The city government of Borongan in Eastern Samar is organizing a series of kayak races to attract water sports lovers from different parts of the country.

Rupert Ambil, city information officer and sports and events chairman, said the local government is maximizing the benefits of natural playgrounds of the sea, islands, rivers and forests.

Ambil said the city government envisions making it a national or an international competition.

“We are clustering the riverside and coastal villages in the north, south, and the city center to create a series of kayak races that will compete for the main event at Baybay,” Ambil said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.

There are two routes that that city is planning for the national kayaking race.

The first is from Baybay Boulevard to Ando Island to Divinubo Island, and back to Baybay Boulevard.

The other route follows the picturesque Borongan coastline, starting from Bugas and hugging the coastline until the Visitor’s Center finish line at Camada Riverside Resort.

“Almost all local government and resorts in the country have kayaks. This can evolve into a national open competition, fostering inter-town rivalries while promoting Eastern Samar as a nature and adventure destination. Starting from barangay level competitions and expanding to city-wide, provincial, regional and national open events, our goal is to host an international event or get a Guinness World Record for kayaking,” Ambil added.

Kayaking is a watersport that involves paddling using a double-bladed oar and a small and narrow boat known as a kayak.

On Sunday, the city government organized the first Padul-ong Fun Borongan Kayak Race, joined by 10 teams from different local kayak organizations.

Organized by the Borongan city government, Borongan Kayak Adventure, BANOG (kite flyers) and Eastern Samar Outdoor Group, the race was a two-kilometer adventure across the open sea. (PNA)