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It’s surprising the range of water sports one can enjoy at Hong Kong’s many islands. If you are an adventurous soul and want to do more than just hitting the best beaches in the city, launching yourself into the air on the crest of a wave would be exhilarating. Hong Kong’s beaches have been attracting locals and visitors to pursue these waters sports for decades.
“It really gives you a thrill,” says Ken Choi, founder of X Game, a board sport retailer. He adds: “You’re not using an engine, just technique and the power of nature. It not only requires a lot of physical energy but using your brain to figure out how to use the wind.” Choi, who opened his first store in 1985, mostly sells and gives advice on water sports gear, and has regulars who have been coming to him for more than 30 years.
Choi also offers water sports courses in Cheung Chau. Water sports have been a part of island life for a long time. Cheung Chau beaches are suitable for water sports year-round, with the winds shifting from season to season. Lee’s uncle and aunt, Lai Gun and his wife Irene, were pioneers of water sports in Hong Kong, founding the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre in 1975.
“The centre is one of the first spots that brought in windsurfers in the 1970s,” explains the manager, Stephanie Chow, who goes on to reveal that the centre was previously a humble beer and noodle shop. “It’s definitely a part of Cheung Chau lifestyle.”
Of course, water sports can be enjoyed at many other island beaches besides Cheung Chau. Adrienne Ng, another longtime business owner, launched Treasure Island Hong Kong
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Treasure Island Hong Kong offers water sports lessons allowing even the most novice visitor to get out on the water. “Pui O is a gem that I fell in love with,” Ng enthuses. “Hong Kong is such a tight, condensed city, but nearby there’s this desolate beach with water buffaloes. There’s no place in the world that has a beach so close to such a metropolitan city.” On the weekends, ferries are packed with people looking to get out of the city and spend some time learning a new activity.
Hong Kong’s collection of islands in a warm, sub-tropical climate makes it an ideal place to pursue an interest in aquatic sports, or even try one for the first time — it's a great way to develop a different perspective on the city. “Don’t take it for granted that Hong Kong is just about shopping,” says Ng. “There are tons of little treasures to be found just 40 minutes away [from Central].”
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