A group of thirty doctors, pharmacists and  nurses conducted the two-day mission in the villages of Cabarete (Isalabon, and La Cienega), providing free medical care to over 500 local Dominican and Haitian residents. Their efforts were supported by Peace Corp volunteers, the Dominican Army,  Cabarete Town Council department, House of Waves surf school and residents of Cabarete who graciously lent their time and language skills to assist with the mission.

A heartfelt thank you to Waves of Health and the Cabarete volunteers for their service, dedication, and generous help to communities in need.

Waves of Health Medical Missions in Cabarete and Dajabon a Success, Nov. 2012 is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf

As one of the original and quintessential beach sports, surfing will have a substantial place in the program of the inaugural Bolivarian Beach Games, an innovative multi-sport event organized by the Bolivarian Sports Organization (ODEBO). Shortboarding, StandUp Paddling, Longboarding and Bodyboarding will all be included in the maiden edition of this multi-sports Olympic organization event.

The Bolivarian Sports Organization (ODEBO) was created in honor of Simón Bolivar and includes: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. For the 2012 Bolivarian Beach Games, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala and Paraguay were also invited.

As ODEBO is recognized and affiliated to the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), all the surfers will be travelling as part of their National Teams, supported by their National Olympic Committees, much in the same way athletes are chosen for and participate in the Olympic Games.

Scheduled to take place on the beaches of Lima, the Bolivarian Beach Games will see athletes from over a dozen beach sports competing for the medals and the honor of representing their sports federations and nations. The surfing competitions will be held on the beautiful, world-class waves of Punta Rocas.

“Surfing’s inclusion in another important multi-sport event recognized by the Olympic Movement is a critical validation for our sport and our long-term ambitions”, said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “With such an exciting variety of our ISA disciplines on display such as SUP Surfing and Racing, as well as the more traditional shortboarders, longboarders and bodyboarders, we can look forward to truly amazing, even historic event in a region where our sport is growing fast.” A total of 11 athletes plus coaches will make a full team.

There is great enthusiasm and pride for the Dominicans surfers who were selected to participate in these games, and are willing to give their best to achieve excellence in the sport; good luck to them as they represent the nation of the Dominican Republic on foreign shores.

Dominican Republic Surfing Team, pictured from left to right,  top row: Jesmarín Puente, Natalia Olmedo, Eduardo Lara, Katie Bowcutt, Pascual Silverio, Angel Ramos. Bottom row, Alex de la Cruz, Eduar Santana.

Dominican Surfers Compete in Bolivarian Beach Games, Punta Rocas, Peru is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf

On their last visit in April 2012, the group donated nearly 100 lbs. of new medical supplies and medication to Ricardo Limardo Hospital, the  public hospital in Puerto Plata. Jesmarin Puente, Director of the Dominican Surfing Federation (Fedosurf) facilitated the donation on behalf of Waves of Health, which was received with gratitude by the hospital directors and staff.

Waves of Health is dedicated to bringing free, modern medical care to developing communities around the world. Their service includes primary and pediatric care, a diabetes program, and surgical specialties in their annual missions to the Dominican Republic.

Volnteers needed! The two day mission in the villages of Islabon and La Cienega in Cabarete will be held November 8 – 9 and translators are needed. Please contact us for more details, fluent English-Spanish speakers needed, thank you.

Waves of Health Returns to Dominican Republic for Medical Missions in Cabarete and Dajabón, November 2012 is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf

The Belmar Pro is an annual event that is well recognized, with a great history of waves and high level of performance. Competitors this year hail from California, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Virginia, New York, Peru, Australia, Hawaii, Florida, and of course the Dominican Republic. Along with many well-known progressive surfers from the USA and beyond, the legendary Buttons Kaluhiokalani will be at the Foster’s Belmar Pro this year, competing at the Muscle Milk Masters. Embracing the shortboard revolution, Buttons became known in the early 1970’s as one of the most progressive surfers in the world.

The Belmar Pro draws professional surfers, veteran competitors and motivated amateurs alike. Representing the Dominican Republic will be Rene Gough who will compete in the ASP Longboard Pro, an event he took fourth place in the finals in 2011 amidst difficult surf conditions and fierce competition. Zion Balbuena also returns for his second year, competing in the Fosters Belmar Pro, where he took one on the highest wave counts for the event in 2011. Leon Gough (shaper, Gough Surfboards) will compete for the first time in the Fosters Belmar Pro.  Eduar “Papito” Santana, and Brian Coutu will both be making their debut in Belmar at the ASP Fins Jr Pro. Dedicated surfers who are well established in the sport, these athletes have all competed and traveled internationally and are top ranked in the national surf circuit in the Dominican Republic.

Surfing in the Dominican Republic is growing every year. Currently there are over one hundred and fifty athletes competing in the national circuit of surf competitions and local community warm-ups. Nestor Puente, President of the Dominican Surfing Federation (FEDOSURF) remarked, “We are proud that these talented surfers will be representing our country. Congratulations to them and best wishes for the event. May they return with continued enthusiasm and discipline for their training and development.”

Daniel and Wendy Stockdale are generously hosting the surfers during their stay in New Jersey. Daniel Stockdale is a frequent visitor to Cabarete in the Dominican Republic. A professional photographer and Long Board rider, he is the official event photographer for the Belmar Pro. This trip would not have been possible without the support of Millennium Resort Cabarete, Pauhana Surf School, Gough y Hijos S.A., The Boat House Boca Chica, Duharte Surfboards, Gough Surfboards, Chino Surf School, Cabarete Medical Center, Vela, Lupa, Encargo Group, 8Eighty, Gorditos Fresh Mex, Super Super Surf Liquor, Igunana Mama, Club Nathalie Simon, Hispaniola Maritime Repair Service, Mike Barber, Association Surfing Puerto Plata.

photo credit: D R Stockdale

Dominican Surfers Represent at Belmar Pro, New Jersey, Sept. 13-16, 2012 is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf

The Ironman is a long-distance triathlon, and also part of the summer Olympic games, which consists of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run, raced in that order and without a break. Ironman events have a strict time limit of 17 hours to finish the race, Lauren completed her event  in an impressive 12:39.33.

The event  began in New Jersey, and took competitors across the George Washington Bridge into Manhattan, and included a swim in the Hudson River. Uniquely held in a metropolitan setting, this was not your typical Ironman.

Lauren said that the Ironman was “an AMAZING experience. Competing in an Ironman is a long journey. I started training over a year ago and dedicated much time, money, and sacrifice in order to make it to the finish line. It  was really incredible to compete. When I was crossing the finish line, the emotion I felt was indescribable. “ We congratulate her achievement, determination and spirit.

44 different countries represented in the event. There were 476 women who participated, (17 percent of the field), along with 2,243 men. The largest age group is Mens 40-44, with 515 athletes. The largest women’s group is also 40-44 – there were 106 women signed up in that category. More event information can be found on ironman.com.

Call for Volunteers! 

The Waves of Health is preparing for their 9th medical mission to Dajabon and Cabarete, Dominican Republic. The trip will be November 3-11th, 2012. All interested parties please email wavesofhealthvolunteer@gmail.com, or visit http://thewavesofhealth.org/.

Waves of Health Doctor Completes Ironman Competition in NYC is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf

With a surge of 5-7 feet waves, the two-day competition saw the participation of over one hundred athlete surfers from all over the country. Summer tropical storms presented varied conditions from clean, glassy waves, to battling rain, wind and tide, giving a demonstration of courage and passion for the sport by all participants.

The undisputed champion of the Open Surf division was the athlete Leon Gough of Boca Chica, based in Cabarete, who won the trophy of the highest honor. The sub champions were athletes Angel Comprés of Cabarete in second place, Daniel Alvarez of Bavaro in third, and Roberto Martinez of Cabarete in fourth place.

The Open Bodyboard division crowned as champion Martin Perez of Nagua, followed by Pascual Silverio of Sosua in second, Jeferson Reynoso of Nagua in third and Joey Ciolko of Cabarete in fourth.

Regarding the Open Longboard division, René Gough of Boca Chica took the crown of champion with Daniel Alvarez of Bavaro in second, Eduar Papito Santana in third and Angel Compres, in fourth (both of Cabarete respectively).

Moreover, the women staged an outstanding performance, leaving as champion Julie De Smet of Cabarete, followed by sub champions: Carolina Gutierrez of Las Terrenas in second, Alicia Martinet of Cabarete in third and Melina Betances of Bahoruco in fourth.

Showing off a special division of young athletes, the Junior Surfing champion was Nicolas de la Cruz of Cabarete, and conquering the place of sub champions were Cristian Padilla of Las Terrenas in second, Armando Reid of Bavaro in third and Gian Marco Oliva of Cabarete in fourth.

It was the delight of the audience to watch the performance of the Mini Junior Surf division, with Max Self of Cabarete being crowned champion, and establishing themselves as sub champions were Yasper Astacio of Cabarete in second, Killan Reault of Las Terrenas in third, and Tom Maurice of Cabarete in fourth.

All winners were awarded trophies, medals, and cash prizes by FEDOSURF and various sports accessories and other items from the event sponsors. Jesmarin Puente led the event as Technial Director, overseeing the computer judging program, live streaming and serving as head judge.

FEDOSURF would like to thank all of the institutions and companies that made a contribution to the successful completion of this fourth national event of the 2012 season, the “Aloha Pro Mañanero”, including the Dominican Olympic Committee, Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Dominican Air Force, Politur, District Board of Cabarete, Cabarete Medical Center, Stella Blue Films, Supermarket la Rosa, Carib Bic Center, Surfea Surf Shop, Microjet Technologies, Aloha Surf Café, Alka Products, Division 71, DreamBuz Media, Macao Surf Camp, Gough Surfboards and the Association of Surfing in Puerto Plata (ASPP).

Aloha Pro Mañanero 2012 Winners Leon Gough, Julie De Smet, René Gough, Nicolas de la Cruz, Max Self and Martin Perez in Cabarete Surf Competition is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf

August 4- 5, 2012 / 7:00 AM

Divisions: Surfing, Bodyboard & Longboard

4th Event in National Circuit 2012, Dominican Surfing Federation (FEDOSURF)

Advance registration required, by August 3 at 5:00pm at www.fedosurf.org 

Email:  info@fedosurf.org , or facebook.com/fedosurf

Telephone:  (809) 682-7714 or (809) 805-2705

Cabarete Hosts the IV Surf National Competition in Dominican Republic, 2012 is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf

The caliber of athletes ranges from national champions and local legends to former professional surfers and Pipeline Masters. There’s a level of prestige and honor that comes with representing one’s country in competition, as athletes do in the Olympics, especially in a World Championship that will feature the best over-35-year-old surfers (in five divisions) from around the world. While some teams will be sending a full team of 8 surfers, others will send a single athlete or a few athletes to represent the country.

The Dominican Republic is being represented by two prominent surfers who have participated in other world events, Robert Reid and Victor Peralta.

Reid is competing in the “Kahuna” and “Grand Kahuna” categories, and is a dedicated surfer and physician. Reid is credited with having surfed many different beaches around the globe in his youth, and took many first place wins in national competitions.

Victor “Bobo” Peralta is competing in the “Master” and “Grand Master” categories, and is a veteran surfer with a great active devotion to the sport. Peralta counts many top place wins in national championships, and promises to deliver a high level performance at the Master event in Nicaragua. You can follow the event live at the official event site http://isawmsc.com/live/.

About the International Surfing Association: The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the World Governing Authority for Surfing, and was originally founded  in 1964.

ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies of 71 countries on five continents. Its headquarters are located in La Jolla, California.

Dominican Republic Surfers Represent at the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship in Nicaragua is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf

In Bahoruco, local surfers, together with community members, gathered in the early morning for a beach cleanup, followed by a surfing warm-up competition and technical training. The participation of athletes in the Junior Surf category (under 18) of Bahoruco delighted the audience with their progressive maneuvers, leaving as undisputed champion Javier Felix, followed by the sub champions: Edwin Felix, Gabriel Pena and Michael Betances, who received awards in surf equipment and accessories.

This event was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Dominican Surfing Federation (FEDOSURF), the Association of Surfing South (ASDS) and the Surfrider Foundation. The technical event team consisted of Jesmarín Puente, Julio Betances, Saul Medina, Wimelson Mendez Bello, Nestor Puente, Melina Betances along with additional community members.

The north coast beach cleanup event was held at Playa Mañanero in Cabarete, in the province of Puerto Plata, coordinated by Juan Carlos Torres (Aloha Surf Café), together with surfers from that community. It is important to note that June is very significant for surfing in the Dominican Republic, with several important dates celebrated such as:

“World Environment Day,” which is celebrated on June 5, established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1972.

“World Oceans Day” held on June 8 since 2009, by resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

“International Surfing Day” held on June 20, this date celebrates the sport of surfing related to the protection of the environment and ocean resources.

“International Olympics Day” celebrated on June 23, celebrating the Olympic movement since 1894.

International Surfing Day a Success in the Dominican Republic, 2012 is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf

World Champion surfers Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore have signed on to be this year’s International Surfing Day Ambassadors, which is observed globally, with over 200 separate events in 25 different countries.

For this event, the Dominican Surfing Federation (FEDOSURF) announces simultaneous beach activities, which will involve the North and South of the country.

In Playa Bahoruco, Barahona on the South coast of the Dominican Republic, a Beach Cleanup will take place at 8 am, immediately followed by a surf training clinic led by Jesmarín Puente, National Director for FEDOSURF.

The activities on the North coast are being coordinated by Juan Carlos Torres, Proprietor of Aloha Surf Café in Cabarete, and member of the Association of Surfing in Puerto Plata. The event will begin at 7 am at Playa Mañanero, in Cabarete, with an environmental talk, followed by a beach cleanup and surfing.

Gracias to surfers and beach lovers from all over the world for coming together in celebration of the sport of surfing and protection of our great ocean.

Dominican Republic Celebrates International Surfing Day in Bahoruco and Cabarete, 2012 is a post from: Dominican Republic Surf