Cayman to host inaugural kite-boarding contest

CNS): The goal of advancing sports tourism in the Cayman Islands will be assisted early next year with an inaugural kite-boarding event. Organizers of the competition said the biggest names in kite-boarding, the fastest growing extreme sport in the world, will be coming to the islands for The Rock International Open (TRIO) which is set to take place between 12-16 Feb. The five days of competition will include flat water freestyle, racing and big air plus contest and likely to cement Cayman as one of the world’s best kite-boarding destinations. The sports minister Osbourne Bodden said he was looking forward to welcoming the exciting sport’s finest athletes to Grand Cayman.

“TRIO will include spectator competitions, demonstrations and clinics spanning almost two weeks at locations across Grand Cayman. The idyllic beaches and flat Caribbean waters provide the perfect conditions for kite-boarding and this is the perfect opportunity to showcase our island’s riches to a new audience,” he said.

TRIO is also partnering with local charity Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Department of Environment in their turtle conservation programme.

“Kitesurfing and watersports are exploding all-around the Caribbean and it’s very important for us to engage with these beach users to help protect our environment,” said Tim Austin, Deputy Director at the Department of Environment. “We’re excited to be involved with TRIO from the outset and delighted about the increased awareness of our programs this will provide. With the money raised we’re hoping to invest in more turtle friendly lighting at beach front properties.”

Prospective competitors can find out more and register online at the official TRIO website: www.trio.ky  Participation fees include accommodation, lunch, dinners, parties and a swag bag.

The Rock International Open (TRIO) was formed to provide a platform to showcase the skills and talents of kiteboarders throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the world, in an unrivalled setting, and to bring a professions level of competition and training to a region where the sport is exploding in popularity. TRIO is open to everyone from anywhere, amateur and pro rider alike. It is the only Caribbean competition officially sanctioned by the International Kite-boarding Association (IKA) the kite-surfing World Governing body, which in turn is the class representative to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) sanctioning international sailing competitions from world championship to Olympic levels.

TRIO said its philosophy is to grow young, local talent and interest in water sports such as kite-boarding as well as increase tourist interest in the Cayman Islands and raise awareness about protecting the marine environment. TRIO is focused on giving home-grown kite-boarders the opportunity to experience the excitement and exposure of being part of an international competition. TRIO hopes to provide a stepping-stone for those riders to compete on the World Tour by giving them a taste of high level competition against visiting elite athletes.

Many big names in the industry have already confirmed their attendance