BORONGAN CITY, Philippines – Renowned kiters from around the world gather in Borongan City as the Philippine Kiteboarding Tour rolls off here in Eastern Samar from November 29 to December 1.
Participants from Ireland, Estonia, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, China, and Thailand look to harness the wind and waves at Baybay Beach alongside local favorites from Boracay, Cagbalete, Cebu, and Manila.
Among the 36 registered competitors are current Asian champion Yo Pudla from Thailand, Estonian champion Trina Trei, and the Irish father-and-son duo of Warren and Stefan Vance.
Now on its 10th season, the kiteboarding event features three categories: twin-tip racing, freestyle, and foil racing.
Live streaming of all kiteboarding events will be available on the Philippine Kiteboarding Association (PKA) Facebook page, with Hawaii-based influencer Karlie Thoma as host.
The opening night on November 28 officially hoisted the curtains of the tournament in Borongan City, the host and co-presenter of the first leg.
“We are over the moon with our hosting of kiteboarding enthusiasts from around the world,” said Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda in a statement.
“This serves as a testament to the success of our sports tourism campaign, cementing our reputation as a top destination for those seeking the thrill and excitement of sports and adventure while taking in our scenic landscapes,” the Borongan City mayor added.
“This is also a historic moment for Borongan and the province of Eastern Samar, facilitating the entry of similar opportunities given by the Philippine Kiteboarding Association.”
Information Officer and Tourism Officer-in-Charge Rupert Ambil held similar sentiments, highlighting the aim of promoting Borongan as a premier water sports and adventure destination.
“Our gratitude goes to the Philippine Kiteboarding Association for partnering with us and the kiteboarding community. We are learning a great deal from them when it comes to hosting events of the same magnitude,” said Ambil.
“With the first leg of the PKA Tour happening at Baybay Beach, Borongan now proudly hosts two national sporting events on top of one national summit on surfing, further solidifying our place on the map as a premier destination for sports and tourism.”
This year’s national kiteboarding tilt is powered by the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI). Aside from Borongan City being the official venue for the first leg of the tour, it is also sponsoring the prize money amounting to $12,000, equivalent to P672,000 in total for all event categories. The Provincial Government of Eastern Samar also serves as major local sponsor. – Rappler.com