Vinícius Martins is one of Brazil’s leading ocean athletes, known for his versatility across wingfoiling, SUP racing, surfing, foil riding, and big wave disciplines. He is a South American Wing Foil Champion, SUP Racing World Champion, experienced downwind racer, and respected waterman with years competing internationally.

"Vinni" is also recognized for pushing limits in big wave conditions. Most recently, he rode massive waves in Portugal across foil, surf, SUP, and wingfoil disciplines, showcasing his deep connection with the ocean and high-performance mindset.

Professional kiteboarder and wingfoiler with more than 10 years of experience in the wind sports industry.

Known for her positive energy, passion for the ocean, and dedication to the community, Nadja has built a strong international presence both as an athlete and coach.

She hosts international kite and wingfoil retreats designed to help riders progress, build confidence, connect with like-minded people, and empower more women in the sport. Her coaching focuses not only on performance on the water, but also mindset, lifestyle, and personal growth.

Dasha – Wellness & Longevity Speaker

Dasha is a wellness entrepreneur, brain health advocate, and founder of WhealthCo. After overcoming a traumatic brain injury, her journey led her deep into neuroscience, natural healing, performance, and biohacking.

Dasha will share insights on longevity, recovery, nervous system balance, brain health, and how nature, movement, and technology can help optimize performance and well-being.

Olympian & Waterman 🇫🇷

Thomas Goyard is one of the world's top windsurfing and foiling athletes, earning a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the RS:X class. A multiple-time world and European championship medalist, Thomas is known for his incredible speed, technical precision, and passion for pushing the limits of wind-powered sports. As both a rider and gear developer, he continues to play a key role in the evolution of foiling and performance sailing.

Professional Parawing Athlete

Dmitry Evseev is one of the pioneering figures in parawinging, known for helping shape the sport from its earliest days. Based in Mauritius, he has dedicated years to testing, refining, and advancing parawing techniques, equipment, and safety systems. A passionate foiler and wave rider, Dmitry is widely respected for his deep technical knowledge and practical approach to downwinders, wave riding, and gear development.

Olympian & Waterman

Manuel Selman is a Chilean Olympian, Panamerican Champion, 3x Latin American Champion, and WSL competitor now based in Cabarete, Dominican Republic.

A true waterman, Manuel lives and breathes the ocean through surfing, kiting, foiling, and wingfoiling. With years of international competition experience, he brings deep insight into performance, ocean lifestyle, mindset, and the evolution of board sports.

Adaptive Athlete & Industry Leader

Frances Rivera is an adaptive athlete, U.S. Army veteran, and respected leader in the international watersports industry, working with major brands across the Americas including Eleveight •Lieuwe •Delta Foils •WMFG •Waydoo •Manta Foils •The Hydroflyer •Arkpax

Through her journey of resilience, determination, and passion for the ocean, Frances has become an inspiration in the world of kiteboarding and wingfoiling.

Cabarete Downwind Pioneer & Expert Waterman

Brian Essex is an expert waterman and lifelong pioneer in watersports. From the early days of Cabarete’s downwinder scene to the forefront of parawing exploration, Brian has consistently been among the first to embrace and advance new ocean disciplines. Known for his deep understanding of wind, waves, and the ocean, he has inspired countless riders through his passion for adventure, innovation, and life on the water. His contributions have helped shape Cabarete into one of the world's premier destinations for wind and watersports.

Two-Time Master of the Ocean Champion & Elite Waterman

A true multi-sport waterman, Maxime Lhuillier is a two-time overall champion of the prestigious and winner of the Defi Wind Triple Crown. Originally from France and now based in Cancun, Mexico, he has competed at the highest level in windsurfing, kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and SUP. Through his school, Shaka Vibes, Maxime shares his passion for wind and ocean sports while continuing to push the limits of performance, adventure, and downwind foiling.

Global Watersports Ambassador

Susi Mai is a professional kiteboarder, entrepreneur, and passionate ocean advocate who has called Cabarete home for many years.

A pioneer in the sport and a leader in the global watersports community, she inspires others through her dedication to adventure, sustainability, and living an active ocean lifestyle. Susi brings her energy, experience, and love for Cabarete to the Cabarete Wing Fest, helping create an unforgettable experience both on and off the water.