The annual Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series returns to the shores of Desaru Coast for the 2019 season, from 12 to 14 July 2019. This year, the tournament will see 42 participants from 14 countries, including Malaysia, competing.
The KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series is open to everyone, amateur and pro-riders alike. It is the only official Asian tour endorsed by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA), which in turn is the class representative to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) sanctioning international sailing competitions from World Championship to Olympic levels.
The KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series is the first Asian Hydrofoil Surfing Tour Competition to be held in Malaysia and is returning for the second time to Desaru Coast.
Roslina Arbak (above), Chief Executive Officer of Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd (DH1), said: “We are delighted to be the venue host for the Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series Desaru Coast for two years in a row. Building on from last year’s success, we look forward in welcoming all international and local kiteboarders to the shores of Desaru Coast as we aim to position our destination as an ideal venue for all types of sports, lifestyle and entertainment events in the region.”
Malaysian champion and Asian No. 2 in the open kite foil class Daniel Leow Vee Leon (below) will be competing in the tournament once again. Daniel, who is also the ambassador for Desaru Coast in the KTA series, said: “It is exciting to be back competing in Desaru Coast. The sense of freedom that this sport gives me is unparalleled and through this sport I have the opportunity to represent Malaysia on an international stage and compete against some of the best in the world. But, above all, I know that it’s always great coming back to compete at home.”
Asia is now seen as one of the prime locations desired by riders due to its weather conditions and tides which make for perfect surfing conditions for both professional and amateur participants.
KTA Founder and Event Director Willy Kerr (below) said: “Thanks to the amazing support and help given by Desaru Coast, the KTA is very excited to set sail at the destination once again following the success of the previous round. Desaru Coast enjoys a moderate, windy weather all year around with the monsoon season coming in between November and February. This makes the beach ideal for KTA and any type of sports activities and events including adrenaline-fuelled water sports such as surfing or water-skiing.”
Participants and visitors at the KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series Desaru Coast 2019 will also able to test their skills on the day itself, not just at kiteboarding but at other watersports and beach activities such as beach soccer, inflatable dart boards, paddle boarding, banana boat rides and zorb ball games.
Along with the tour and engaging activities available onsite during the event, a Food Festival will also be held for the public with the destination offering various foods from around Asia such as coconut ice cream from Thailand and Dim Sum from China. Local Malaysian favourites such as Nasi Lemak, Laksa Penang and Char Kuay Teow, among others, will also be available.
KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series Desaru Coast 2019 is part of the Desaru Coast annual events programme, a curation of special events focusing on sports, lifestyle and entertainment, designed exclusively to nurture Desaru Coast as a signature events destination. Located in the south-eastern region of Malaysia, Desaru Coast can be easily accessed by land, sea and air and offers a premium blend of tourism offerings which not only cater to high-calibre sporting events, but also allow athletes and visitors alike an endless opportunity for escape.
For more information on the event, please visit Kiteboard Tour Asia or log on to Desaru Coast and Desaru Coast Malaysia Facebook to find out more about the destination and its unique offerings.
Desaru Coast
Desaru Coast is curated as a new destination resort in Malaysia with a portfolio of globally renowned hotels and resorts, namely Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and as well as One & Only Desaru Coast.
Desaru Coast is also home to Adventure Waterpark – one of the world’s biggest waterparks, Desaru Coast Conference Centre – a fully equipped conference facility, The Els Club Desaru Coast – 45 holes of golf in total with two distinct clubs, Ocean Course and Valley Course, and Desaru Coast Riverside – a 23-acre waterfront landscaped retail and lifestyle village.
It provides an indulgent getaway for the discerning leisure and business traveller alike.
Located in the south-eastern region of the country, in the state of Johor, Desaru Coast spans over 3,900 acres along a pristine 17 km beachfront that faces eastwards over the clear ocean waters. The destination is set amid a rich bio-diverse location and is easily accessible via road, air and sea.
Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn. Bhd. (DH1) is the master developer of Desaru Coast and is a subsidiary of Desaru Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (DDC) within the Themed Attractions Resorts Hotels Sdn. Bhd. group of companies.
To find out more, please visit us at www.desarucoast.com.
KTA
The KTA was formed to give an international platform to the skills and talents of kiteboarders throughout Asia and to bring professional-level competition and training to the region. The KTA launched the first international tour of its kind in Asia in September 2009 and has run almost 50 successful international events in that time from local, regional and World Championships through to Youth Olympic Qualifiers.
To find out more, visit their website at www.kiteboardtour.asia or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KTAsportsevents
