With a heavy heart and deep sorrow, today we do not speak of victories or records. Today we have to report on a tragedy that has shaken our community: the loss of Víctor Vilella at the Tatajuba Kite Festival 2025. Out of respect for his memory, his family, and his friends, the event organizers have canceled all activities. We are dismayed.

SUELTALABARRA Family! When things like this happen, we realize how fragile we are. This is a painful reminder that kitesurfing, like any sport we love, carries risks. But beyond mourning, this tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for all of us who are part of this world.

The preliminary information circulating is devastating. During a leg of the Race and Shore Launch competition, an accident involving several riders resulted in the lines of eight kites becoming tangled. An experienced rider was trapped between eight kites, his legs immobilized, and despite struggling, he drowned. With winds that, as seen in videos, were offshore, conditions became extremely adverse. We can't speculate on what happened in those crucial moments, but what we can do is learn from this tragedy to prevent a repeat as much as possible. Can we do anything? That is the question all organizations and agencies must ask themselves.

A Call to Action for Kitesurfing Safety

This tragic event has brought a crucial debate to the forefront: safety. Social media has been filled with comments from riders and professionals calling for more stringent standards. It's vital that every athlete ensure they have basic safety knowledge: how to properly eject, always carry a knife in their harness, and know the rules. But it's also a requirement for event organizers: adequate rescue equipment and agile rescue boats are needed. Because a life jacket isn't just for impact; it's also to keep you afloat if you lose consciousness. We could spend hours discussing and discussing accessories to improve our sport.

From the IKO to the last local school, we all have a responsibility. It's time to put aside the podiums and come together to create a team or organization dedicated to kiteboarding safety. We must find ways to create stricter standards and demand safety equipment that can make the difference between life and death.

An accident is a fatality, but prevention is a responsibility. We can't bring back those who have passed away, but we can honor their memory by ensuring our sport is as safe as possible for everyone.

In this moment of immense grief, we wish to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Víctor Vilella , a rider, instructor, and passionate kitesurfer who has passed away. Víctor was a beloved figure in the community, and his passion for the sport was contagious. We join in the grief of those who knew him and honor his memory as that of a true kite lover.

Memorial video Victor Vilella DEP