MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Kiteboarding Association (PKA) has lined up a four-leg tour marking the return of the fast-growing sport amid the pandemic with an eye on producing world-beaters and at the same time boost local tourism.
“We are excited to bring back the tour after two years of absence due to the global pandemic,” said PKA president Jay Ortiz during last week’s launch at the Manila Baywalk Dolomite beach along Roxas Blvd.
“We are bringing these extreme athletes to four exotic and pristine beaches that will definitely give a boost to local tourism by showcasing these spots to the kitesurfing world,” he added
The ICTSI-backed tour kicks off on Oct. 15-17 at Kingfisher, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and will head to the Visayas after a three-month break for the second leg on Jan. 13-15 in Sicogon Island, Carles Iloilo.
Bantayan Island in Cebu will stage the third leg on Feb. 10-12 with the tour winding up its eighth season on March 3-5 in the world-renowned Boracay Island, Aklan.
Fil-Norwegian Christian Tio, who won the silver medal in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, with use the event as stepping stone in his bid for the Olympic gold in the 2024 Paris Games.
“Since our silver medal win in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, we have set our eyes on other global events. Our aim is for this tour to again put into track our Olympic program for training local athletes and talents as kiteboarding will be a permanent event beginning with the 2024 Paris Olympics,” said Ortiz.
Formed in early 2013 with the full backing of International Container Terminal Services Inc., the PKA has been conducting national kiteboarding tour competitions across the country at some of the best destination spots for the sport. The PKA has already staged more than 20 kitesurfing events across the country, drawing more than 200 participants, including international stars.
Each leg features three main competition disciplines, including Race, Hangtime (longest on air trick) and Freestyle and divided into various categories, men, women, Masters class (40- to 54-years-old) and Grand Masters class (55-and-above). The tour also features the novice division.
The PKA is under the umbrella arm of the Philippine Sailing Association, headed by Ernesto Echauz and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.
For details, add us on Facebook: Philippine Kiteboarding Association.