Boracay hosts Asian kiteboard cup

MANILA, Philippines - Kiteboarders from all over Asia trooped to Boracay’s famed Bulabog beach for the Philippine leg of the first-ever Kiteboard TourAsia (KTA) organized by Hangin Kite Center, the Philippine Windsurfing Association, and supported by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Sports Commission. The tournament gathered 59 racers from 22 countries.

Europeans dominated the four-day tilt with Robin Snuggs of United Kingdom,   and Frenchmen Mallory De Villanueva and Florian Daubos leading the charge in the men’s freestyle.

Topping the women’s division and course racing were Kathrin Bogwardt of Germany, and Spaniards Carla Delmoral and Nuria Goma.

Asians displayed their mettle as they ruled the men’s course racing with Turkish Taner Aykurt, Lithuanian Deivis Maciulis, and Thai Narapichit “Yo” Pudla capturing the top posts.

Rounding up the winning roster are Angel Parzhuber and Tony Heiss of Germany, and Bobo Corniel; and Candice Shedley (Canada), Lizel Tio (Philippines), Jannika Stav (Norway).

Local favorite Ken Nacor of Cabrinha Boracay emerged third in the overall standing after KTA’s fourth leg.

Event organizer Nenette Aguirre-Graf said that Boracay is the country’s pioneer kitesurfing site and preferred by enthusiasts because of its world-class equipment and training programs, ideal winds, and clear waters.

In between riding the amihan wind were sumptuous dinners hosted by the Province of Aklan and the Municipality of Malay, and bar hops at Juice Bar, Hey Jude and Summer Place.

The event is also backed by the Boracay Kite Resort, Boracay Windsports Association, Rudy Project, Stoked Inc., Seair, Boracay Beach Resort, Cabrinha and North Kiteboarding, Ion Essentials, Blood Red, and ANC.