TUARAN: Sabah has the potential to be become a surfing destination, said Indonesian professional surfer Dedi Gun.
The 28-year-old from Bali, Indonesia, who started to ride the waves since eight, said the waves in the state were good enough for people to enjoy surfing.
"The waves, which is about half-feet tall, will be adequate for beginners to learn to stand up on the board and do some maneuvering.
"Do not rush. Wait for the perfect timing by choosing the right wave," he said.
Dedi and another Bali surfer Wayan Dharma Putra, 26, were flown in by Rip Curl, the main title sponsor of the third Borneo Surf festival at Nexus Karambunai Resort here, as judges for the surfing competition and to demonstrate their skills before 60 participants.
Dedi had been surfing overseas in Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, and even as far as Alaska. However, he said Bali was still his favorite spot as the waves could go up to seven-metre high.
He believed Sabah beaches would become a popular surfing site like Bali which there could cater between 50 and 100 surfers at a time.
Meanwhile, Sabah Surfing Association president Ivan Tan said they would collaborate with Sabah Tourism Board to hold the event at Simpang Tanjung Mengayau in Kudat next year.
In Kudat, which is about three-hour drive from here, has waves roll from about 1.5 metre to 2.5 metre for a good surf coupled with its beautiful beach and pristine waters compared to Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu and the beach here.
"Kudat is a paradise for surfing enthusiasts, some of them even rode the waves there during the supermoon phenomenon last month."