MANILA, Philippines - Kiteboarding, the fastest growing water sport in the world, takes center stage here beginning today when the first Philippine Kiteboarding Tour kicks off its five-leg circuit at Playa Calatagan in Batangas.
Over 40 of the country’s top kiteboarders, including 2012 Kite Tour Asia (KTA) Asian Freestyle champion Ken Nacor from Boracay and last year’s KTA Asian Course race winner Jay Ortiz of Manila Kiteboarding, will slug it out for top honors in various divisions of the three-day event ending Sunday.
A number of top international kiteboarders are also expected to join the tour which features the Twin-tip racing, Freestyle and Hangtime events.
Organized by the newly formed Philippine Kiteboarding Association, the inaugural PKT is aimed at creating a formal venue for harnessing the talents of Filipino kiteboarders whose skills are at par with international competitors.
The tour will also serve as the breeding ground of kiteboarding talents who could be tapped to represent the country in various international competitions.
From Calatagan, kiteboarding action shifts to Vigan, Ilocos Sur on Dec. 6-8 while Boracay will host the third leg on Jan. 3-5, 2014. The penultimate leg will be held at Lake Caliraya on Feb. 7-9 before the circuit winds up at Puerto Princesa. Palawan on March 7-9.
Backing the event are Cabrinha Kiteboarding, Landco, Playa Calatagan, Billabong, Dakine, Stoked Inc., Aloha Boardsports, Stilts Calatagan, Aee, and Beautiful Batangas through the office of Vice Gov. Marc Leviste.
For details on the First Philippine Kiteboarding Tour, call (02) 638-9273 or 0947-8305252 or visit MANILAKITEBOARDING.COM and PHILIPPINEKITEBOARDING ASSOCIATION on Facebook.