Kiteboarding in Hong Kong revs up as Asian tournament starts today

Kiteboarding in Hong Kong just upped several notches on the legitimacy scale as Asia's top riders show us the right way to rip the waves at Asia's first kiteboarding championship this week.

Kiteboarding is the fastest-rising water sport in Hong Kong since it’s cheaper and more flexible than windsurfing, said kiteboard instructor Cheung Chi Sing.

“A lot of windsurfers are now switching over to kiteboarding. The equipment is less expensive, and there’s the added plus of lighter gear. You can even hop on a bus with your full kit,” said Cheung.

Starting today, contestants from as far as Turkey and Australia will compete in two categories: The ‘freestyle’ races pitch rider against rider, while the ‘course racing’ teams up athletes for some technique-heavy battle. Locals in the tour include 4-year rider Hill Siu, and Tsui Kit Keung, who’s been at the game for 5 years.

Admittedly the weather’s not great for the sport. “In other places you get regular monsoon winds, whereas in Hong Kong you only get two good days, if you’re lucky,” Cheung said. But we have a star location – Lantau Island’s Shiu Hau is a favorite among kiteboarding junkies for its shallow, flat waters and easterly winds.

Kiteboard Tour Asia: Hong Kong Round 2