By Abigail Haddock
Valentina Vix is a windsurfer, sailor, coach and West Marine manager living in Marathon. She previously participated in the pre-Olympics for windsurfing, medaled in competitions in Central America and has windsurfed worldwide. Valentina recently returned from the Windsurfer World Championship in Sicily, Italy in early October, and is preparing to go to the Australian Windsurfer National Championships in January.
When did you start windsurfing?
I grew up in Venezuela, on Margarita Island. I remember being 10 in my dad’s boat, and dad asked, “What is that?” It was someone windsurfing. My dad said, “We have to do that!” I started to teach others at 12, then raced internationally at 15. Now I’m 50, and grand masters start at 50. I feel like I’m starting a new life.
What brought you to Florida?
Back then you couldn’t take any sponsors to qualify for the Olympics, and that made it really hard to afford the sport. I would have a better chance in the States. I was 19 and had family in Miami, so I sold all my equipment and had 50 bucks in my pocket when I got there. 15 years went by where I could barely afford to survive, and I couldn’t surf. I was frustrated – I was at a level where I was ready for the Olympics, and needed to find a purpose. Then it clicked as I became involved with sailing. I said, this is how I’ll save money, I’ll live on a boat and teach. It became my purpose to work hard and one way or another have a life on the water.
Any advice for anyone looking to follow through with their dream?
I think people put limitations on themselves. Ever since I was 12 I said, “It’s not a dream, it’s a goal.” You have to do what you love. As long as it’s something good, live with no regrets. I struggled knowing that what I loved was almost ripped away from me. I had to come back stronger than I’d ever been. It’s been 17 years since I sailed competitively, and I decided I was going to train. Even if I’m the last one in the race, I don’t care. With all my heart I’m going to do my best. My race isn’t against everybody, my race is against myself. My race is just to be there. I’m going to take advantage of being 50 and still having the energy and drive, because now I can do it. I can afford it. And I can’t afford not to do it!
What’s your favorite place to surf?
Every place is so different, I can’t compare. Sometimes you connect with geographic places, sometimes people, sometimes food, but I can’t pick a favorite, I think it’s impossible. I boated from Massachusetts to the Keys and even in the smallest little towns I had the most amazing experiences.
What’s next for you?
I’m trying to see if we can reinforce the sailing program here. I love teaching kids and I love sharing the sport. Kids need to know that they are able to do these things. It’s not just how you perform – it’s the experience, it’s the community. People never really leave sailing, they stay connected. And it’s a gift to live here. I throw my board in from any seawall I can. I’m so blessed for my parents; they gave me wings to fly. I’d like to get the basic equipment to teach kids. It would be great to get a sponsor to help kids get access to these events.
Vix is also hoping to get the Keys back onto the windsurfing map. “It almost hurts me to see the weather so perfect and not see anyone out there sailing or surfing,” she said. “People from around the world want to go to places to surf, and when you put it as a destination, when you make it an event, it’s not just a race, it’s an amazing source of tourism and connection.”
