Peter-Paul "Pedro" Boot

In 2007 Peter took hold of the reigns passed by Lysta Lestock and is now coming into his third season as 'El Jefe', running all things Vela! Peter-Paul Boot started windsurfing in 1978 while living in Kuwait. In 1986, while chasing the wind, Peter got his first teaching job at the Baja Surf Club in Los Barriles. During his seasons in Cabarete while teaching windsurfing and managing the Vela Center, Peter tried his hand at kiteboarding and helped to bring his teaching skills to Baja for over 5 years as the Dare2Fly manager/instructor. Nowadays..He is back to full time windsurfing and spending lots of hours sailing the sup boards reminding him of the good old days and loves ridding them in big swell or the pacific waves!  

Finch van der Zwet

Finch returns for his third year as assistant manager and general handyman.  This man is just addicted to the beach ….no, he was born on the beach.  He had his own restaurant/surfbar on the beach in Holland (yes, another Dutchy) until last year.  He has been making trips to the Baja since last century.  He loves every kind of board sport, with or without a sail.  Anything to keep the adrenalin flowing.  He likes to keep the chill tunes flowing out of the retail shed and onto the water, adding to the casual atmosphere. And, of course, he likes cheese and good coffee

Neil Howe

Originally from the UK, Neil turned his lifelong hobby into his profession when he became an RYA qualified windsurf instructor several years ago. Since then he has done stints in the Greek island of Rhodes and in the Caribbean islands of St Lucia and laterly The Dominican Republic, where he has worked at Vela Cabarete for the last 3 years. "On loan" to Vela Baja Neil joins the team as senior instructor for the winter season. He is also enjoying putting his other hobby of photography to use when regularly updating the Baja wind reports.

Todd Simmler

Todd has called Oregon home for fifteen years.  Moving from Bend to Hood River two years ago has allowed him to expand his skills as a mountain biker and as a snowboarder.  Skipping the snowboarding season this year should allow him to be able to add windsurfing and kiteboarding to his bag of tricks.  Todd also creates unique art from scrap metal.

Jorge Duchateau

Vela Baja's assistant instructor for 2010 season, Jorge as a qualified dive instructor is equally at home both on and below the water (he can organise snorkelling or scuba trips for Vela guests upon request). Now living full time Baja his local knowledge of the area is invaluable.

OUR AWESOME VOLUNTEERS!