Backflips and big air: Pudla, Trei win in Calatagan

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Flashing a dazzling display of skill, athleticism and awe-inspiring kiteboarding prowess, Thailand’s Naprichit Pudla and Estonia’s Trina Trei stamped their class in the Freestyle division as the ICTSI-Philippine Kiteboarding Tour (PKT) Season 11 blasted off in spectacular fashion in Calatagan, Batangas, recently.

Under near-ideal wind conditions and bright summer skies, Pudla and Trei delivered gravity-defying tricks, technical handle passes, massive spins and perfectly executed flips to seize top honors in the kickoff leg of the three-stage circuit. Their performances electrified both judges and spectators, turning Calatagan’s famed coastline into a vibrant theater of wind, water and world-class action.

Calatagan once again proved why it remains one of the country’s premier kiteboarding venues. With steady winds sweeping across flat, glassy waters, competitors were able to unleash their most daring routines, pushing the boundaries of progression and creativity. Every heat was a spectacle — kites slicing through the sky, boards skimming across greenish-blue waters, and riders launching several meters into the air in breathtaking displays of control and courage.

Pudla outclassed a stacked international field in the men’s Freestyle division, combining amplitude and technical precision to secure a commanding victory. Trei, a European champion, made a triumphant return to Philippine waters, wowing the crowd with stylish combinations and clean landings that underscored her elite pedigree.

But beyond the international stars, the opening leg underscored the growing depth of Filipino talent — a testament to the Philippine Kiteboarding Association’s sustained grassroots and development programs.

The electric atmosphere was further fueled by the recent achievement of Filipino standout Waner Janoya, who bagged a bronze medal in Foil Racing in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. His podium finish in the Olympic-class discipline signaled a breakthrough moment for Philippine kiteboarding, proving that local riders can now measure up against the best in the region — and potentially, the world.

“Kiteboarding in the Philippines has evolved from a niche hobby into a serious competitive sport where Filipinos can truly shine on the world stage,” said Philippine Kiteboarding Association President Jay Ortiz. “Seeing athletes like Janoya win a SEA Games medal validates everything we are building.”

Ortiz emphasized that the PKT serves as the backbone of that progress.

“The PKT is the heartbeat of our development program. It’s where we discover and hone the next generation of champions — from our 50-plus Grandmasters to our Novice riders. At the same time, we are promoting the Philippines as a top-tier sports tourism destination with world-class conditions,” he added.

Indeed, inclusivity remains a hallmark of the PKT. Aside from the marquee Freestyle events, titles were also contested in Hangtime, Twin Tip Racing and Foil Racing, along with divisions for men’s and women’s Grandmasters (50+) and Novice riders. The broad range of categories reflects the PKT’s thrust to cultivate talent across all ages and skill levels while ensuring a clear pathway from grassroots participation to elite competition.

Local riders rose to the challenge in Calatagan, matching their international counterparts trick for trick and demonstrating marked improvement in technical execution, board speed and aerial control. With Janoya’s SEA Games success serving as inspiration, many of them now train with renewed belief that Filipino kiteboarders can compete — and win — on the global stage.