Kayak Philippines Paddlefest 2022 attracted a splash-happy mix of nature-loving adventurers—here are the all the highlights
Photos by Harvey Tapan, Jasper Arquiza, and Ricky Navarro courtesy of Kayak Philippines
The global trend towards embracing natural, active, and healthy lifestyles allows kayaking the perfect edge in developing a sustainable thrust in ecotourism and adventure sports.
After a two-year hiatus, the Kayak Philippines Paddlefest 2022 was staged at Laiya, San Juan, Batangas on October 22 and 23, attracting some 40 kayakers. During the opening events, participants viewed different types of kayaks as organizers set up a range of demo units of different types of sit-on and sit-in kayaks. Aspiring kayakers were treated to seminars covering basic paddling instructions to prepare them for a 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer kayak exploration along the Tayabas Bay coastline.
From as young as 7 to as old as 63, kayakers enjoyed relaxed paddling after seeing eye-catching rock formations, cool mangroves, and white sand beaches. Paddling together with experienced kayak instructors and kayak guides, participants increased their interest in learning about the sport’s technical details, safety measures as well as rediscovering the joy of being one with nature. During the night, paddlers from Cagayan de Oro, Sorsogon, Palawan, and Kayak Asia Bohol, shared their experiences in the open sea and insights on the sport, building a tight camaraderie that will serve them well in future expeditions.
“We believe that sports tourism will play a key role in attracting visitors to the Philippines,” said Harvey Tapan, president of Kayak Philippines and a long-time kayak advocate. “The kayak festival will certainly give them a chance to explore and enjoy our natural attractions.”
Kayak Philippines Paddlefest 2022 was a great opportunity to meet and paddle with other kayak members of the community. With the success of the recent event, Kayak Philippines is determined to make the paddlefest a yearly highlight for kayak enthusiasts and newbies.
