The 2019 edition of the Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series took place recently at Desaru Coast with 43 participants from 14 countries around the world.

Part Of Desaru Coast’s Annual Events Programme

The KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series is part of the Desaru Coast’s annual events programme, a curation of special events focusing on sports, lifestyle and entertainment that are designed exclusively to nurture Desaru Coast as a signature events destination.

And taking place for the second straight year and open to people from all walks of life, including amateur and pro-riders alike, the KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series is the only official Asian continental tour endorsed by the International Kiteboarding Association, the world governing body of kitesurfing.

Said Roslina Arbak, Chief Executive Officer, Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd (DH1), “We are delighted to be the venue host for the KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series Desaru Coast for the second year in a row.”

The Winners 

The Men’s category was won by Waoran Zhang of China, with Jingle Chen of China taking the Women’s category and Soon Ho Kwon of Korea winning the Masters category.

Daniel Leow Vee Leon, the Malaysian champion and the number two Asian ranked in the open kite foil class, finished as the top South East Asian contender, placing second in the Masters category and fifth in the Men’s category.

He said, “It is exciting to be back competing in the Desaru Coast. The sense of freedom that this sport gives me is unparalleled and through this sport, I have the chance to represent Malaysia on an international stage and compete against some of the best in the world.”

Other Fun Events

Beisdes the kiteboarding, other events that took place during the KTA Asia-Pacific Hydrofoil Series competitions, also included beach soccer, inflatable dart boards, paddle boarding, banana boat rides and zorb ball games, for both participants as well as for members of the public, to try.

Desaru Coast As An Ideal Sports Venue

Said Roslina, “Building on from last year’s success, we are aiming to position our destination as an ideal venue for all types of sports, lifestyle and entertainment events in the region.”

Photos are courtesy of Desaru Coast Malaysia.