ICTSI Kiteboarding Tour kicks off today

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning Kite Tour Asia (KTA) Asian Freestyle champion Ken Nacor and Twin Tip Racing world champion Doque delos Santos head the elite cast in the event serving as the kickoff leg of the four-stage circuit organized by the Philippine Kiteboarding Association.

The tour is open to all male and female riders and features three events per stop  – Twin Tip Racing: Circuit Race; Freestyle: Tricks and Kite Stunts; and the Cabrinha Hangtime Challenge: Longest jump.

“This tour aims to create a formal venue for harnessing the talents of Filipino kiteboarders whose skills are at par with international competitors. The tour will be the breeding and selection ground for determining delegates to represent the country in international kiteboarding competitions,” said PKA president Jay Ortiz.

From Boracay, Aklan, the tour will move to Vigan, Ilocos Sur on Jan. 31-Feb. 2; then to Lake Caliraya in Cavinti, Laguna, on Feb. 6-8, and the last stop will be at Puerto Princesa, Palawan on March 7-9.

The PKA staged the event late last year at Playa, Calatagan, Batangas with Julius Non and Christian Tio topping the Twin Tip Course race and Freestyle titles, respectively.

The International Container Terminal Services, Inc., chief backer of the local men’s and ladies pro golf circuits, is putting up a total cash pot of $18,000 for the three-day event ending Sunday with Cabrinha, maker of the best kites in the world, adding $16,000 worth of equipment.

Other tour sponsors include Boracay Greenyard, the official distributor of Cabrinha equipment, Stoked, Dakine, Aloha Boardsports, and supported by Tanduay Ice, Colt 45, and Summit Water.