Catch Bali surfing legend in action at Sabah festival

By Olivia Miwil

olivia@nst.com.my

Picture courtesy of Rip Curl.

KOTA KINABALU: Surfing enthusiasts will be able to catch Bali legend surfer Pepen Hendrik demonstrates his skills at Karambunai beach today.

The 39-year-old man, who is from Kuta Bali, is flown by Rip Curl to make a special appearance at second Borneo Surf festival at Nexus Karambunai resort here.

Pepen starts his career in surfing at relatively late age but he managed to develop styles worthy to get good results in international competition.

Festival organiser and Sabah Surf Club president Ivan Tan said the legend and another professional surfer from Indonesia Dharma Putra would be present at the two-dayfestival for demonstration and autograph signings.

“We are targeting more than 2,000 festival goers, doubling the attendance of last year’s festival.

“There will be about 50 contestants taking part in Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Under 16 Open categories,” he said.

The waves at the Karambunai beach, especially between November and Janary, could reach as high as 2.5 metre.

Tan added there would also be a group of boys from rural area in the state to compete in the festival.

There will also a beach bazaar known as Tamu Pantai which showcases local handicrafts.

“This festival is created awareness about the surfing sport in Sabah and hopefully could promote it as annual tourism event.

“This sport also helps in building rapport and friendship among surf community in Malaysia and international region.”