By DYAN CASTILLEJO-GARCIA
with JACKIE CASTILLEJO

Every beach lover or partygoer knows that during the summer, Boracay is synonymous with partying on the main beach. But during "habagat," which is the monsoon season from the months of August and September, there’s a whole different kind of action happening on the other side of the beach. When the wind steps up, the kite boarders show up.

To start kite boarding, you’ll need a traction kite with four lines and a control bar with a harness just like in windsurfing, a board like in wakeboarding, a wet or dry suit for the cold wind and water, and a flotation or impact vest.

Just like any other activity, you will need patience, time and proper instruction during kite boarding. Kite boarding is hard to start but once you get the hang of it, your skills will improve quickly.

Kite boarding can be a physically demanding sport, wherein one needs to push the boundaries of technical tricks. On the other hand, simple kite boarding navigation can be equal to a simple low or mid-level exercise.

Kite boarding, also known as kite surfing, is a cross between surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and kiting. The rider controls a kite to get him and the board out into the water. The rider can do simple navigation or extreme jump tricks using only the kite as the power source.

It's best to get help from an experienced kite surfer to learn the basics. You start by lying with your back on the water and your feet strapped to your board. Have the board in front of you with the kite hovering high above you. Steer the kite into the power zone. You will be lifted out of the water and pulled forward onto the board.

My partner Marc Nelson hooked up with friends Jeena Lopez and Pinky Amador who are extreme fans of beach and sports. Marc is a sea lover and he very much enjoys kite boarding. We call him our “water boy.” So you can just imagine how much he is enjoying this sport.

The beauty of kite boarding is that after learning and having the proper equipment you’ll only need your kite, your board and a windy beach.

The locals are good kite boarders as compared to Marc, Jeena and another friend, Buco. Marc had one good ride but the wind pulled him up in the air and slammed him on the water. It was to his delight that none of his bones were broken.

Power kites are not toys. Safety has to be taken seriously-- your safety and the safety of others. This sport is young and growing. It is important that one does it responsibly. Most people on the shore are unaware of the dangers of kite surfing, so maintain a good safety zone.

With the pristine beach reputation that Boracay has, add to that the popularity of taking active beach vacations, there is no way for the sport of kite boarding to go but up! Looks like Marc won’t be in Manila during his free time. There is a big possibility we will find him on a beach and gone with the wind! No pun intended!

***

Last weekend, the superstars of the super featherweight division, Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Erik Morales of Mexico, were face-to-face at a press conference to announce their third encounter, the grand finale set for November 18 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.

The Pacquiao-Morales rivalry is one of the most exciting in the sport of boxing. Last year, Morales beat Pacquiao in a 12-round decision. Early this year, the "Pacman" got his game going and outclassed the Mexican legend, sending him to the floor for the first time in his career.

Both fighters had their fans on the edge of their seats since the Pacquiao-Morales battle was packed with action from start to finish. Each of the two great warriors gave his last ounce of strength to win.

At the press conference, Morales vowed to get back at the Pinoy. Having lost his last two fights, the Mexican asked for another chance to prove his greatness. Morales said that this time, he will not fighting for anyone but himself.

Pacquiao was his usual friendly self, not making any bold predictions and preferring to do his talking on the ring. Pacquiao did say he would train ten weeks for this fight and admitted he needed to be in the best condition ever to face Morales.
Morales announced that he has already started training for the fight. During the last month, he has been under the supervision of a fitness company, which put him through a rigorous scientific training program to get him in good shape. In about a month, Morales will retreat to the mountains of Mexico to hone down his skills for the most important fight of his career.

In my one-on-one talk with “El Terrible,” the Mexican said he wasn’t impressed with the boxing Pacquiao showed in his last fight with compatriot Oscar Larios. He also believes he will be the victor in this third encounter with the Pacman. Morales said it is very, very important for him to win and to prove all that he is the best in the 130-weight class. He said the professional conditioning he is going through ensures that he will get down to that weight while retaining maximum power. He said he sees the fight ending with his hands raised up.

Erik has lost a bit of weight since I last talked to him last May. He is drawing extra inspiration from his young wife and six-month-old baby boy Erik Isaac.

Pacquiao will head back to United States early next month to begin training. Just like Morales, he is confident that he will come out the victor in the upcoming historic grand finale.

All roads lead to Las Vegas on November 18. Fans can’t wait for the third Pacquiao-Morales fight!