Boracay International Funboard Cup
Boracay International Funboard Cup
Asia’s longest running international sporting event for windsurfing and kiteboarding brings the adrenaline rush to the shores and seas of Boracay Island in the Philippines every January. Running for 22 years, the NeilPryde Boracay International Funboard Cup [Boracay Funboard Cup] is a premier Boracay international event, attracting competitors from around the world.
While Boracay Island has been popular with its White Beach, party life and international cuisine, the Funboard Cup accomplished its goal of introducing the island to the world as a sports destination, where the active and sports enthusiasts can enjoy the adrenaline rush and still be able to appreciate the laid back sceneries and crazy activities in the evenings.
Windsurfing and kiteboarding are sports that depend wholly on the wind. These are two sports activities that do not harm the environment. To conduct these sports, no trees need to be cut, no corals will be damaged, no pollution is created. And because the sports follow the dictates of nature, the windsurfers and kiteboarders learn to be in tune with the wind and the movement of the tides.
The 1064 hectare Boracay Island has the advantage of having two beaches facing the west and facing the east. The popular White Beach, which lies on the western side of the island, boasts of a 4-kilometer stretch of powder-like sand beach, where most of the tourists and travelers flock. The less popular but more active 2.5 kilometer beach called Bulabog Beach, on the other hand, prides itself of playing host to the adrenaline-filled water and wind sports – windsurfing and kitesurfing – when the northeasterly wind or “amihan” are blowing. During this season, from November to May, the wind takes Bulabog Beach into new heights and begins a season of non-stop rush of excitement and an entertaining spectacle of riding prowess.
The features of Bulabog Beach are perfect for these two sports because of the flat water, on/side shore winds, shallow and reef protected lagoon which is very ideal condition. Bulabog Beach is also known as the mecca for windsurfing and kiteboarding in Asia. It attracts the European niche market looking for a windy spot in the tropics during the winter season.
The competition consist of only timed slalom races, until two years ago when speed trials, freestyle, and kiting hang-time events were added to the mix. Competition is held in several rounds over a six day period. Windsurfing is the most popular event in this competition. Every year 50+ of the worlds top slalom racers attend the competition as a pit stop through the Asian Windsurfing Tour.
The reputation of Boracay for its crisp winds and smooth waters make it an ideal place in Asia to hold slalom races. Surfer's control their surfboard mounted with a sail through a race around buoy's. There typically three “Jibes” straight ways and turns are involved in the course. Several years in a row the conditions have been text-book perfect for the three jibe set up windsurfing course.
A total of 24 races are typically held in order to keep congestion down during the slalom. Speed trial races are held in conjunction with the other events. The courses are set up to have area's that speed can be gained. The boarders with the fastest time then compete in a race against each other in the end for the title and honor.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are both ‘wind sports’. The real advantage that Boracay has over other Asian destinations is the reliability of the wind and sea conditions. To organize major events, there is a need for reliable conditions and this is what Boracay offers, that plus an exciting night life off the water!”
Following the events plenty of entertainments becomes available through boat tours, bars, and restaurants. The nightlife in Boracay is one of the main reasons several competitors return year after year. Varying cultural food is available to the public along with several traditional events to entertain tourists. Many bars are open late with karaoke and dancing available to the public.
Recommended Hotels in Bulabog Beach:
For a complete list of Hotels in Bulabog Beach. Click Here
Recommended Wind Shop: Reef Riders Boracay
