Powered by Nature. Inspired by Freedom.
AQUAVELA
AquaVela's story began on the beaches of Puerto Rico when my godfather took my cousin and me for our first windsurfing ride. I was just 12, sitting on a board as the sail caught the wind and the board began to glide. It was magical, fun, and exciting — and I couldn't wait to be able to do it myself. I must have been obsessed, because my dad found an instructor and we signed up for lessons. Once I started sailing on my own, I discovered a passion that would shape the rest of my life.
I started teaching as a teenager and, at 18, I opened my first school at a hotel with my mother's help — she was my first investor and she helped me purchase a small fleet of boards and teaching equipment. I called it Vela del Mar, meaning "Sail of the Sea." These two symbols have always held tremendous importance for me: the love for nature and the sea, and the sail that gave me the ability to explore, to adventure, and to truly get to know myself.
Today, AquaVela is a tribute to my first investor and to the person who gave me my first breath and my first push in business. Aqua reflects the color of the sea — my mom's favorite color and the color of her eyes — while Vela carries forward my love for the sails and the adventures they make possible.
AQUAVELA -Powered by Nature, Inspired by Freedom.
Health
Pushing personal discipline in the pursuit of fitness, health, and wellness.
Adventure
Encouraging the courage to try new things and enjoy the journey.
Community
Creating connections on and off the water.
Legacy
Honoring the past while inspiring future generations.
What We Stand For
Our Story
AquaVela’s journey began when I was just 14, right on the sunny beaches of Puerto Rico. Windsurfing was just catching on worldwide, and my godfather brought his windsurfer to the beach one day. That first time my friend and I playing clambered onto a board and just managing to hoist the sail even a little felt like a triumph. And then being able to sail for a few feet, but those first few feet of gliding, felt like an incredible sense of independence and joy—like tapping into an ages long adventure while still being a kid.
From there, my godfather gave us little rides, and I was hooked on the feeling of the wind pulling us across the water without a motor in sight. That combination of nature, speed, and pure freedom was unforgettable. Later on, I took lessons with my dad, and it became a lifelong passion—one that pushed me to explore my limits, meet amazing people, compete and share that joy with others through teaching.
When I started teaching as a teenager, I saw that same spark in my students’ eyes. Years later, they’d come back and tell me how windsurfing changed their outlook, and it’s that feeling—of giving someone else the gift of freedom and adventure—that keeps AquaVela alive today.
At its heart, AquaVela is about bringing a bit of magic and inner joy back into people’s lives.
In a world where communities often lack a central gathering place and everyday life feels separated from nature, we offer a space where people can come together, learn, and connect with the water.
By introducing people to windsurfing and other wind-powered sports, we’re not just teaching a hobby—we’re helping them rediscover a sense of adventure, wellness, and community that’s deeply rooted in our human experience. We create a place where people can smile, feel the thrill of harnessing nature, and build memorable experiences that enrich their lives.
In short, our vision for the Orlando watersports scene is to offer a positive, healthy outlet where people can gather, find joy, and experience a little bit of that magic that makes life special.
Lesson Pricing
Private Lesson (1 student)
Group Lesson (2 students)
Group Lesson (3 students)
Training time (1 hour)
Training Time (5 hour package)
Our Teaching Philosophy
At AquaVela, our philosophy is that learning a new sport should be exciting, approachable, and rewarding. We create an environment where beginners and aspiring adventurers feel supported and encouraged, with clear instruction and consistent supervision to help them progress with confidence.
We believe that the right mix of guidance, practice, and encouragement makes all the difference. By offering step-by-step instruction on calm, flat water with steady breezes, we give students the space to learn at their own pace while still feeling connected and guided.
Our goal goes beyond teaching technique—it’s about facilitating the introduction of a new hobby, sport, or activity into someone’s life. With that achievement, students gain the confidence to explore more, opening the door to new challenges and experiences as they continue their journey as watermen and women, embracing the sea, the wind, and adventure.
Along the way, students also discover the lifelong benefits of being active, social, and independent. This is why we share the knowledge of watersports in a way that truly resonates—creating a lasting positive impression that inspires growth, confidence, and adventure for years to come.