The dazzling island of Aruba has a rich tapestry of windsurfing history, having previously hosted PWA (then PBA) events for ten consecutive years. After a 13 year break the PWA will be making its return to the island for 8 days of exhilarating action. From the 19^th - 26^th June the world's most outstanding freestyle and slalom sailors will take to the crystal clear water, to fight it out for all important ranking points and a share of the ?90,000 prize purse.

Due to its tantalizing trade winds and relaxed Caribbean culture, Aruba has established itself as one of the most idyllic windsurfing locations in the world, and therefore the perfect spot to host the next stop on the world tour. The action will take place off the white sands of Palm Beach, marking the 4^th Slalom and men's freestyle event of the season and the 2^nd women's freestyle show down.

Aruba has previously seen many windsurfing god's confront their demon's on its shores including the speed machine, Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne / Mystic / DunkerbeckEyewear), and the world famous ripper Robby Naish.

Aruba: The low down

Local legend and three times world freestyle champion Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / Gaastra) has provided us with an insight into why Aruba is the perfect spot for the next stop on the world tour.

"The moment you step out of the airport you will slip into the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of the island. Competition will take place at the fisherman's huts, where the water is shallow, blue and perfect for freestyle. As you go out a little deeper into the slalom arena it gets a bit choppy, but not too much because the surrounding reef keeps it relatively flat. The trade winds blow from the north east usually between 15-25 knots but it can get up to 30 when it's really going for it. Aruba is an amazing place and there are loads of things to keep you entertained."

Dates to Remember

19^th June: Freestyle registration and start of freestyle competition.

22^nd June: Slalom registration

23^rd June: Final day of freestyle / First day of slalom competition.

6th June: Final day of slalom and slalom awards ceremony.

Keep an eye out
Slalom Fleet

Forty of the world's fastest men have signed up to take on the fourth stop of the 2011 slalom tour. Big names Bjorn Dunkerbeck (Starboard / Severne / Mystic / DunkerbeckEyewear), Antoine Albeau (JP / NeilPryde) and Cyril Moussilmani (Starboard / North) will be fired up after the disputes in Costa Brava, and ready to defend their positions as current leaders on the tour.

After spectacular performances earlier on in the season, Ben Van Der Steen (Starboard / Loft / Mystic), Josh Angulo (Angulo / Gun / Dakine), Peter Volwater (Fanatic / MauiSails) and Jimmy Diaz (Starboard / North) will be pulling on the power in an attempt squeeze out some extra speed, in order to ruffle some feathers at the top of the rankings ladder.