Indonesia to Host International Stand Up Paddle, Kayak Marathon
Translator
Editor
17 April 2019 21:43 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesia Sea Kayak Association head, Ade Satari, said Belitong Geopark International Stand Up Paddle and Kayak Marathon will be held on Friday-Sunday, August 2-4, 2019, in Tanjung Kelayang, Belitung. The event is aimed at promoting tourism in the region and supporting Belitung as UNESCO Global Geopark.
“People can enjoy a different sensation on the surface of the ocean, exploring rocks or coral by boarding kayak or stand up paddling (SUP),” said Ade in Thousands Island, Sunday, April 14.
According to Ade, SUP would be more popular and developed than a kayak. “Because it’s simple and people can get the same experience as boarding kayak,” he added.
The new way of paddling is easier since it uses an inflatable board. “The board can be blown, folded, and carried on a plane. The common board is not handy,” said Ade who is also the project director of the 2019 Belitong Geopark International Stand Up Paddle and Kayak Marathon.
This year, the international event targeted a total of 100 participants in kayak category, 150 people in SUP, and 80 people in traditional canoeing match from across 30 countries. Last year’s event, he mentioned, was participated by seven countries.
The Workers Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) was listed as the sponsor of the event. The agency president director told Antara on Sunday, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti and Tourism Minister Arief Yahya would attend the event.
BRAM SETIAWAN (CONTRIBUTOR)
