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Bali a surfing model for Asia
The thriving surf industry in Bali was serving as a model for other areas in Asia to emulate, the International Surfing Association (ISA) said
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he thriving surf industry in Bali was serving as a model for other areas in Asia to emulate, the International Surfing Association (ISA) said.
The island has already become a surfing hub in Asia, a continent with tremendous potential for growth in surfing with thousands of miles of coastline, consistent waves year-round and warm weather.
'For many years, I have deeply admired the rich culture, excellent waves and talented surfers that have emerged out of Bali. The growth in the surfing industry here is a model for other areas in the region,' ISA president Fernando Aguerre told The Jakarta Post recently.
'Since Gerry Lopez and his friends first surfed Bali in the early 1970s, thousands of surfers from around the world have travelled to Bali in search of perfect waves,' he added.
The ISA acknowledged that a thriving surf community was already well established here, and the island had become the perfect gathering place for surfers from around the globe.
To illustrate this, just recently, the Oakley Bali Pro, in which the top 36 surfers in the world competed, was the first World Tour event held on the island.
With world-class waves, Bali is famous as one of the world's top surfing destinations. Uluwatu and Kuta have been included in CNN's 'World's 50 Best Surf Spots' recently. The two places ranked fourth after Pipeline in Hawaii, Supertubes in South Africa and Teahupo'o in French Polynesia.
'This paradise island attracts expert surfers from Australia and Hawaii, plus beginners from across the globe ' all can enjoy these perfect glassy faces,' the list said, describing Uluwatu and Kuta.
Earlier this month, the association hosted the first Asian Surfing Development Symposium in Kuta. As a key center of surfing in Asia, the local surf community agreed to host this inaugural and important event.
The main goal of the symposium was to help develop surf communities in Asia.
The symposium consisted of educational seminars by industry experts to help Asian countries form a 'National Governing Body', which would include holding annual National Surfing Championships. Additionally, the ISA's 'Judging & Officiating Course' was held for individuals looking to improve their judging skills.
Fernando said that the symposium was also expected to be provide a forum for Asian countries to learn and share experiences, including from local surfing communities in Bali.
