Boracay’s famed Bulabog beach was transformed into a playground when kiteboarders from all over Asia trooped to this beach island for the Philippine leg of the first-ever Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA).

Organized by Hangin Kite Center, the Philippine Windsurfing Association, and supported by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Sports Commission, the tourney gathered 59 racers from 22 countries.

According to event organizer Manny Cabili of the PWA, the country’s hosting recognized Boracay as a kiteboarding haven in Asia. He said that Boracay is the country’s pioneer kitesurfing site and preferred by enthusiasts because of its world-class equipment and training programs, ideal winds, and clear waters.

In between riding the “amihan” wind were sumptuous dinners hosted by the Province of Aklan and the Municipality of Malay, and bar hops at Juice Bar, Hey Jude and Summer Place which made the sporting event a fun experience.

The event is also backed by the Boracay Kite Resort, Boracay Windsports Association, Rudy Project, Stoked Inc., Seair, Boracay Beach Resort, Cabrinha and North Kiteboarding, Ion Essentials, Blood Red, and ANC.

Europeans dominated the four-day tilt in the men’s and women’s divisions. Asians displayed their mettle as they ruled the men’s course racing with Turkish Taner Aykurt, Lithuanian Deivis Maciulis, and Thai Narapichit “Yo” Pudla capturing the top posts.

Local favorites Lizel Tio won second place in the women’s speed category, while Ken Nacor and Duque Delos Santos emerged in the top ten of the overall standing.

Adding the glitter to the event is three-time Red Bull “Queen of the Air” Susi Mai of Germany who graced the event and led an all-ladies kitesurfing clinic.

Considered the world’s third largest kiteboard tour, KTA has also toured China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand to help Asian-based competitors to be at par with the world’s best. For details, visit www.kiteboardtour.asia.