Calema Windsurfing and Watersports at Merritt Island, Fla. celebrates its silver anniversary, turning 25 in 2009. The commemoration will make this year’s Calema Windsurfing Festival extra special.

International windsurfing pros from countries such as France, Brazil and Israel will be attending the annual event to be held from Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, March 8 at Kelly Park at 2550 N. Banana Drive.

The 2009 windsurfing season kicks off with one of the most watched races in the world and the largest in the United States. It also features the Kona North American Championships.

Calema Windsurfing and Watersports — owned by Susie and Tinho Dornellas (one of two master instructors for windsurfing in the nation) produces the Midwinters. The races are held on the Banana River.

What makes the Midwinters different from other windsurfing competitions is that it allows windsurfers of all levels to compete, even beginners, not just those of Olympic stature or the pros, Dornellas said.

Gonzalo Costa Hoevel from Argentina was last year’s Formula Pro division winner. Not only will he compete again in 2009, but also lead a free class for participants teaching his personal techniques including the tuning of rigs on Thursday at 10 a.m. He will answer questions.

The Midwinters is also a fun family event and offers an opportunity to view some of the best racers in the world on the water, sailing their colorful windsurfing rigs. There is no entry fee to watch the festivities.

New this year is the stand up paddleboard rodeo, which will be fun to watch.  Sponsors will demonstrate some of their products on Thursday, March 5. (Sponsors include: Brevard County Park and Recreation, DaKine, Fanatic, Country Inn & Suites, Exocet, Space Coast Office of Tourism, Maui Sails, Windsport Magazine and Albert Ferrer, DC.)

Awards will be presented on Sunday, March 8 at the end of the races.

Early entry fee for all A-fleet racers is $125, with other fleets at $98. The entry fee for juniors and kids categories is $88. Registration for non-racers is $65.

For more information on the festival, to register to race or to participate in a workshop, call 1-321-453-3223. Registration and a complete schedule of activities can also be found on the web at www.calema.com.