Story by NIK NAIZI HUSIN - The STAR Online
STRONG waves during the monsoon season in Pahang provided the right conditions to stage the Cherating King of the Point Surf Contest.
A total of 85 surfers from Japan, Australia, Italy, Britain, Canada, Indonesia, Egypt, Singapore and Malaysia waited patiently at the beach for the right time to surf without fear.
The prizes, including RM1,500 in cash and surfing products, were not considered attractive, but the event still lured participants in droves.
Their interest in extreme water sports has attracted them to the frontline during every monsoon season.
Cherating is a popular tourism spot in Pahang known for its beautiful white sandy beaches.
The competition was an effort by the organisers – the Pahang government and Pahang Tourism Action Council – to promote water sports and the state as a whole.
“This sport is popular among locals. Our youths and teenagers have been surfing on the strong waves.
“Because of an increasing interest, we want to promote this extreme sport,” said Pahang Tourism Action Council general manager Idrus Yahaya.
State Arts, Culture, Tourism, Women and Family Development Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan, who spent a few hours with the surfers, said she admired their courage.
“The sea was rough and there were strong waves. While some are scared to go into the water, surfers are a different breed and they enjoy taking to the waves without fear,” Maznah said.
In her speech, Maznah said that surfing was well received by locals and it was common to see hundreds of them surfing during their free time.
“With or without spectators, they are on their boards enjoying the sport,” she said.
In the male category, champion Mohd Daud Mohamed bagged RM600 and a RM1,500 voucher for surfing equipment sponsored by Quick Silver.
First runner-up Abu Abdul Rashid Ali won RM400 and a RM1,000 voucher while second runner-up Tunku Khairil Tunku Ibrahim received RM300 and a RM500 voucher.
In the female category, Singaporean Cheryl Tang emerged champion and won RM1,000 and a two-day one-night stay in Legend Resort Cherating. Second-placed Nurul Hayani Norrizan won a RM500 voucher for surfing equipment while on third spot was Mariam Abas who won a RM300 voucher.
In the Grommet’s surfing category, Mohd Nazrin Nasruddin was the winner, Mohd Didaq Mussadiq second and Mohd Suhaimi Hassan third.
In the bodyboard category, Ahmad Waqiyuddin Ahmad Latifi was first, Suffian Jaafar second and Emad Mohd Nafie (Egypt) third.
The prizes comprised vouchers of Quick Silver surfing equipment and hotel accommodation.
Maznah and Idrus presented the prizes.
