One of the most anticipated international wind sports competitions of the year, Salinas Fest 2026, wrapped up in Colombia with a stunning display of skill from Dominican kitesurfers, who took the top two spots on the podium in the sport’s most prestigious King of the Air division.
Angel David Bonilla Zayas, better known to fans and competitors as “Davisito,” delivered a masterclass in aerial control and precision throughout the four-day event, outperforming 145 fellow riders to claim the coveted first-place title. The Dominican Republic’s victory streak did not end there: Davisito’s training partner Carlos, popularly known as “Carlito,” followed closely behind to secure second place, marking a historic one-two finish that solidifies the Caribbean nation’s growing global reputation as a kitesurfing powerhouse.
Both elite athletes are products of the Kite Buen Hombre development program, a structured training initiative led by celebrated veteran kitesurfer Félix Martínez. Nestled along the Dominican coast, Buen Hombre beach has emerged as one of the most sought-after training hubs in the Caribbean, thanks to its consistent trade winds, shallow flat-water zones, and open aerial ranges that provide ideal conditions for honing competitive kitesurfing skills. The program’s success in producing top-ranked international athletes is no accident, rooted in years of intentional development, cross-border coaching partnerships, and access to world-class natural training infrastructure.
This year’s iteration of Salinas Fest drew competitors from 12 nations across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, cementing its status as one of South America’s largest and most respected elite wind sports competitions. In post-victory interviews, Davisito highlighted the diverse training experiences that contributed to his win, noting that off-season training stints in Cape Town — another global kitesurfing hub — helped him refine his technique and prepare for the high-stakes competitive environment. Even as he draws on international training opportunities, the athlete remains committed to representing the Dominican Republic on the global kitesurfing circuit, turning his podium win into a platform to showcase the nation’s growing strength in the sport.
The Dominican one-two finish at Salinas Fest 2026 is more than a single competition success: it signals the arrival of the country as a leading force in competitive kitesurfing, and underscores the impact of targeted athletic development and access to world-class training conditions in cultivating elite international talent.