Surfing challenge at Desaru beach

EXTREME SPORTS: The 7th Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge 2013 at Desaru starts tomorrow

JOHOR BARU: EXTREME sport lovers is in for a thrilling start this year with the  7th Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge 2013 at Desaru public beach starts tomorrow.

The two-star, three-day annual challenge, which is sanctioned by Asian Surfing Championships (ASC), is organised by Bigfoot Industries Enterprise. The star rating represents the value of the prizes. The official event partners include the state Tourism Ministry, Johor Tourism Promotion Board, Johor Tourism Department, South East Johor Development Authority (Kejora) and Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa.

The challenge is expected to see 150 local and foreign surfers, including 12 women from Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and the United States, competing in four categories.

Bigfoot Industries sales director Ahmad Shahir Mohd Zainuddin said surfers will compete in the Men's Open, Women's Open Masters (35 years and above), Bodyboard and Slide Jam Longboarding.

"Surfers will compete for cash prizes totalling RM14,000 and trophies in local and international categories." He said the competition will also see professional surfers, including Jessie Hong from Taiwan, and Diah Dewi Rahayu from Bali, Indonesia, riding the waves.

"The weather in January is perfect for surfers," he said. "There will also be a free surfing clinic for 50 primary and secondary schoolchildren on Sunday at 10am." He said there is a plan to organise a by-invitation-only challenge to have more professional surfers competing in Desaru in the near future.

Tourism Ministry Johor office director Mohamad Isa Abdul Halim said this year, the event will have a carnival-like atmosphere, featuring open air bazaar and side events.

On Sunday, there will be a 10km bike ride with the Royal Malaysian Police starting from the official accommodation venue, Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa, to Tanjung Balau. The event starts at 8.30am.

There will also be a beach clean-up to keep the beach spick and span. Isa added that there will be booths selling various products, including food and beverages, clothing and second-hand items.

"The surfing event is a platform for multi-interest groups to get together at this beautiful recreational area. "Extreme sports enthusiasts here should not miss the chance to see the surfers in action. "We hope that this will be an annual event and a highlight for Visit Malaysia Year 2014."

He said People's Volunteer Corp (Rela) and Malaysian Red Crescent Society members will be on hand to handle emergencies during the surfing challenge For details, visit www.facebook.com/bigfoot.industries

-nst online.