Monday, January 19, 2009

Boracay Island in the Philippines has become one of the world’s hotspots for kite-boarders

Boracay is the Philippines’ top tourist destination; most of the activity centres on White Beach. The two-kilometre strip of powdery sand and palm trees is jam-packed with resorts and restaurants, and it typically catches only a lazy breeze. But just a 15-minute walk across the island, Bulabog is the domain of those who flock from around the world to harness the wind that comes charging into the cove.

There were at least 50 massive kites in the air. Their riders raced back and forth across the water, sometimes twisting and turning 10 metres in the air, as a few windsurfers weaved between them.

Angel Parzhuben, a native of Munich and his partner, Normeth Preglo, helped put Boracay on the kite-boarding map when they opened Hángin Kiteboarding Centre in 2002. It was the first school and rental outfit on Boracay, which has since become one of the world’s best-known destinations for wind-seekers.

An increasing number of people are picking up the habit. Mr Parzhuben said kite-boarding is the world’s fastest-growing sport. Recent advances in technology have made it much easier and safer, which partly explains its surging popularity.

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