Aug. 9, 2005 Former St. John resident Devon Boulon sailed away with both the North American Formula and U.S. National championships in recent windsurfing events.
Both were held in July. And he finished sixth at the European Championships in June.
He also captured the prestigious Corpus Christi Bay sportsmanship award at the U.S. Nationals. His name is inscribed on the perpetual trophy along with that of other windsurfing greats like Kevin Prichard, Micah Buzianis and Steve Sylvester.
Boulon, 23, grew up at Trunk Bay, St. John, and is the son of Rafe and Kimberly Boulon. He now lives in San Diego.
"But I still call St. John my real home," he said by phone from San Diego.
Boulon is a professional windsurfer who travels the world to attend championship events. The North American Formula championship was held near Vancouver and the U.S. Nationals at Hood River, Ore.
At the end of August, he'll head to Portugal for another event. In September, he's off to Germany, followed by trips to France and Brazil. The year wraps up in December with the World Championships in Australia.
Last year, he finished 10th at the World Championships. In 2003, he placed fourth.
Boulon said he loves the traveling involved with his job as a professional windsurfer. "But sometimes it's a hassle because I have really large bags," he said.
Boulon, who learned to windsurf at Cinnamon Bay, broke into the professional ranks in 2002.
"I love the freedom on the water, and I love the competition," he explained.
Before he turned pro and signed on to be the main team rider, team manager and chief design tester for WindWing sails, he painted houses around St. John to pay for his sport.
Of course, his parents helped, too.
His father said he was very proud of his son for persisting at something he wanted to do. "And just for being a great guy," Rafe Boulon said.
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