The picturesque setting of Nai Yang Beach will welcome windsurfing enthusiasts from all over to compete on Saturday, Feb 22 and Sunday, Feb 23.
Adding extra spice to proceedings is the confirmation that 10-time World Windsurfing Champion and three-time Olympic athlete Riccardo Giordano of Italy will be leading the charge and throwing down the challenge to others to compete.
The event in Phuket is the latest in an ever-expanding calendar as the sport of windsurfing continues to grow in popularity and participation.
Most recently the competition was held at the Amara Watersports Windsurfing Club in Jomtien, Pattaya, where a diverse group of 30 participants ranging from youngsters to seasoned professionals celebrated the sport’s inclusive and competitive spirit across the weekend of Jan 25-26. Competitors hailed from all corners of the globe, including Austria, China, the Netherlands and Spain, adding a truly international flair to the event.
Further competitions this year in Thailand will see the Asian International Event in Hua Hin (Mar 29-30), the Songkran Windsurfer Open, in Jomtien (Apr 26-27), the Summer Trophy in Koh Samui (June 7-8), the Winter Trophy in Bangkok (Nov 22-23) and the Bangsaray Invitational (Dec 5-6).
The action isn’t just limited to the water, as witnessed in Pattaya last month where spectators lined the beach, cheering enthusiastically as competitors passed the finishing gate, set right near the shoreline for maximum excitement.
“This is the beauty of the Windsurfer LT class,” explained Romeo Romei, one of the chief organsiers behind the series. “The equipment is standardised, ensuring a fair and even playing field. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you can compete and have fun.”
Olympian Giordano was also involved at the Pattaya event where he was joined by Albert Pijoan, a renowned wave-riding champion. Together with Thai Olympic Windsurfing star Amara Wichithong, they hosted a short teaching clinic, offering valuable insights and techniques to participants of all skill levels. The combination of accessible competition and opportunities to learn from the best underscored the event’s mission to grow the sport in Thailand.
The organisers are confident the Phuket event will be similarly successful as the sport of windsurfing continues to grow across the region.
“We are excited at the opportunity to grow the sport nationally and further afield,” says Romeo.
“We are really looking forward to coming to Phuket and welcoming a diverse range of competitors to one of the most beautiful spots on the calendar,” he added.
“We welcome and encourage people to come along and support and also welcome any local businesses interested to support as sponsors.
“For example we are looking for a boat to host the race committee so it would be great if anyone could volunteer for that.”
Further information can be found at the Windsurfer Thailand Facebook and Instagram pages or by contacting Romeo (English and Thai) on 086-973-5790.