Racing the winds at the Asian Windsurfing Tour

This annual event held since 1998 marks the third of five legs of the Asian Windsurfing Tour (AWT). It was held from Jan 29 to 31 and was the first international event of 2005 in this region.

To complement the event and to promote the beach as an ideal venue for such sports, a group of kite surfers and kite buggy experts demonstrated some extreme stunts.

"During the monsoon, people are afraid of the wind, rain and waves. When people come here for windsurfing, they are considered to be mad. That is how Monsoon Madness got its name," organiser and member of the West Coast Windsurfing Association Irene Leow told the New Straits Times.

This beach was chosen because it is a bay with a shallow and gradual seabed with no sudden drops and reefs. Because of the gentle seabed the waves are less extreme and choppy, allowing the novice to hit the waves or breakers.

Unlike Penghu Pro-am in Taiwan, Boracay International Funboard Cup in Philippines, Mana Mana Amslam in Bintan, Indonesia and Marianas Open in Saipan, Monsoon Madness in Kuantan is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, fun and camaraderie.

According to Robbie Radius from Australia, this wonderful balance gives the participants adequate time to revitalise for the event the following day. The racing event in Kuantan is downwind slalom windsurfing.

All the competitors cross the line together and head downwind zig-zagging around a series of buoys. It is all about speed over water and the first to cross the finishing line is the winner.

During the recent event, local celebrity and co-sponsor, George Warren, welcomed the international fleet to the shores of Kuantan. The participating countries are Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and United Kingdom. Balok beach was a hive of activities with colourful flags, sails, music and winds exceeding 12 knots.

When World Tour race director Klaus Michel launched the fleet, the sea was awashed with vivid colours as windsurfers made their way past the big shore break to the start line.

Defending Adecco AWT champion Robbie Radis from Australia was again among the favourites. He faced a tougher time with a variety of people in the fleet to challenge him.

Foremost was Canadian Sam Ireland, a legendary racer from the World Tour. Also returning to the AWT was Ruamsp Phanuthat from Thailand, a former Asian Games gold medallist who finished second overall last season. Korean champion Yoon Sung Soo and local boy Daniel Leow also pushed hard.

In the women's division, Japan's Ayako Suzuki and Rachel Ng from Singapore were formidable challengers.

More information contact Tourism Malaysia at 1-888-669-6872 or go to www.malaysiatourism.ca