International kiteboarding under way in Daet

Inspired by the growing number of foreigners playing kiteboard in Bagasbas Beach, the municipal government of Daet in Camarines Norte is holding the First International Kiteboarding Competition, which runs until Feb. 8.

Also known as kitesurfing, the event involves using a power kite to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. The rider uses a board with foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel himself and the board across the water.   Kitesurfing season in Daet starts during the northeast monsoon season from October to early March.

Bagasbas Beach, which is listed as one of the country’s 10 best wave surfing destinations, is now an alternative site of extreme sports enthusiasts because of its uncrowded and wide kiteboarding area. Sites vary from flatwater lagoon to high waves, and island hopping to see the white sand beaches of Camarines Norte can be done via kiteboard.

According to Mayor Tito Sarion, the international sporting event aims to promote Daet as a sports tourism destination. He said the famous mile-long Bagasbas Beach is also the site of surfing tournaments, installation art, concerts and other special events.

The event is supported by the ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, the Department of Tourism, Mikes-Kites, Rep. Liwayway-Vinzons Chato and the Bagasbas Beach Development Council.

The top prize of P50,000 will be at stake for the bordercross challenge.

For inquiries, contact 0919-6567440.