An inspiring film by a great friend of mine in Colombia. Zowi followed his passion for windsurfing and helping to change the perception of this beautiful country by showing others how adventurous it is and the amazing windsurfing destinations.
King of Mahalo opened in 2009 and gave kids a place where they could practice extreme sports and seek adventure in a natural setting it is important for Envigado and for the many young Colombians looking to break into extreme competition. Mahalo extreme park is an important part of Envigado, and gives kids a place to excel, allows a competition with a high level of motivation and performance in various disciplines.
Walking into this beautiful place, you feel the energy, the chill out room, rock climbing area, pool area, combine it all with the extreme, the natural, vertigo, music, art and adrenaline, a different space with the main goal to persuade more spectators, athletes and fans to be a part of the extreme sports scene. Mahalo is covered in art of several local painters and graffiti artists, marking its style unique and adding to it a must visit while visiting Medellin or Envigado.
Envigado, fifteen minutes from Medellin, is interested in promoting tourism focused on the "Eco-adventure". The goal is to combine nature and excitement with the aim of integrating the main attractions and natural sites such as rivers, mountains, caves, roads and parks where athletes can practice extreme sports. Mahalo extreme park plays its role by offering an extreme recreational experience in a healthy natural environment. Mahalo offers the following for visitors and extreme athletes:
• Restaurant offering international food • Convenient facilities to enjoy the view of the city • Televisions to watch extreme sports • Ecological walks • Downhill Mountain Biking • Skateboard • Dirt Jump • Climbing • Paintball • Pool • Table games
Mahalo park and Luong restaurant are located in the town of Envigado, in Loma del Escobero, approximately two hundred meters from the traditional restaurant Farolito. I found this place by bus, just ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance. Check them out on facebook. If you are interested in learning more about the amazing mind behind the idea, it will be up on the people along the way blog title.
I thought I might be mad. After 2 buses, a taxi ride, I arrived in the middle of now where - but a place rich in one thing - wind! Lago Calima is the place that has constant wind and perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. New to both of these sports, I took a lesson and picked it up quite quickly. I stayed with Pescao windsurfing in a little tent with a mattress. If you are looking for something a bit more comfortable, I would recommend checking out the near-by hotel just up the road another mile. If you have a group and looking for luxury accommodations renting a finca is the way to go. Please make sure you invite me if you are going. The town is about 10 kilometers from the school and Luis (aka fish or pescado) drove me to dinner every night with his tricked out car for the handicap. In the morning I would swim to the other side of the lake a good 45 - hour swim but beautiful morning activity. The only reason to visit Lago Calima is for wind sports. Fortunately for me, I met the Colombian Champion in the sport. You are welcome to view the video from our interview. Camilo is inspiring others to seek out Colombia as an adventure destination especially in the windsurfing arena. He has a movie that explores the wonders of Colombia windsurfing at Windsurfing into the unknown. On the video, we also explore the windsurfing factory Cogua which makes hand-made custom boards. If wind sports are your passion, a trip to Lago Calima should be on your list.
A magical lake exists 2 hours from Cali, Colombia where the wind blows every afternoon making it the perfect destination for kite and wind surfers. Upon my arrival, I watched a windsurfing competion and talked to a few of fans. That night, my new friends Camilo and Titi went into town with Fish (the owner) in his tricked out car made for people in wheelchairs. We ate pizza and joked around in the car ride home. Again, I never know how much they are laughing at my silly Spanish translations or the fact that I can not understand the entire conversation - especially my new friends with a costal accent.
A simple accommodation in a tent with a mattress and food from the local cook. Each morning I would swim to the other side of the lake before breakfast. Kitesurfing at Lago Calima is amazing and perfect spot for wind sports. The only challenge I had was getting cold quickly.
Without many distractions, I had time to write in my journal, read my book and simply relax and enjoy watching the water. Life in Lago Calima is tranquil and perfect for wind sports and relaxing.
Perhaps it would be smart to follow my own advice and find a place to sleep prior to drinking a few beers, but the conversation was so interesting that I decided to stay. There is FUN to be had in Salento, Colombia. From mountain biking on the nearby trails, horseback riding on challenging muddy hills and rivers, or admiring the vista at La Serrana (the best place to rest your eyes), Salento has something for everyone. Do not forget the downtime activities; walking down the street of artists wondering into shops and sampling the food. Must dos in Salento is the trout which tastes delightful and a trip to Sueno de los Fresas for their ice-cream.
The town lights up during the weekend when people come to enjoy the nearby peace and serenity of Salento. A trip to the wax forest should be on everyone list and I recommend venturing off the beaten path to run wild in the grassy hills.
A day spent running the flight of stairs at the end of the street of artists and later visit a "natural healer" who massaged my ankle. To be quite honest, this was a bit odd, but it felt a whole lot better afterwards.
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