Woman on board

CEBU, Philippines - In a world where extreme sport is generally dominated by men, female athletes have proven again and again that they have the capacity to compete with other players.

Gone are the days of worry about breaking a nail and other stereotype phrases about women. These female competitors are rising to the top and breaking down the barriers between extreme and conventional sports while looking oh-so good.

Professing her love for nature and boardsports, it's no surprise that thrill seeker Paula Rosales' passion would turn out to be kiteboarding.

"I am not the type of person that would go to the beach to get a suntan, I'd rather be out in the water swimming, surfing and or just playing around," says Rosales.

For those of you who may not know what kiteboarding is, here is a little description.

Although similar to wakeboarding, kiteboarding is also called kitesurfing and it uses a kite instead of a boat to ride along the water. Even if the water is flat, the wind allows the surfer to ride with any size surfboard. Since the surfer will need the aid of a kite, it is harder to keep one's balance.  

Rosales shares the technicality involved in kiteboarding. She admits it took a lot of patience and time to progress in the said sport, "It was during the late 2009 that I got good at it because I was able to spend a few months in Boracay. I was kitesurfing everyday. I brushed my teeth, went straight to the beach and hit my first session of the day at around 7am."

Her skills have definitely taken her places, meeting boarders and participating in boarding events from all around the world. In addition to that, Rosales was the lone Filipino bet in the Wind or No Wind Kiteboard Jam in Camarines Sur last year.

The kite boarder's fun personality isn't too shy to admit that even great athletes have their moments. She shares some tips with fellow ladies who might be interested in the sport.

"Well, there are times when I would lose my bikini top or bottom in the water. So, always make sure you do a double knot or wear boardshorts that fit you, to avoid wardrobe malfunctions," she says with a smile.

Aside from boardsports and the addictive feeling of flying, Rosales loves art, photography and videos. She also has an immensely deep fascination for nature, people, culture and the underwater world.

Rosales leads the pack of kiteboarders from across the country and across the globe to introduce this sport in Cebu City. Kiteboarding is among the new emerging sports featured in Cebu Fest 2011, along with wakeboarding, skydiving and others.

"I recommend it to everyone! No matter how old or young you are. Whatever style you choose! We have people up to 50+ doing it and as early as 10yrs old. Also, it would really make your life better and increase your patience, believe me."