The annual Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series returned to the shores of Desaru Coast for the 2019 season, from 12 to 14 July. The tournament saw 43 participants from 14 countries, including, Malaysia.
The KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series is open to all, amateur and pro-riders alike. It is the only official Asian tour endorsed by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA), the kitesurfing world governing body.
The KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series is the first Asian Hydrofoil Surfing Tour Competition to be held in Malaysia and it returned to Desaru Coast with the largest congregation of participants this year.
Roslina Arbak, 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 welcomed 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.”
The winners of the races were:
Women’s category
1. Jingle Chen (China), above centre
2. Natalie Fintrop Clarke (Australia)
3. Benyapa Jantawan (Thailand)
4. Soyun Lee ( South Korea)
Masters’ category
1. Soon Ho Kwon (South Korea), above left
2. Daniel Leow (Malaysia)
3. Sucheol Cho (Korea)
4. Sugihara Kazamusa (Japan)
5. Vincent Lam (Singapore)
Men’s category
1. Waoran Zhang (China), above, right
2. Qibin Huang (China)
3. Juntham Whatchapong (Thaiand)
4. Soon Ho Kwon (Korea)
5. Daniel Leow (Malaysia)
Malaysian champion and Asian No. 2 in open kite foil class Daniel Leow finished second in the Masters category and fifth in the Men’s category.
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 the international stage and compete against some of the best in the world”
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 said: “Thanks to the amazing support and help given by Desaru Coast, the KTA was very happy that event ended successfully again. Desaru Coast enjoys moderate, windy weather all year round
with the monsoon season coming in between November and February. This makes the beach ideal for KTA.”
Participants and visitors at the KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series Desaru Coast 2019 were also able to test their skills at kiteboarding and other watersports and beach activities such as beach soccer, inflatable dart boards, paddle boarding, banana boat rides and zorb ball games.
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 , please visit www.desarucoast.com
