimo rolls required. My sister, Sandy, and my husband, Jim, joined Kathryn
and Stephen windsurfing; although I have to admit, getting up and trying to
catch the wind in their sail did take just a few more minutes than the kids.
Can you believe it? In no time, our whole family was enjoying the incredible
view from the water.
According to Vid, “Running a windsurfing school and teaching people of
all ages and walks of life how to sail is really a dream come true for our
family. Sailboards Miami first opened in the 1980’s. I started windsurfing
in 1984 and loved it so much, I purchased the business in 1992. I saw an incredible
opportunity to make a living doing something that I love.” Vid has been
an entrepreneur and self employed for over twenty-one years.
Karen, a licensed mental health counselor, came on board when Vid’s business
partner needed to move on. “It was a great way to work part-time, while
still raising our family. Our daughter Lauren, who is now eight, is excited
to do her part to help whenever she can. We all do our best to make sure each
customer’s windsurfing experience is successful and pleasurable. Introducing
people to windsurfing and having them enjoy time on the water are great therapy!”
Karen shared with me that some of their customers have a hard time believing
that she is actually terrified of the water. She almost drowned when she was
a toddler. And yet, Karen “Absolutely loves to windsurf!” I’ve
watched her myself. She makes it look so effortless, almost like a meditation… windsurfing
can put you in “the zone!” Vid calls it a communion between the
individual and the elements.
Since it puzzled me to think that someone who is so frightened of the water
can actually enjoy their windsurfing experience, I inquired further. Vid shared
that, “Windsurfing does not require one to be a good swimmer. In fact,
we want you to be on the board, not in the water. As a safety precaution, a
life vest may be worn. Windsurfing is about having fun and challenging oneself.
It’s a great stress release and a fun way for people to express themselves
and enjoy time on the water.”
Vid shared some other common misconceptions he’s heard from his customers
about windsurfing. He often hears, “I’m too small… too big… too
old… a klutz,” etc. Vid’s response is, “Anyone can
learn to windsurf. It’s a matter of having the right equipment for each
different body size/type and the wind conditions. If you can ride a bike, you
can learn to windsurf.” Another common complaint is, “I tried windsurfing
ten years ago, and it was too hard.” Vid’s answer is, “Beginner
equipment has come a long way. It is lighter, more stable, and easier to use.”
My family is not alone in the fact that we come back every year to visit Vid,
Karen, and Lauren at Sailboards Miami to get in our dose of windsurfing and
kayaking fun and freedom. It’s one of the highlights of our family time
together. Vid stated that, “Our customers are thrilled that we are here.
There are no other windsurfing concessions in Miami Dade. They appreciate our
reliability and that we not only provide them a great service with a smile,
we successfully teach anyone and everyone to windsurf, guaranteed, or their
money back. Most of our customers are repeat ones.”
Both Karen and Vid share a philosophy of following the Golden Rule. “Treat
others as you would like them to treat you. Try to enjoy each moment of your
life. And be thankful for the good things in your life.” After getting
to know them as repeat customers, I’d say they live their philosophy
well.
You’ve heard the saying “Location is everything.” The trailer
that houses Sailboards Miami, just off the causeway going toward Key Biscayne
has become a kind of landmark for Miami Dade locals, as well as for other tourists.
Windsurfing and kayaking are both good ways to have some good, clean fun and
get a good workout at the same time. They are both a great escape from our
everyday lives. Many people cannot afford to own and maintain a boat, but they
can manage an hour or two of windsurfing and kayaking as ways to get out and
enjoy the water. Give Sailboards Miami a try next time you’re in the
area. You’ll be glad you did! Please visit them on the web at www.windsurfingmiami.com.
To reach them by telephone, call (305) 361-7245.
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