What do you get when you put a bunch of tech enthusiasts on a windy island? In the case of MaiTai Cabarete, which took place this weekend in the Dominican Republic, it meant hardcore kitesurfing for 3 straight days. Not what you’d expect, right?

Described as a community of “extraordinary entrepreneurs, innovators, and athletes” who contribute their energy to a shared experience centered around the kiting lifestyle & philanthropic endeavors, I can confirm that I witnessed nothing short of that. I would be lying if I said I weren’t a tiny bit intimidated before arriving in Cabarete, especially as I had to google “rash guard” just days before arriving to brush shoulders with world-class masters of the sea.

Watching the seasoned kiteboarders fly in the air was awesome. Listening to the stories of VC veterans and getting honest feedback about my ideas was constructive and a great learning experience. I even took beginner lessons to try my hand at kitesurfing. My instructor Chelu taught me how to control a kite and successfully body drag despite the gusty winds and waves!

Not typically one for extreme sports, perhaps it was the beautiful weather, the warm water or the latent adrenaline-junkie in me that was awakened this weekend to an addictive new hobby. A Dutch e-commerce veteran I met last night who has been kiteboarding for 15 years and flew in from Berlin recommended Egypt or southern Morocco for beginners. I’ve always wanted to visit Africa. Who’s joining me for the next kiting adventure?