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  • 10 Must-Try Hong Kong Watersports to Keep You Cool this Summer

    Kate Patrimonio
    Kate Patrimonio
    Last updated 26 Mar 2024
    paddle boarding hong kong

    Stay fit and active this summer with these exciting watersports in Hong Kong!

    Summer is finally here, which means bright days and sticky afternoons are ahead of us once again. However, the spike in temperature and humidity also means that the hiking season has come to a close, leaving outdoor enthusiasts itching for a new adventure. If you’re one of those people, today is your lucky day because we rounded up some of the best water sport activities you need to try ASAP. 
    From surfing and snorkeling to kiteboarding and dragon boating, the heat won’t bother you any longer as you splash around the coast of Hong Kong. Read more to find out!
    • Kitesurfing
    • Surfing
    • Stand up paddleboarding
    • Dragon boating
    • Snorkeling
    • Liveaboard for Scuba Diving
    • Nighttime kayaking
    • Windsurfing
    • Wakeboarding
    • Stream hiking

    1. Kitesurfing

    man kitesurfing
    Challenge your fitness level with a kitesurfing experience! Also known as kiteboarding, this extreme sport combines elements of paragliding, wakeboarding, and surfing. Sounds tough, right? But really, all you need to do is to use your body weight to control the kite. That’s obviously an oversimplification - that’s why we highly recommend booking a beginner-friendly lesson first through Hong Kong Kiteboarding School’s Kiteboarding Experience. Learn from an expert instructor and enjoy high-quality equipment for your first time.
    Hong Kong Kiteboarding School

    2. Surfing

    surfing hong kong
    Where there are waves, there’s surfing. This classic water sport only requires a board and a decent wave to catch so you can ‘ride’ the tide out until the wave kisses the shore. Both locals and expats love it so you’ll be sure to find an instructor and board rental shop along the coast of Big Wave Bay. But if you’re visiting on a weekend, it’s best to book a private course in advance to avoid running out of options. Surf Hong Kong has great solo and group courses available at discounted rates.
    Surf Hong Kong

    3. Stand up paddleboarding

    paddleboarding hong kong
    If you can’t get the hang of surfing, try stand up paddleboarding instead. Originating from Hawaii, SUP is a form of surfing that allows you to stand on top of a board that you can steer using a paddle. Some enthusiasts like doing various activities while on the board, such as yoga, and fishing. Book a Stand Up Beginners Class via Klook, led by professionals from the Hong Kong Stand Up Paddle Board Association. This package includes all the necessary equipment, a guide, and a certification from the Hong Kong Stand Up Paddle Board Association. 
    Hong Kong Stand Up Paddle Board Association
    • Locations: Tsam Chuk Wan, Approach Beach, St. Stephen’s Beach, Larvotto, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Stanley, and Castle Peak Beach
    • Book now: via Klook

    4. Dragon boating

    smugz dragon boat team rowing in hong kong
    Photo Credit: @oliver_mee on Instagram
    In 1976, dragon boating became an international sport thanks to Hong Kong’s homegrown teams. Fast forward to today, it’s one of the most popular outdoor activities among city dwellers. Whether you’re looking to join the Stanley Dragon Boat Festival Races or to be part of a more casual set up, you won’t run out of options when in Hong Kong Island. Keep your eyes peeled for open calls to new joiners at local clubs in Stanley, Aberdeen, Saikung, Cheung Chau, and Tai O. 
    We list down a few clubs you can look into:
    Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club - Dragon
    Stormy Dragons Paddling Club
    • Contact details: You can reach them via Facebook
    Buzz Dragon Boating Society
    Smugz Hong Kong

    5. Kayaking and snorkeling 

    family kayaking in hong kong
    A day under the sun calls for a snorkeling session, a classic underwater escape that treats you to a closer view of Hong Kong’s marine life. If you’re planning a trip to the beach, look no further than Sai Kung, the country’s ‘back garden’. This fishing village is best known for its natural beauty, hiking trails, beaches, and seafood. Go on a kayaking and snorkeling tour via Kook to fully explore the destination and enjoy exploring with the help of a certified instructor. Note that snorkeling gears won’t be provided, but the kayaking trip, life jacket, and ferry fee are included in the price. 
    Lifexplore HK

    6. Liveaboard for scuba diving

    adela hong kong yacht for liveaboard
    Photo Credit: www.adela.com.hk/
    Ever dreamed of sailing and scuba diving at the same time? Now it’s possible through a liveaboard! Similar to sailing, liveaboards are luxury boats that can fit scuba diving equipment and living essentials for a group of people. These are perfect for both diving newbies looking for a holiday or veterans that want to dust off their diving suits. Adela Hong Kong offers luxury yachts that can be transformed into a liveaboard. Check out this Sail & Scuba Dive video to see for yourself.
    Adela Hong Kong
    • Location: Tung Choi Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong
    • Socials: Facebook
    • Contact details: You can reach them via email at cs@adela.com.hk or at 852-27357878

    7. Nighttime paddling

    stand up paddling
    Imagine this: a picture-perfect sunset by the sea, the Hong Kong city skyline faintly glimmering against amber skies, and the gentle sway of the tide as you paddle along in a kayak boat. This could be your reality this weekend at Cheung Chau! This night paddling activity is a relaxing yet fun adventure you can do with family and friends, plus, an instructor will help you make sense of sea kayaking and the equipment included in the package. Not only will you get to go kayaking with your loved ones, but you’ll also get a chance to explore the island’s night market.
    Kayak Hong Kong

    8. Windsurfing

    men windsurfing in hong kong
    Photo Credit: @thomascheng_photography
    Craving for an adrenaline rush? Level up with windsurfing! This water surface sport is equally enjoyable as it is challenging—the wind propels the sail and board you’re using to navigate, so it’s up to you to maximize the waves and wind direction of the day. But how, exactly? That’s where the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre comes into play. The owner is Olympic Gold Medalist Lee Lai Shan’s uncle, so you’re sure to learn from some of the best instructors in Hong Kong.  
    Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre

    9. Wakeboarding

    wakeboarding in hong kong
    Just ‘cause you can’t travel internationally yet, doesn’t mean you can’t discover new things. Have a good time with your mates through a wakeboarding experience! Learn how to ride the waves from an instructor and enjoy breathtaking views of Sai Kung, Tai Tam Bay, and Big Wave Bay as you glide across the channel. Klook offers a package inclusive of speedboat use and wakeboarding equipment for 4 hours, allowing you to choose whatever spot pleases the eyes. The boat can fit up to 4 people so make sure to invite your best friends for a sweet trip around Hong Kong Island.
    OceanGOGO

    10. Stream hiking

    pingnam canyoning
    Photo Credit: www.hkrca.com/activities/canyoning-pingnam
    The concrete jungle in Hong Kong is lovely and all, but the New Territories’ rugged beauty is a welcome breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hidden in plain sight is Ping Nam Stream, one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful waterfalls which you can access through canyoning (also known as stream hiking). This new kind of mountain adventure combines abseiling, climbing, jumping, and other outdoor activities that help scale canyons and the wilderness beyond (imagine hiking but on another level). Put your body to the test as you make your way through rocky crevices, boulders, and cliffs with jaw-dropping views of nature. 
    Book this experience with a partner or meet new friends through the joiners package. Safety equipment will be provided by the group instructor, who will also act as a guide to Ping Name Stream.
    Hong Kong Rock Climbing Adventure

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