The Boys from Ponta Preta

This is a story about courage, the courage to pursue your dreams regardless of your circumstances in life. It is the story of a young man, Mitú, and his friends, Titik and Djo of Sal, Cape Verde. They all shared a dream to become windsurfers even though they did not have the resources to do so.

They watched the tourists windsurfing the world-class waves at Ponta Preta and determined that one day, they too would learn. They were quite resourceful. They began by helping the tourists, carrying their boards and getting up close to the action to observe and learn how things were done. Then they volunteered to work at one of the local kite and equipment rental shops so they could make a little money to rent and eventually buy their own equipment.

It's also the story of the passion that these young men had for the sport. One of them, Mitú (Oteniel Jorge Monteiro), would eventually go on to become a two-time Kitesurf World Champion almost sixteen years later starting in 2008 when he was 25 years old.

Yet, that is not where the story ends. It's also about entrepreneurship. You see, winning a world championship doesn't pay the bills. These childhood friends started their own kite surfing shop and slowly built it up to a thriving business serving the tourists who visit Sal with rentals and clinics aimed at the enjoyment of kite surfing activity on the island. They also mentor younger Cape Verdean boys who dream of one day becoming champions.

Click on the "more" link below to see the amazing documentary film, directed by Thierry Albert and produced by Sophie Ebrard & Pundersons Gardens, that tells the powerful story in the Boys own words!

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And here's a fun video that shows the champion having a little kite surfing fun. Doesn't it just make you want to go out there and take a couple lessons?



The 3rd leg of the Kite Surf Pro (KSP) Professional Wave Tour 2011 will be held in Sal, Cape Verde, from December 2 till December 12. The world champion will be crowned there. So if you happen to be in Sal during that time, enjoy the competition. But please stop by and look up the Boys from Ponta Preta.