The Tobago Carnival Regatta, which runs from February 19th to 21st, seeks to provide a unique brand of contest where some of world's top athletic competitors will entertain through death defying moves and adrenaline pumping races.

This particular regatta is being touted as a bohemian regatta, where spectators can sit on the beach and still feel that they are part of the action. Although involving traditional sailboat racing, it features youthful and unconventional water sports such as the fast paced sport of wind surfing and the exciting, often risky sport of kite boarding.

Last year's freestyle kite board champion, Orian Jakerov eagerly anticipates the 2010 edition of the regatta and is glad that an event of this proportion is available in Tobago in order to promote local kite boarders. The 28 year old admitted that being dubbed "Freestyle Champ" was a major accomplishment for him and that he looks forward to the challenge of contending with and learning from the other global heavyweights involved in the competition.

Newcomer Shern Alexander will be the only Tobagonian born kite boarder representing the Red, White and Black alongside other experienced Trinidadians who are going over in droves to the sister isle in order to stake their claim. He is quite pleased albeit intimidated at being on the same playing field with professionals such as 2009 Kite Race defending Champion "Big Wave" Dave Devies from the USA, French kite boarder Xavier Demont and Barbados' current Freestyle and Race champion Tony "Burn Corn" Walcott.
Alexander claims that even though he is still perfecting his craft, he intends to analyze the techniques of his experienced counterparts and execute his own variety of extreme feats. The Tobagonian is set to not only demonstrate what a beginner could achieve once he focuses but to play his part in localizing kite boarding and removing the stigma that it is a foreign sport. When asked about his view of the sport, he shared, "It's dangerous yet addictive"!

Ricky Knowles is in charge of the wind surfing section of the regatta. He explains that this aspect will be split into Course Racing (racing around specific markers in the water) and Fun Racing (a racing event similar to a treasure hunt) competitions. He enjoyed the turnout last year and hopes for even more participation and more fun in 2010.

The Tobago Carnival Regatta committee along its sponsors The Tobago House of Assembly, The Tourism Development Company, Peakes and Bmobile hopes to develop increased interest from Trinbagonians in marine sports and get locals back in the water. The regatta itself is poised to become the jewel of the Southern Caribbean Sailing Circuit attracting entrants from France, Germany, the UK, the US and Caribbean region. Also, this family oriented affair serves as a perfect platform to highlight local practitioners.

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