Fernando, Swede ace top ICTSI kiteboarding

MANILA, Philippines - Louie Fernando and Swede ace Atte Kappel lorded it over the elite field in the Twin Tip Racing: Circuit Race to lead the winners in the first ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour in Bulabog Beach, Boracay, Aklan last Sunday.

Fernando, a Cabrinha team rider, bested an international field of 84 kiteboarders from Australia, Switzerland, Estonia, Sweden, Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Germany and Norway and Manila, Boracay, Palawan, Davao, Puerto Galera and Caliraya to rule the Twin Tip Course Race.

Kappel, on the other hand, topped the Masters class of the Twin Tip Course Race while German Kathrin Borgwardt dominated the women’s side of the three-day event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

Ukrainian champion Andrey Salnik bucked the wind and ruled the Freestyle: Tricks and Kite Stunts category with his high-wire acts while stunning UK bet Sukie Robertson emerged as the top lady freestyler in the event which served as the kickoff leg of the four-stage circuit organized by the Philippine Kiteboarding Association headed by president Jay Ortiz.

Russian Sergey Belmesou also wowed the crowd and earned the nod of the judges with the best hangtime act of more than six seconds in the 18 knots windy condition as he topped the highlight Cabrinha Hangtime Challenge in the event staged to showcase Filipino kiteboarders’ talent and skills.

Boracay-based half-Italian Stefano Ganugi, meanwhile, upstaged a field of 14 aged 16-and-below to reign in the special kids category for Twin Tip Racing of the event backed by Boracay Greenyard, the official distributor of Cabrinha equipment, Stoked, Dakine, Aloha Boardsports, and supported by Tanduay Ice, Colt 45 and Summit Water.