Kiteboarding, or kitesurfing, is a surface water extreme sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing and gymnastics. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Kitesurfing athletes from Pingtan Island, Fujian, recently went to Vietnam to train for Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) that will be held soon in Thailand and the Philippines, Pingtan Times reported on March 3.

The training team includes three athletes and one coach. The one-month training course in Vietnam's Mui Ne city is expected to familiarize athletes with local sea conditions and create more communication opportunities with athletes from other countries.

"I learn a lot from the training here and make many friends," said Wei Qi, one of the kiteboard players from Pingtan.

Kiteboarding, or kitesurfing, is a surface water extreme sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing and gymnastics. As a major kiteboarding event in the world, KTA has set up race centers throughout Asia in partnership with local sports institutions.

The Pingtan kitesurfing team was founded in the end of June 2012. Though Pingtan has ideal wind and marine conditions, the area's waters are comparatively low in temperature, which might have negative effects to kitesurfing players and equipment. The conditions drive the team to go abroad to train in winter.

KTA freestyle races will be held in Thailand between March 13 and 17 and in the Philippines between March 26 and 30. The Asian Tour freestyle event to be hosted by Pingtan Island is scheduled between May 8 and 12.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai