New Year's resolution no. 1: Surfing in Hong Kong

Winter is the time for surfing in Hong Kong, as the best swells are at the end of the year. We're getting our lardy post-Christmas feast butts off the couch and heading to catch the last of the surfing season as an energetic way to kick-start 2010.

Surf schools

Local surfing instructor, Todd Moore, can be found at H.K. Surf Camp part of a handful of surf schools that have recently opened in Hong Kong. Another one is Blue Sky (info@bluesky-sc.com), who teach at Ham Tin Beach, offering lessons to kids and adults (group lessons cost HK$680 per person, private lessons cost HK$800).

Hong Kong X Game offers a three hour surfing lesson at Big Wave Bay and Long Coast Seasport offer beginners lessons on Cheung Sha Beach but only runs from May to September. 

When the warmer months come around again, kids can check out the annual Treasure Island Surf Camp on Pui O beach in Lantau. The camp's emphasis on environmental awareness means that kids are getting schooled on protecting the oceans as they paddle out to conquer their first wave.

Beyond the surf schools, the best places to catch some waves in Hong Kong are Shek O and Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung where the Hurley Surf Cup was held. Pui O is great for beginners as is Cheung Sha on Lantau Island and Tai Long Wan on Hong Kong Island. 

Look the part

Protect yourself with long-sleeve rash guards, board shorts and high SPF sun cream. For the cold water, you'll need a full wet-suit. Quiksilver has many shops around Hong Kong where you can get all the gear as well as at The Pro Shop and Xgame.

Dane Ward is no. 3 on surf.transworld.net's hottest male surfers list.

Surfing -- online

www.globalsurfers.com has the best spots to surf in the world as well as weather forecasts for the coming week.

www.surfing-waves.com has a good overview of what you will need to know before you start surfing -- you don’t want to be getting your leash plug and stringer confused when you start.

www.wannasurf.com highlights the top surfing spots in HK categorised by level of difficulty.

surf.loopd.com is an online community designed for surfers around the world. Features surf videos, news and blogs.

www.clubofthewaves.com has the history and development of the sport.

And finally, for pure surfing eye-candy, check out surf.transworld.net for the 10 most powerful surfers of all time including "Junior" who weighs over 400lbs, as well as the international surf scenes hottest male and females.