Banyuwangi, E Java (Antara Bali) - As many as 80 surfers from various countries took part in the International Surfing Competition held at the Pulau Merah beach in Banyuwangi, East Java, which began on Friday.
The acting Head of the Local Sports and Youth Affairs office, Wawan Yadmadi said most of the participants were from Europe, including Switzerland, France, Sweden, Finland, Hungary and Germany.
"Some others came from Venezuela, the United States, South Korea, Australia, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia," he said.
Wawan said he had initially thought only few participants would attend the event as a similar competition is also taking place in Maldives.
"A surfer from Venezuela came directly to Banyuwangi for the event after taking part in an event in Australia," he said.
This is the fourth annual event to be held at the beach this year and offers ideal waves for surfing, with a coast line of up to 400 meters.
Pulau Merah is fast becoming the newest tourist destination and sought-after surfing location in Indonesia.
Banyuwangi District Head, Abdullah Azar Anas, who inaugurated the event, said Pulau Merah had become popular, which is reflected in the growing number of tourists coming to the region.
He further stated that he would continue developing sports tourism in the region.
The International Surfing Competition will last for three days until Sunday and will compete in eight categories, including in the open international, national, expert, long board, paddle race, and girl divisions, in addition to grommet for 14 years and under and the pushing category for 10 years and below. (WDY)
