May the wind be with us!
A avid learner getting his first board jump!
Two extreme and radical sports are
quickly taking Malaysia by storm! Kite surfing known as kite boarding is a
beautiful blend of wakeboarding, windsurfing and surfing while windsurfing is
an interesting hybrid of sailing and surfing. Now before you start jumping into
your wetsuits, you will be curious if such sports do exist in Malaysia. I do
not blame your faith as our waves are anything but impressive to begin with.
However, Malaysia has a surfing paradise unknown to many (even myself) that
boasts a wind of 21 to 25 knots on a good day and pretty intimidating waves
that are a surfer’s delight.
Getting some big air over the extreme waves
Balok beach is strategically placed
right in the heart of Kuantan, Pahang at the crossroads between East and West
that has attracted dozens of surfers from all over the country so much so that
they even host the acclaimed Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Regatta annually that
is covered through the span of three days. This is by no means a small local
matter as contestants from Thailand, Britain and Singapore come to Balok Beach
just to challenge the locals while welcoming the strong wind. So how exactly
does one start indulging in this wind-happy sport? The initial learning stage
is to actually practice with a kite for a few hours. Do not be deceived as they
are not the kites you used to fly as a kid. These kites will definitely produce
some muscle at an astounding size of 21 square meters or even larger!
Kitesurfing the lagoon in Balok Beach paradise
Great level of fitnesse and technical skills-this guy is easily going 30 mph on the waves.
So you start kite boarding with
mastering the kite by maneuvering, turning and hopefully…hanging on to the
kite. Once over, you go through the “body drag” phase that basically means in
layman’s terms-getting dragged in the ocean by the kite. The lessons normally
range from a hundred to three hundred dollars for a three day course. Kite
surfing is a very practical sport which means lots of hands on practice and
less theory. As for windsurfing, one can contact Syamil from Boardsapiens
(contact below) as he offers a free windsurfing lessons every weekend (yes
FREE!) and all you have to bring is a positive attitude and lots of sun block.
Trying to stand after being body dragged is the hardest part
Truly a rare sight-Malaysia's only kiteboarding school
Learning to bring the kite to heel
Windsurfers getting ready for action
Artistic show of a man and his kite
Kiteboarders can easily jump 30 feet above sea level with the correct technique
Leo Leow himself braving the thunderous waves
Towed against the waves,just look at the ripple!
Now how does one
actually get there? I would highly recommend using the bus as it only
accumulates to a hundred or more per person to and fro. As for accommodation,
the rates are pretty affordable ranging from RM 100 a night to RM 300 depending
on where you stay. Duta Village Resort and Duta Sands Village are both near the
beach and have gotten some positive reviews. I am actually planning a trip down
with a few buddies of mine for four days so we will each have to fork out only
RM 30 a night. The most crucial aspect of this sport however is the timing.
Duta sands resort-a great place with a terrific view
The front of Duta village resort overseeing the balok beach junkies
Assemblage of windsurfers pushing their weight around
Now most people
would not want to build sandcastles during the monsoon season because it just
shows brave insanity when the winds are howling and waves are crashing down on
you. Ironically, that is the perfect recipe for fun in regards to windsurfing
and kite boarding. Nothing could be better than 21 to 26 knots of on-shore
winds shoving you out towards nature. So remember, November to March is the
peak period for any wind enthusiast.
The beach ain't big enough for all of us
The end of a great sea,sun and surf day.
So are you ready to
be dragged around by a monster kite? Are you ready for a taste of danger out in
the high seas? Are you ready for blistering sores from wave mangling? Are you
ready to experience something you can talk about at dinner parties in the
future and laugh about? I sure am. Now you can jump into your wetsuits.
Contact information:
Penang Swimming Club
Information: The only club thus far in Penang
that provides windsurfing equipment and
lessons for members only.
http://www.penangswimclub.com/
Boardsapiens
Information: A site for windsurfing/kite surfing enthusiast.
http://boardsapiens.com/windsurfing-and-malaysia/
Leo Leow
Information: Top kiteboarder in whole of Malaysia.
Contact details on his website.
http://www.kiteboardingmalaysia.com/
Article provided by Joshua Tan for Penang Passion.
Photography by Leo Leow.