Surfing makes a splash

Although relatively new to the country, surfing and related water sports have found a fan base.

Once a niche sport in China, surfing has become more popular among young sport lovers in recent years.

As a part of the country's post-COVID outdoor sports boom, surfing and the beach lifestyle have become synonymous with a freer, more inspiring way of life.

Videos of the trending water sport often gain hundreds of thousands of views on social media. Let's Sacalaca, the first surfing-themed TV show in China, aired in 2020. It invites celebrities like Huang Xuan, Han Dongjun and Wang Yibo to learn surfing skills and help run a surf shop in Wanning in South China's Hainan province.

"We are too often occupied by our smartphones and work, but surfing gives us a sense of freedom. When you stand on a surfboard, you focus just on riding the waves and forget everything," said Liu Yue, a surfing enthusiast who works in Beijing and comes to Riyue Bay, Wanning, from time to time.

Like Liu, many young people work and live in big cities but seize weekends and holidays as their opportunity to relax in the sea. They call themselves "city surfers" and consider surfing and the beach lifestyle a way to escape from stressful urban life.

The most attractive part of surfing is its uncertainty, according to Li Jing, a surfing event planner working at the Riyue Bay.

"It is a test of patience and tenacity. Most of the time, surfers are paddling in the sea, and they can only catch the waves and stand up occasionally. Some may give up because of the waiting required," said Li.

"But if you think of it in another way, the process of waiting for waves is very relaxing and refreshing. You just need to keep an eye on the waves. All that you can see are the blue sky and serene waters," she added. "You can leave all other distractions on the shore."

Now with new inventions like electric surfboards and wave-making boats, people have more choices to pursue the oceanic pastime of surfing.

"Surfing is all about thrill, freedom and fun — that is what the younger generation today is looking for," said Huang Wenyu, a professional surfer, and an owner of a surf shop at the Riyue Bay.

He believes that the water sport has seen a rising trend in China partly because of the efforts surfers and surf clubs have been putting into the scene for the past decade.

"Surfing is an amazing sport that connects us and unites a tribe of people across the country and even the world," Huang said.

Sanya, a popular resort city in Hainan, has more than 40 surf clubs. In March, it held the 2023 China National Surfing Championships U Series Sanya Station competition. A total of 92 athletes from around the country and 22 surfing teams participated.

Riyue Bay is home to 23 surf clubs as well as China's national surfing team academy. And seven professional provincial-level surfing teams undergo training here.

As a year-round surfing spot, the bay has held international competitions for 11 consecutive years.

To celebrate International Surfing Day on June 17, the bay's surfing community organized more than 30 themed activities, bringing together surfing competitions, surf culture exhibitions, music parties and outdoor sports experiences.

"For people like me who don't surf or seek thrills, I come here just for the relaxing seaside atmosphere, calming views, athletic vibe and vibrant nightlife," said Ye Tong, a college student from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. She stayed in Sanya for a week during her summer vacation.