Locals Compete In Labuan Kayak Challenge

By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Twelve national team kayakers left for Labuan yesterday morning to compete in the "Labuan-Brunei International Extreme Kayak Challenge" and "Labuan Round Island Kayak Challenge".

They include seasoned kayakers Ariffin Hj Zainal, Hassan Hj Zainal, Awg Mahmud and Saini Hj Hamid of Brunei National KayakAssociation who have won honours in past challenges.

The canoeists said they are confident of winning honours again this year. Last year, Brunei kayakers Were second and third in the "Labuan-Brunei International Extreme Kayak Challenge" race.

"We hope to emulate the feat by winning the race too this year," said Ariffin before his departure by boat to Labuan.

The kayakers will first compete in the two-day LabuanBrunei International Extreme Kayak Challenge from tomorrow, Friday.

The race is organised by Labuan Corporation and Brunei Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and co-organised by Labuan Backpacker's Association, Labuan Canoe Association and Brunei National Kayak Association.

The kayakers will start their race at Labuan International Sea Sports Complex (LISSC) tomorrow at 7 am.

The slowest kayaker is expected to arrive at Serasa by about 3 pin on Friday, after a gruelling maximum eight hours battling the challenging seas at Brunei Bay. On reaching the Serasa Water Sports Complex in Brunei Darussalam, they will rest for the day before continuing their race on Saturday, from Serasa back to LISSC to end their race.

Designed for the highly skilled kayaker, the race will be in a double format covering a distance of 92 km.

Participants will be provided with special-ocean going kayaks by the organisers. Kayakers finishing first to tenth will win a total of RM32,000 in cash prizes, medals, certificates and trophies.

The local kayakers will also take part in the Round Island Kayak Challenge on May 6, considered as one of the longest and toughest in Malaysia, with individuals and double categories.

The course is 50km long and runs along the perimeter shoreline of Labuan Island. Organised by Labuan Corporation and Labuan TourismAction Council, the race is a real test of skills and stamina of local participants including those from BIMP-EAGA region. Last year, canoeists from Brunei, Ariffin Hj Zainal and Hassan Hj Zainal, won the double event.

Kayakers who finish first to tenth will walk home with RM11, 400 in cash prizes, medals and certificates.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin