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Water sports to explore in Hong Kong this mid-summer
Kayak, windsurf, wakeboard... Zip up the wet suit and get onto your wave rider of choice. They're all available at this subtropical island
Say "Hong Kong" and most people think "business suits," not swimsuits. But venture beyond the city and you’ll discover a world-class coastline and a host of watersports to keep you entertained. Here are the best in Hong Kong's watersports, from kayaking to kitesurfing -- lethargic junk trips were so last year.
Like surfing, Hong Kong is not the best place to kitesurf due to unreliable wind. Serious kitesurfers should head to Boracay, Philippines, Taiwan, or Mui Ne, Vietnam. However, the president of the Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong, Keith Tang, says there are some reasons to be optimistic. "We have nice kiteboarding beaches with shallow water and they are only about 30 minutes from downtown Hong Kong."
Kitesurfing instructor Hill Sui says kitesurfing is a great way to relax. "Kitesurfing is my lifesaver. It's the best way to release my stress. You need to be so focused while you're out kiting so there's no room to think of anything else."
Both Keith and Hill recommend kiting in Lantau. In easterly, southeasterly or northeasterly wind head to Shui Hui Bay. It is located further down Cheung Sha Beach (take bus 11 from Tung Chung Station). When the wind is blowing southwesterly check out Pui O (take bus 3 from Mui Wo pier).
Hill warns that kitesufing can be dangerous and beginners need lessons. "Beginners should also always wear booties as there are a lot of rocks and shells on the seabed," she says. Keith says that "a good kitesurfing school will never place you in a group of more than four people. You should have all the personal safety equipment: helmet, float vest and harness."
Hong Kong’s kitesurfing scene may soon truly have something to shout about. "Uncle Lai Kam and I have been talking about building a floating platform out in the Cheung Chau Sea," says Hill. "Kiters can head out there with our boat and launch their kites or learn out there with more stable and reliable wind, no obstacles and all in all a safe environment. This will be the first floating kitesurfing school on the planet."
To find out more about lessons in Hong Kong contact the Kitesurfing Association of Hong Kong. Hill also offers private lessons on Cheung Chau. If you are a kitesurfer and want to meet like-minded people check out this meet-up site.
Kayaking
"Just 25 kilometers from Central's HSBC tower lies a very exposed coastline home to sea arches, caves, white sand beaches and clean water," says Paul Etherington, owner of Hong Kong Kayak and Hike. "We usually only see 30 percent of Hong Kong."
Etherington has made it his mission to introduce people to the natural beauty of the island one paddle stroke at a time. According to him, one of the best places to kayak is Sai Kung where adventure lovers can explore little islands and beaches. Another of Paul's favourite places is Double Haven in the northeast. "It has the oldest geology in Hong Kong. It's stunning,” he says. Visitors can marvel at how a collapsed volcano has been buckled and bent into today's coast.
Lantau is another good place to kayak -- just watch out for the hydro-foils and the ferries. Long Coast Seasport at Lower Cheung Sha Village rent equipment and offer tours. The public water sports center at St. Stephen's Beach rents out kayaks, dinghies and windsurfers and also runs training courses. For a full list of places to kayak in Hong Kong click here, or check out the Leisure and Cultural Services website where courses are on offer for only HK$130. Places fill up quickly.
Windsurfing
Hong Kong is not exactly a windsurfing Mecca and a lot of serious windsurfers head to the Philippines, Vietnam or Taiwan for more consistent wind. However, Cheung Chau, Stanley, and Sai Kung are popular spots if you fancy a session at the weekend. And let's not be too downhearted on Hong Kong’s windsurfing scene, after all, Hong Kong athlete Lee Lai Shan won an Olympic gold medal in the sport in 1996.
Lee was coached at Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre. Stephanie Chow works at the center and recommends taking up the sport in autumn and winter "as the summer can get too hot and the wind is generally less." Chow adds that "Cheung Chau is an ideal spot to learn. It is quite a protected bay and wind comes from all directions."
Chasing wind around might not sound like the most sociable of activities but Christine Cheng, a windsurfing rookie, disagrees: "What I like most is that I can enjoy time together with my friends and clear my head from work at the weekend. It's an easy sport for everyone. You don't need a special skill to enjoy it, unless you want to be professional. Don't be afraid of going too far: that's the greatest feeling when you can ride it far away!"
Before you can rent equipment from the HK government facilities you need at least 30 hours in the water and to bring your logbook to prove it. Christine warns: "If you forgot the book, they won't rent you equipment, even if you've been there many times before."
See a list of the Windsurfing Association of Hong Kong's approved windsurfing schools to find one that suits you.
Surfing
Move over Bondi, Hong Kong has arrived. Just kidding. It's hard to even pretend Hong Kong's surf is great. However, if you know the right place and the right time, and throw in a bit of good luck, you can have a decent day of surf in Hong Kong.
Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung has Hong Kong's best surfing beach. But to get there you have to trek over an hour on the Maclehose Trail and there are no facilities on the beach. It really is suited for the serious surfers with their own boards. However, Blue Sky offers surf lessons on nearby Ham Tin Beach (location can change depending on season and weather. Other possible locations are Big Wave Bay and Cheung Cha Beach).
Big Wave Bay is the more mainstream surfing beach and you can hire equipment and find surfing schools here, although the waves aren't as good. Check out our list of surf schools in Hong Kong here.
Diving
"Hong Kong doesn't have world class diving, but it is challenging and there is a lot of wonderful scenery," says advanced diving instructor Rob Christie of the South China Diving Club. "The nicest thing about it is it's so convenient and not too difficult for beginners."
Rob's favorite place to dive in Hong Kong? "Double Haven in the New Territories. It takes a while to get there but the marine park is closed to fishing so there are lots of fish, corals and a couple of islands that have some interesting terrain."
Beginners should be aware that diving is a sport not to be taken lightly and you need to be in good health for it. "A lot of people don't even realize you need to be able to swim!" says Rob. There is also a lot of classroom training to get you up to speed with how to use all the equipment. PADI and BSAC are the most popular, and reputable, qualifications that diving clubs use.
The south and east of the island are apparently the best places to dive as the Pearl River to the west of the island makes the water extremely murky. BSAC recommended dive sites can be found here and you can find your nearest PADI approved dive club here.
Wakeboarding
Hong Kong is a great place to wakeboard. You don't need any special license to do it, and given that Hong Kong is surrounded by water you're spoilt for choice when it comes to location. If you want to get a feel for the sport why not go and watch the Hong Kong Wakeboard Open Championships on August 21-22. It is at Tai Po Waterfront Park and runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days.
For a list of Hong Kong Water Ski Association approved coaches near you, click here.
Wakesurfing is also an increasing popular alternative to wakeboarding. This new sport is a soft-impact version of wakeboarding where you let go of the reins, do your best to balance on the board, and surf along to the wake generated by the ski boat. Surface tricks, jumps and speed all get play during wakesurfing. Wakesurfection is a great place to learn the new sport and this video they made demonstrates how to do it.
Jet skiing
If you were planning a romantic day out on a jet ski a la Will Smith in "Hitch", then you may have to rethink. Rental shops are practically non-existent and before you can take out a jet ski in Hong Kong you will need the dubiously named Pleasure Vessel Operating Certificate (Grade 2). Once qualified on your pleasure vessel you are entitled "to take charge of a pleasure vessel that is of not more than 15 meters in length overall." To apply for the operating license call the Marine Department on +852 2852 4941 or email sscrt@mardep.gov.hk.
Kitesurfing
Like surfing, Hong Kong is not the best place to kitesurf due to unreliable wind. Serious kitesurfers should head to Boracay, Philippines, Taiwan, or Mui Ne, Vietnam. However, the president of the Kiteboarding Association of Hong Kong, Keith Tang, says there are some reasons to be optimistic. "We have nice kiteboarding beaches with shallow water and they are only about 30 minutes from downtown Hong Kong."
Kitesurfing instructor Hill Sui says kitesurfing is a great way to relax. "Kitesurfing is my lifesaver. It's the best way to release my stress. You need to be so focused while you're out kiting so there's no room to think of anything else."
Both Keith and Hill recommend kiting in Lantau. In easterly, southeasterly or northeasterly wind head to Shui Hui Bay. It is located further down Cheung Sha Beach (take bus 11 from Tung Chung Station). When the wind is blowing southwesterly check out Pui O (take bus 3 from Mui Wo pier).
Hill warns that kitesufing can be dangerous and beginners need lessons. "Beginners should also always wear booties as there are a lot of rocks and shells on the seabed," she says. Keith says that "a good kitesurfing school will never place you in a group of more than four people. You should have all the personal safety equipment: helmet, float vest and harness."
Hong Kong’s kitesurfing scene may soon truly have something to shout about. "Uncle Lai Kam and I have been talking about building a floating platform out in the Cheung Chau Sea," says Hill. "Kiters can head out there with our boat and launch their kites or learn out there with more stable and reliable wind, no obstacles and all in all a safe environment. This will be the first floating kitesurfing school on the planet."
To find out more about lessons in Hong Kong contact the Kitesurfing Association of Hong Kong. Hill also offers private lessons on Cheung Chau. If you are a kitesurfer and want to meet like-minded people check out this meet-up site.
Liquid refreshment
All this activity sound far too strenuous? Then check out our picks of the best beaches and beach bars in Hong Kong where we love to unwind after a day of excitement on the seas.
