Monday, January 9, 2012

Boracay Updates - Sri Lanka's first International Kitesurf Experience

Part 1
The impetus for this wild idea to compete was brought about by Anny Barlow of the KTA (Kite Tour Asia) during her visit to Sri Lanka in 2011. The KTA is asia's largest kiting event and is bound to see a lot of competitors world over. Boracay itself is well known for kiting. Sadly, however the native people of this island have been displaced and are seen on the roads begging for a living. This is the sad side of development and tourism. Pray that this would not be the case in Sri Lanka. Tourism and development must be sustainable and all communities benefited.
Tons of known faces, my own teacher - Mischi, there's also Stephen from KTA, Stefan from my episodes in Hua Hin, Willy and Dorothy, Nicolos and tons more familiar faces. All been blown away by the wind, ok, expect for Willy who is injured thanks to the Kappalady Lagoon back home!
The first thing one would experience, coming from a kiting destination like Sri Lanka, are the amount of kiters! 100 or so for sure. The next thing is the small beach for launching, I didnt even know people can teach in conditions like that, Ha! Next windy day, kitesurfing lessons in Colombo & Mount Lavinia guys!
The location is however really nice. The water is cystal blue, flat and jump the reef and you have great waves to play on - something what we Lankans love. Mischi and I also did a cool Island Hopping sessions which was really nice. Thanks, Mischi. Dead tired today, 6 hours + of kiting and tomorrow I head back to the airport to collect my board that the airlines misplaced.
Something I love about Philippines - is their love for Pork! Mmmmm.
Will keep you posted.

Part 2

Man, its tiring living in Boracay! People love to party, like party till 5 AM! And then they go Kitesurfing/ teach Kitesurfing.

Have some cool room mates - Bobo Corniel (Dominican Republic); Asian Champ; Yo (Thailand).

Finally got my Kiteboard, phew.

Finally met Kathrine, ah she lives just behind where I am! Lol.

KTA Opening Night Party was cool. Lots of new faces, lots of people got to know about Sri Lanka. 2012 is the year for the place. The eventful day ended with Sukoy, Mischi and myself roaming to find some sweets - ice cream before heading back to our respective hotels.

Tomorrow, Registration Day!

Part 3

I love kite course racing. The best fun I had! The rush you get and the thrill of kiting in the midst of 60 kiters is crazy. I even had the full experience by getting caught into two crashes! Lol. End of the competition I was ranked 18th which I am very proud of! Not bad for a first time in competition.

A full update and pictures to follow soon.

Pictures from Facebook
With Champ Kathrin and Stefan


Rankings, Sri Lanka on the map

KTA awesome company!
Willy Kerr of the KTA stand dead centre!

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