By Arjay Allado
Roxas City can become the next major kiteboarding destination in Western Visayas region and can be an alternative spot to Boracay Island in Aklan province.
Rommel Roberto Lastimoso said that suitable wind conditions make Roxas City an ideal place for this water sports. This is especially true during the Amihan season.
As a kiteboarder himself, Lastimoso said that Roxas City showed its potential when it hosted the second leg of the 10th season of the Philippine Kiteboarding Tour.
The San Antonio Beach Resort hosted participants not only from the Philippines, but also foreign competitors from Estonia and Thailand.
Lastimoso said the January 24-26, 2025 leg was not only a water sports competition, but an economic and tourism booster for Roxas City.
The kiteboarders and their crew were able to enjoy what Roxas City can offer by eating at the various restaurants and visiting other spots.
The Philippine Kiteboarding Association is wrapping up the competition’s 10th season on March 14-16, 2025 in Boracay Island.
Challenging water sports
Lastimoso, a former provincial board member and city disaster response officer, considers kiteboarding as a challenging type of sports.
“Kiteboarding would require knowing the wind speed and direction while being able to control your movements,” Lastimoso pointed out.
Lastimoso himself admitted kiteboarding is risky when he shared that he once had a hairline fracture after an accident.
Despite the risks, Lastimoso will continue to enjoy kiteboarding.
“Maskin madamo ka imnon nga tubig (Even if you will drink a lot of water),” quipped Lastimoso.
