Kiteboarding Tour Asia is on it's way to Australia
The KTA after party in Thailand
Kiteboard Tour Asia started back in 2009 and was the first international tour of its kind in Asia. As they say, "The KTA is open to everyone from anywhere, amateur and pro riders alike" which always makes for a great event full of eager young competitors jumping at the chance to ride with the pro's. In addition to the freestyle events, the KTA are pushing the racing side of kiteboarding with extreme enthusiasm in the hope that kite racing will be adopted into the incredibly high caliber sailing programs in Asia.
Due to the light winds experienced through Thailand, Hong Kong and many of the Asian islands, racing has taken off like nobody ever expected. Finding something to entertain kitersurfers in 7-8 knots has always been difficult, but with modern race boards and large kites, it's no problem to be blasting around, racing your mates in the lightest of winds. The KTA has capitalised on the enormous success of racing and now, the racing entrants outnumber the freestylers!
As for the Thailand event, it went without a hitch as usual - and the new ISAF rules for kite racing are being well received and adopted by everyone. Next stop for the tour is this weekend in the Philippines once again, on the tiny Puro Island. The four day event will again incorporate all kiteboarding disciplines - freestyle, racing and an old school competition to entertain the crowds over the long weekend. After that, it's over to Australia for the Australian Kiteboarding nationals in Townsville. This should prove to be the biggest event in the tours history with not only racing and freestyle, but wake style events, a long distance race and music festivals throughout the event. It's going to be massive, and it's all in Australia.
Check out the event video of the Thailand stop, and stay tuned for more updates on the KTA tour as it makes its way south to Australia.
Elliott Heads, QLD
