As Islanders, we are consumed by the sea – we live near it, we commute across it and most of us swim in it. Water Sports are another way in.
Raphael Blet Reports
PHOTOS BY Hunt Smith & courtesy of A -Team Edventures & Wakesurf DB
People like us, who have chosen to live on an island, are for the most part, obsessed by the sea. We love looking at it and commuting across it. We love walking along its shores in all weathers, and submerging in its shallows on hot summer days. By getting into water sports, we can further our connection with the wild body of water that surrounds us.
Ready to dive in and get out of your comfort zone? Find out what’s on offer from three local water-sport providers: Treasure Island Group, A-Team Edventures and Wakesurf DB.
SURFING
When thinking about surfing, the first thing that comes to mind are gigantic waves… and sharks. But sit back and relax, Lantau is neither Hawaii nor New South Wales. In fact, the waters around our 147 square-kilometre island are ideal for first-time surfers, particularly over summer when they are generally calm.
If you are looking to improve your surfing skills on Lantau, nothing beats the waters off Pui O and Cheung Sha. The southeast swell gives waves some solid force and although not massive, their inconsistency makes them challenging enough to surf. Before heading out with a buddy (it’s inadvisable to surf alone even if you’ve got plenty of experience) be sure to check the weather and local surf report (www.surf-forecast.com).
“Pui O is a great place to practice surfing because it doesn’t get too crowded with swimmers,” says Alex Lithgow, programme coordinator at Treasure Island Group (www.treasureislandhk. com). Located right in the heart of Pui O Beach, Treasure Island offers an exciting array of outdoor camps and courses to people of all ages and physical abilities – surfing being their main strength.
Founded in 1996, Treasure Island has become something of a Lantau institution, a hub for parties and events as well as outdoor education, and its popularity has grown in recent years. “With COVID-19, travel wasn’t easy and many people were looking for a place reminding them of their holidays abroad. With our well-rounded facilities, we were able to get many new students joining us,” says Alex.
The Surf Camps at Treasure Island are separated into two age groups, five to nine years (grommets) and nine to 12 years (intermediates). Ideal for parents wanting a fun and meaningful summer activity for their kids, each week-long camp runs from Monday to Friday, and includes three hours of surfing lessons daily, with an hour dedicated to beach safety and ocean education. There are also Adventure Camps, for youth aged five to 9 years, nine to 13 years and 13 to 17 years, which include activities like hiking, gorging and coastal exploration, in addition to surfing.
Social responsibility being a key component of Treasure Island’s ethos, all the camps give children the opportunity to learn about sustainability practices and why caring for the environment is crucial to their future.
For surfers or wannabe surfers, aged 13 years and up, Treasure Island provides both individual, one-on-one training and group classes. Oh, and if you want to get out there with a group of friends and have forgotten your board, you can rent one at the beach club.
KAYAKING
Offering something entirely different, kayaking is one of the more leisurely water sports, and it can be a marvellous way to combine exercise with sightseeing. Again, in order to paddle safely, you need to know your limits and have sound knowledge of how the waves and sea swell work, and you need to be aware of the weather. With all that in place, you are free to explore the Lantau coast at your own pace, and you’ll find it’s an Ali Baba’s cave, packed with gems just waiting to be discovered.
Reminiscent of Venice to some and Bangkok’s Chau Phraya River to others, Tai O is among the most famous kayaking spots in Hong Kong. Enthusiasts get to experience the postcard-like village from the waterways and kayak around the world-famous stilt houses before adventuring into the open sea. Moving west towards Yi O Bay, Shui Lo Cho canyon is a wonderfully Instagramable spot and a safe place to take a dip.
Alternatively, you might consider hopping on a boat to Cheung Chau: The waters off Tung Wan and Kwun Yam Wan have long been popular among kayaking enthusiasts, Anthony Somerset being one of them. Owner and director of Hong Kong-based outdoor education and leadership provider A-Team Edventures (www.ateamedventures.com), the retired lawyer turned BCU-awarded sea kayaker offers a range of exciting kayaking and paddling experiences.
A-Team Edventures’ Cheung Chau Day Paddle combines a physical challenge with a large helping of culture. As you learn how to improve your stroke, instructors talk you through the history of the former pirate outpost, its curious rock formations, ancient rock carvings and coastal temples.
Seeking a romantic evening with a difference? A-Team Edventures’ Cheung Chau Night Paddle departs from Cheung Chau Windsurf Centre as the sun sets. Slipping quietly along the coast with bioluminescence lighting up your paddles, the neon glitter of Hong Kong Island seems a million miles away.
Beyond kayaking and paddling, A-Team Edventures tailors a wide range of educational outdoor experiences for people all ages, with a specific focus on kids. “A-Team gives kids lots of hands-on involvement, responsibilities and choices; they get some say in what we do on their camps,” says Anthony. “They get to suggest activities for the group and to help decide how these can be done safely.”
WAKESURFING
There is no better time than August to try your hand at wakesurfing, since the waters off Lantau’s secluded beaches are mostly calm. With no former water-sports experience required, it’s a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends and, given the right training, it’s surprisingly easy to master.
Among Lantau’s seasoned wakesurfing professionals is Alice Leung of Wakesurf DB (Facebook @wakesurfdb). Based out of Peng Chau, Wakesurf DB offers fully captained wakesurf experiences and instruction for children and adults alike. In the main, the team’s boats stay close to home in the waters between the Peng Chau Ferry pier and Discovery Bay North, where marine traffic is scarce.
Kids as young as seven years can take lessons with Wakesurf DB and they are taught to wakesurf on child-sized boards, something Alice is proud of as not all wakesurf schools offer such personalised experiences.
“With the expertise of our instructors, we ensure that everyone is safe, and we can get people up on the board and surfing in no time!” says Alice, who has recently seen a surge in demand with so many of us electing to stay in Hong Kong for the summer. Enjoy the ride!