Kayak final leg slated Dec. 3-6

MANILA, Philippines - The third and final leg of the 2009 Philippine Kayaking Association’s Kayak Explore series brings kayakers to the south, from Mactan Island to Panglao Island in Bohol in a three-day 125km marathon race set Dec. 3-6.

The first day is for novice kayakers who will attend the free kayaking clinic by the PKA before competing in the 5K kayak fun race off Mactan Island.

The event has the support of both Cebu and Bohol. Cebu board member and tourism chairperson Agnes Magpala is bringing in Mayor Cynthia Moreno of Aluginsan, Mayor Al Arguillano from Camotes Island, Mayor Butch Sipulanda of Borbon, Mayor Yvonne Cabaron of Moalboal, and Mayor Geralyn Escano of Bantayan Island for a meeting with organizers Val and Didi Camara of the PKA.

“These local officials have confirmed their support for this sports and eco-tourism event and will have their constituents participate in the novice races and coastal clean-ups that we will hold on Dec. 3,” said Didi Camara. “They are all looking forward to harnessing their own waterways, rivers, lakes, and seas to enhance livelihood prospects in the future.“

From the starting point in Mactan Island , the kayakers paddle 70 kilometers on the first day, passing through the bird sanctuary island of Olango, all the way to Getafe in Bohol. They will spend the second night in Maribojoc where the centuries-old Punta Cruz lighthouse provides a landmark. From there they paddle to the finish line in Panglao Island.

The DOT-PCVC is promoting kayaking as a major sports tourism attraction for the Philippines.

There will be singles and tandem divisions with cash prizes of P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000 for the tandems division and P10,000, P7500, and P5000 in the singles division plus other prizes from sponsors, for those interested to join, contact numbers are 8725478, 4687091, 0915-4359321, and 0918-9258713, or email [email protected].

The first two legs of the Kayak Explore series were held at the Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan, and a Cavite to Corregidor Channel crossing.