In 1988 a man named Ernst Van Vliet, originally from Holland, started Jibe City out of the trunk of his car. Ernst could often be seen windsurfing in Kralendijk, or cruising around Bonaire with surfboards strapped to his car, looking for the next great place to launch into the water.

After arriving at Sorobon beach, it was obvious to him that the natural surroundings of Lac Bay were the best place to set up shop… and so he did. “At first I wanted to just do short board rentals from sailing spots over the whole Island with my Rambler Rebel station wagon. But soon I realized the bay is the best place to sail and I decided to build a shack for my boards and sails. First Jibe City was called "Windsurfing Bonaire" But as the conditions are so good to Jibe I called it "Jibe City" after "Swell City" in the Gorge."

In the beginning there were not half the people sailing on the waters of Bonaire as there are now. So one might say that this one man, the man, Ernst, is the reason we all take those fifteen odd flights to get down here for these amazing conditions. Ernst knew if you build it they will come; and they did! "In January 1989 me and my two dogs, Rebel and Lucky started to clean the beach and I build the Shack.”

That shack has transformed over these two decades since Ernst first arrived. But still the true Bonairean dream survives. In 2007, when Ernst found it was time to say goodbye to Lac Bay, another Dutch Dreamer, Dirk Jan (DJ), took charge of Jibe City. Over these recent years there have been even more enhancements, but no matter what you do to it, Jibe City still remains the same laid back, warm, best place in the world to windsurf!

Photos:

This is Ernst, with his dream, his puppy dog; Rebel, 3 boards and the old car.
This seems to be a good place for windsurfing!
This is the start. First boards 1988
Living in town, windsurfing in the yard during the rainy days.
Looking for the real good spot...with my old Rambler.
What do other experts think?
Lynne Mulder, one of Jibe City's very fitrst customers in 1988
< Baby Rebel
January 1989. This is the ultimate location. Let's start cleaning!
Ernst moved to the premises with his dogs, boards, sails and a new old car.
Living right on the beach isn't so bad. You can still windsurf in your yard!
My first house. Later I moved to the container.	The first wind surfers at Jibe City
For more than 3 boards I needed a real store room	Crash simulation
This will be the place to hang out.	Frame work of the Hang Out Beach Bar.
Beach, Boards, Sails and Wind.
We really needed that bar!
My baby	Grows fast!
First shop under construction
hmmm?	Fito and Danielo
10 years later!	Time for a new sail repair room. And a real house!
^ Sonja Jernstrom sent us this one: We have another car picture to add to your collection. My dad took it one on of our two trips to Bonaire, either in approximately 1998 (most likely) or 2000. It's one of my most favorite pictures. I have very fond memories of Lac Bay; it was a great place to learn how to windsurf.
February	2000
"Our birds"	We constructed a tree of all lost and found shoes.
Daniela painting. October 2000
These pictures tell the story of an old car of mine. I didn't want to say goodbye. So, here it is on the premises completely one with nature...
1997	One of my dogs, loves this play ground! Christmas 1999
I know how to take care :-) - July 2000	October 2000
April 2001	December 2001
	<— This is March 2002!
2003	2004

 

 

 

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