In the past years, more and more people Filipinos are being lured in to the wondrous world of water sports. From the likes of surfing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and now this—kiteboarding. These sports have been around for a long time now, but with the surge in both local and international tourism in the recent years, has also come, inevitably, a surge of love for water adventures. These two come quite hand in hand especially if where you’re traversing off to is a hub for one of these aforementioned sports. And as any adventurer will tell you—the ocean simply beckons.
But here’s what this country is crazy about now—kiteboarding. The ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour is currently ongoing, which commenced in Siargao last November and is now on its second stop in Boracay, while Asia’s first-ever international wakestyle kiteboarding competition also just kicked off in Palawan yesterday. Kiteboarding in the Philippines is clearly on the upswing!
I haven’t tried kiteboarding yet, but seeing athletes gracefully skidding on the ocean surface and then flying off into the air with such enthusiasm and glee had me wondering—what is so great about kiteboarding? I am just as curious as you. And so, to satisfy our wonder, I got in touch with 5 international top kiteboarders to ask them about how they got into this sport, and why you should, too.
Victoria Soloveykina, Russia
Photo by Ann Shahova
How did you get started on kiteboarding?
“In 2002 my dad taught me how to kite when we were in Egypt. And after that I was going to kite [sic] every holiday. I started to progress and took a part in my first competition in 2004. So now I spend most of the time kiting or wakeboarding somewhere in the world.”
How does it feel when you are riding?
“It’s the best feeling ever. Everytime I get amazed to be driven by wind! No engine needed to create such a power!”
Photo by Ann Shahova
Why do you think people should give kiteboarding a shot?
“It’s pretty easy and safe sport to try. You don’t need serious athletic background or be strong. Just give it a try and I’m sure you’ll be hooked. Believe it’s much more fun than just lying on the beach!”
Malin Amle, Norway
How did you get started on kiteboarding?
“I started kiteboarding because I had to learn it in my Sports studies [when] I was traveling in Brazil.”
How does it feel when you are riding?
“The feeling when you ride is simply amazing! It’s pure fun and play surrounded by great people in beautiful nature. What more can you ask for?”
Why do you think people should give kiteboarding a shot?
“Simply because it is awesome! It will bring so much joy into your life and it is a great way to unwind, while staying fit.”
Nicolas Etienne, France
How did you get started on kiteboarding?
“I started kiteboarding at school when I was 14 years old.”
How does it feel when you are riding?
“When I’m riding it’s like unreal amount of energy and excitement [are] reaching me. Straight from mother nature.”
Why do you think people should give kiteboarding a shot?
“People have to try for many reasons, but especially because it’s easy, fun, and eco-friendly (unless you spend weeks on the plane each year coz’ you are finally too addicted)!”
Karolina Winkowska, Poland
How did you get started on kiteboarding?
“I started kiteboarding because of my parents. They have been practicing windsurfing and sailing for many years. When I got introduced to the water sports I was very small, and so kiteboarding was the best solution for me. I didn’t like it at first because all my friends were windsurfing, but as soon as the wind got lighter I discovered that kiteboarding can be a lot of fun in all different conditions!”
How does it feel when you are riding?
“I love kiteboarding because of the freedom and the peacefulness that I have out in the sea. It is a different world, where you can’t predict everything!”
Why do you think people should give kiteboarding a shot?
“Because it is a lot of fun, and because it’s easy to learn and because it’s never boring.”
Colleen Carroll, USA
How did you get started in Kiteboarding?
“Since I was very young I have always loved boardsports. My father had been an avid windsurfer for many years, toting our family to Hood River, Oregon, the windsport mecca in the USA, every chance he would get and soon began to teach my brother and me to Windsurf. Just as we were starting to get the hang of it, his friends convinced us that we should try Kiteboarding. Instantly Windsurfing was a thing of the past for us. We started Kiteboarding sporadically when we would travel to Hood River but for me it was about 10 years later, after graduating from University that I got the Kiteboarding bug and began to travel and compete.”
How does it feel when you are riding?
“There are so many! The most consistent feeling I have while riding however is happy. I find it almost impossible to take a problem I’m having off the water with me while I kite. The feeling of being pulled along by the wind, cruising through water is one that intoxicates your senses forcing you to be fully in the moment taking it all in and enjoying.”
Why do you think people should give kiteboarding a shot?
“Everyone should try to kiteboard because it’s the most fun thing I know and can be done by anyone. It doesn’t matter how old, young or strong you are as long as you have an open mind to learning, anyone can be successful with the sport.”
Victoria, Malin, Nico, Karolina, and Colleen are all currently in the Philippines! If you wish to see them in action, plus more international professional riders including Philippine’s very own Paula Rosales, catch them at the Blue Kiteboarding International Wakestyle Kiteboarding Open at Blue Palawan Beach Club in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Check out this video of riders Sam Medysky and Colleen Carroll with a preview of the event in Palawan:
You’re welcome to join in on the fun! More details on the official Facebook event page HERE.
BLUE KITEBOARDING
Hidden Beach, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
www.bluekiteboarding.com
Facebook: Blue Kiteboarding
Instagram: @bluekiteboarding
