Caribbean event: Cabarete Wing Fest 2026 combines lifestyle and (para)wing world class
Thomas Pfannkuch
· 08.05.2026
From 17 to 21 June 2026, the Cabarete Wing Fest will bring together the international wingfoil and parawing scene on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The festival is much more than just a competition; according to the organisers, it is a five-day homage to the ocean lifestyle that combines sport, community and world-class action. What's special this year is that the Cabarete Wing Fest is the official host of a stop of the SFT Downwind Parawing World Cup.
The festival: Five days dedicated to the ocean lifestyle
According to the organisers, the Cabarete Wing Fest is primarily a five-day "ocean festival" that combines sport, lifestyle and a global community. The programme is aimed in particular at intermediate to advanced wingfoilers and parawingers who want to take their skills to the next level under professional guidance.
A centrepiece for all participants is the guided 12 km Open Ocean Downwinder. These runs along the picturesque coastline are supported by boats and catamarans, providing the highest level of safety and allowing riders to fully concentrate on the glide and the waves. Off the water, the festival offers a platform for knowledge exchange: at the Ocean Talks, world-class water sports athletes, founders and well-known voices from the scene share their stories about life on and in the water and talk about innovations.
The supporting programme is just as dense as the sporting programme. From the kick-off registration party to joint beachside dinners and daily sunset get-togethers, the event is designed to connect the community. A highlight for technology fans are the material presentations, where the latest developments from leading international brands such as NeilPryde, North, Manta Foils and Eleveight can be tested directly on site.
Learning from the best: The Vinni Martins Clinic
A particular focus is on individual development. The organisers have been able to attract top-class athletes for this. One of the most prominent names on site will be the Brazilian Vinnicius "Vinni" Martins. Martins, one of the world's leading professional wingfoilers, will lead an exclusive VIP workshop as part of the festival.
This workshop is limited to just ten participants to ensure highly personalised coaching. Martins promises an in-depth analysis of technique both on and off the water, focussing on efficiency and performance improvement. In the world-class wingfoil conditions of Cabarete, this is a rare opportunity for ambitious riders to receive direct feedback from a World Cup level athlete.
Sporting premiere: The SFT Downwind Parawing World Cup
While the festival celebrates the community, the SFT Downwind Parawing World Cup Cabarete 2026 for sporting action at elite level. This is the first time that the Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) is coming to the Caribbean - a milestone for the still young but rapidly growing discipline of parawing. The format focuses on high-performance racing and downwind elements. For the pros, the prize money totalling 3,000 US dollars is at stake. But the door is not only open to established professionals: qualified riders can actively apply to take part in the World Cup and compete with the world's best.
The choice of venue is no coincidence. In June, constant trade winds of between 15 and 25 knots are the rule in Cabarete. In combination with water temperatures of up to 28°C and a mixture of technical shallow water sections and swell in the open sea, Cabarete offers the ideal terrain to demonstrate the performance of the sport of parawing on a global scale. The local Vela Watersports Centre acts as an important partner and provides the necessary infrastructure for this international competition.
Cabarete as a destination: more than just wind
Why Cabarete? The resort has cemented its reputation through decades of experience as a venue for international events. The combination of warm water, consistent wind and a vibrant beach culture makes it one of the most iconic watersports destinations in the world. The proximity to the reef, which protects the bay from overly large breakers, but at the same time provides challenging conditions further out, offers the right setup for every discipline - whether wingfoiling, windsurfing or stand-up paddling.
There are attractive conditions for visitors travelling for the Wing Fest, such as the Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, located directly on the beach in Cabarete, which is an official partner of the Cabarete Wing Fest. The Millennium Resort & Spa, located directly on the beach, offers festival participants discounts of up to 40 per cent on accommodation, while the Hotel El Magnifico offers 20 per cent. Those who prefer something a little more exclusive will find a luxurious retreat just a few minutes away from the action at The Ocean Club on the Costa Norte.
Condor offers direct flights twice a week from Frankfurt am Main to Puerto Plata. From Puerto Plata airport, it's just a stone's throw to the action: Cabarete can be reached by car in just 25 minutes.
