The 2012 Asian Windsurfing Championships starts in Pattaya, Thailand, on January 21st. The mayor of Pattaya City, and WATH President, Mr Itthiphol Kunplome, welcomed everyone to a press conference convened at City hall on Wednesday, 18th January.

The event site, located on Jomtien Beach, the base for the Windsurfing Association of Thailand (WATH), has hosted Asian championships in the past; but this year's event will be the biggest yet.

Competitors from 12 Asian nations have assembled in Pattaya to compete for continental titles in 3 windsurfing classes - Mistral One Design (a class of the Asian Games); Techno 293 (the current Youth Olympic class); and RS:X, the Olympic windsurfing class. Over 100 competitors, plus coaches and team officials, can expect the customary Thai hospitality and friendly rivalry that always accompanies events here.

The Opening Ceremony will take place at the event site on January 23rd, with racing commencing on the 24th, and the final day, with prize giving and celebration dinner, on January 29th.