Rediscovering Aruba

I remember the moment vividly, it was late May 2011, and I sat in the pristine white sand of “Fisherman’s Huts”, overlooking layers of turquoise as the sun set into the Caribbean Sea. I sat facing the dying rays, alone, feeling blue and oblivious to the beauty around me. My heart had already sunk somewhere deep inside me. I felt hunger, exhaustion, and yes I’ll admit it, I even felt cold. It was the end of a long succession of PWA World Tour competitions, and this last one in Aruba got to me. I windsurfed terribly, had one of my worst results, and I couldn’t recall a minute I enjoyed from the entire week. My confidence and motivation were trampled upon like never before. Not only did I hope to never compete in Aruba again, I also vowed to never return.

- Philip Soltysiak

So why 6 years later am I the awkward last passenger standing at the luggage claim at Queen Beatrix International Airport wondering through which doors my oversized board bags will appear? Perhaps my alternative lifestyle doesn’t lead to rational decision making. Maybe it was whispers of intriguing Aruban beach names like Boca Grandi and Barcadera that lured me in. Or I put too much faith in my wind-chasing gut instincts. Either way, what’s done is done. Time to grab my board bags, drag them out the front door of the airport, and give Aruba a second chance.

PERSPECTIVE