BUSAN — A sea kayak competition drawing about 500 kayaking enthusiasts from across the country will be held at Gwangalli Beach in Busan.
The city of Busan will host the 1st Busan Mayor's Cup National Sea Kayak Competition at Gwangalli Beach from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 24th. Organized by the city and run by the Busan Canoe Federation, the event is designed to broaden participation in marine leisure sports.
Participants will compete in individual and team events in surfski and sit-on-top kayak categories. They will race on a 3-kilometer loop course that starts at Gwangalli Beach and circles the waters inside Gwangan Bridge. The opening ceremony is set for 10 a.m. and will include an athletes' oath and an opening performance.
The city expects the event to showcase the appeal of kayaking and raise interest in eco-sports, or enjoying sports in natural settings. "Next year we will expand the competition to the Nakdong River so that more people can enjoy marine leisure in Busan," Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said.