Kayak 'n' roll
MANILA, Philippines - It really is possible to see the entire Philippines by traversing the sea. Our ancestors did it. They sailed into the Philippines on boats called balangay before settling in the various islands. But without doubt, sailing is a test of skill, mettle and a bit of luck. It is fraught with danger because swift currents can push you towards perilous open seas, or strong winds may force you inland and dash your craft on shoreline rocks. Thus, to kayak throughout the Philippines takes considerable navigational skills, physical strength, adequate “sea sense” and an adventurous spirit.
Filipino explorer and outdoorsman Buzzy Budlong of Cebu and Singapore adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow have all of that. Setting out from Saranggani in Mindanao last Aug. 31, they were scheduled to reach Pagudpod in Ilocos Norte by Nov. 25.
“The team-up is called the Friendship Kayak Expedition Team to commemorate 40 years of Philippines-Singapore relations, and its main goal is to promote this as a serious sport,” says Swee Chiow. “Kayaking in the Philippines is limited mostly to resort kayaking. We are trying to breach the mental barriers of both foreigners and locals so that they see this not just as a leisure activity, but as a viable sport. The terrain really lends itself to the activity.”
The idea for the adventure was hatched last year when Swee Chiow visited the Philippines as a motivational speaker. As an accomplished adventurer, he climbed Mount Everest twice, has been to the North and South Poles, and climbed seven other summits besides. He has cycled from Singapore to Beijing and swum across the Malacca Strait. This latest adventure is a result of a newfound passion for kayaking.
The sea craft are 19-foot touring kayaks. By paddling at least 10 kilometers a day, Buzzy and Swee Chiow expect to log 3,000 kilometers at the end of the tour. “It’s a good way to see the country,” says Buzzy. “We’re hoping to set a pan-Philippines kayaking trail.” He identifies Cebu and Bohol as hotbeds of tour kayaking, but rues that the sport is not gaining popularity as fast as it should, saying, “There are endless possibilities for kayaking as a serious sport in the Philippines since we are an archipelagic country.”
Swee Chiow notes that kayaking gives visitors a unique perspective to the country and its people. “Two things stand out,” he says. “These are the beauty of the islands and the hospitality of the people. There is so much potential to develop tourism through kayaking.” Apart from sights not seen by the average tourist, the paddlers recall sincere gestures of extraordinary goodwill from simple folk. When their support boats were delayed, for example, villagers from fishing villages insisted on lending them dry shirts so that they could change their drenched clothing. And this being the Philippines, the hospitality also meant a surfeit of shared feasts. “This expedition has been aptly called the Friendship Kayak because the friendship shown by the people of this land is remarkable. It is what made it possible for us to come this far,” continues Swee Chiow. “We owe it to them to finish this undertaking.”
Expedition manager Toby Martin reveals that to embark on the project wasn’t easy, and financial constraints were a factor from the start. However an outpouring of support came from the Department of Tourism, local government units and provincial officials, private individuals, and companies like Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX). “The name Friendship Kayak has become a self-fulfilling prophecy,” says Toby. “The project started out with a lean budget, and although individuals and companies have given support, it cannot be helped that finances are constantly being depleted.” So far, some setbacks encountered by the team include the difficulties resulting from typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, being caught in the middle of a freak storm in Mindanao, kayaks capsizing and equipment being swept away by strong waves. Buzzy and Swee Chiow were at times incommunicado due to lost cell phone signals, and a support boat almost went under because of a punctured hull. Still, the team and its support group manage to go on.
The recent Manila leg of the Friendship Kayak marked the 2,203rd kilometer stop. At this point, there is no doubt that this is a remarkable team of sailors with outstanding fortitude. “Every time I embark on an adventure such as this one, I learn some new skills in order to tackle the challenges ahead,” says Swee Chiow. “But I am also re-learning and reapplying some principles again and again. Among these are faith, courage, determination, friendship and hope.”
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To see photographs and videos, and to learn how you can support the Friendship Kayak Expedition, visit www.friendshipkayak.com. ROX, the biggest outdoor sports and recreation hub in Asia provides adventure packages within the Philippines. Visit them at Bonifacio High Stree,B1 ROX Building Taguig City, or call 856-4639. Or log on to http://roxphilippines.multiply.com.
