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DOWNWIND DECK PHOTOGRAPHY

Did we get the shot?  
Check the posts below for photos from
Kite Beach in El Cuyo, Mexico. 

April 27, 2026

There was something different about this particular Monday at El Cuyo Beach. The same steady, reliable wind we all know and love—but a charged energy, the kind that hints something epic is about to go down.

Just then... in the distance...

Heroes and Villains have arrive.

They came in force, capes flying, masks on, boards ready. Were they here to rumble?

To finally settle the score? Or just to see who could boost higher, loop cleaner, and land smoother? Whatever the mission… it was clear from the first kite in the sky: full send mode was engaged.


Super Mario and Luigi led one crew, bringing along a full cast of friends who looked more ready to party than to rescue any Princess. But let's be clear, this Princess did not need rescuing.


Not far behind, Marvel icons carved up the water with authority, while a few Disney favorites added just enough chaos to keep things interesting. It was part showdown, part celebration—and entirely unforgettable.


On Kite Beach, something magical happens when you mix wind, water, and a little creativity. Costumes —they turn the whole session into a floating festival. Every jump gets a little bigger. Every wipeout gets more laughs. And every rider becomes part of the show.

Because let’s be honest—costumes are just more fun on the water.


From massive boosts to stylish cruisers, everyone brought their A-game. But more than that, they brought personality. And that’s what makes El Cuyo Kite sessions at @MexicanCaribbeanKitesurf with @DownwindDeck something special—you’re not just riding, you’re part of a community that knows how to make every day on the water count.


Missed this months kite costume contest? Don’t worry. We’re just getting started.

Follow us @downwinddeck and get ready for the next Kite Costume Contest…

Theme: Smurfs.

Start planning. Start packing. And most importantly—get ready to send it.

We’ll see you on the water.



 

I first discovered El Cuyo back in 2018 thanks to the rabbit hole of Facebook Kiteboarding Groups. What started as curiosity quickly turned into something much bigger—and this March was a perfect reminder of why.


This has easily been one of the windiest Marches I can remember.


Out of 31 days, I kited 27. Two more were completely doable, but life had other plans. That’s 29 out of 31 days with rideable wind—something that still feels a little unreal even after years of coming here.


But it’s not just about the numbers.


March in El Cuyo always brings a special kind of energy. New faces arrive daily, each bringing their own stories, progression, and stoke. By the end of a session, strangers turn into friends, and before people even leave, plans for next season are already being made. That’s the rhythm of this place—wind, community, repeat.


When conditions are this consistent, your whole mindset shifts. Everything starts revolving around the next session. Wind checks become second nature. Meals, work, and downtime all find their place around time on the water. It’s the kind of flow that’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it.


This month also delivered when it came to gear. I spent a lot of time on the Core 10m XR PRO2, and it’s safe to say we’ve been building a solid relationship. Pushing limits, dialing in control, and getting rewarded session after session—it’s the kind of setup that makes progression feel inevitable. Pair that with the latest from Mystic Boarding, and you’re riding in both performance and comfort.


And when you’re not on the water—or if you’re looking to mix things up—Downwind Deck has you covered.


Stop by the Downwind Deck Wind Shop to check out the newest gear from Core Watersports, Mystic Boarding and Waydoo, get local insights, or just talk story after a session. If you’ve been thinking about trying something new, book an efoil lesson and experience El Cuyo from a completely different perspective—gliding above the water in conditions you’d never expect to ride.


Planning to stay longer? Downwind Deck also offers hotel accommodations designed for riders—comfortable, convenient, and just steps away from the action.


Because here’s the truth: when the wind is this good, you’re going to want to stay.


Life is simple in El Cuyo.

Wind. Water. Good people.


Right now, it’s as good as it gets.

And yes apparently Deadpool was here...



 

Day 2 of El Cuyo Kite Fest brought a different challenge — offshore wind. While the conditions made it tough for some riders to get on the water, it definitely couldn’t keep this crew from having a good time.


Even with the wind blowing offshore, the beach in El Cuyo stayed full of energy. Riders and spectators gathered along the shoreline, sharing stories, checking gear, and keeping the festival spirit alive. Music played, cold drinks circulated, and the community vibe that makes this event special carried the day.


When the racing did happen, the events delivered exciting results:

Sprint Race – Foil Varonil

  1. Max Lhullier (France)

  2. Jaime Ancira (Jalisco)

  3. Ramón Roca (Mexico)


Sprint Race – Wing Femenil

  1. Cathy Padget (United Kingdom)

  2. Paola Gargari (Mexico)


Sprint Race – Femenil

  1. Coco Gerber (Switzerland)

  2. Ananda Gamio (Mexico)

  3. Sara Rojas (Spain)


Highest Jump

  1. Max Lhullier (France)

  2. Jaime Ancira (Jalisco)

  3. Hugo Solís (Mexico)



While the offshore wind may have slowed the racing schedule, it couldn’t slow the festival. Kids played along the beach, riders stayed ready in case the wind shifted, and the good vibes carried into the evening.


Sometimes the best part of a wind festival isn’t just the racing — it’s the people who come together to share their love for the sport. Day 2 was a reminder that even when conditions aren’t perfect, the El Cuyo kite community always finds a way to make it a great day.


Be sure to check out the Day 2 photo gallery to see the beach scenes, podium moments, and behind-the-scenes energy from another memorable day at Year 2 of El Cuyo Kite Fest.


And follow us on instagram @DownwindDeck to follow the action at El Cuyo Kite Beach🌬️🪁📸



 
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