Surfing Guide | Top 5 Surfing Spots in Hong Kong! Tips for Beginners
Surfing Guide in HK
Surfing Introduction
Recommended Surfing Spots in Hong Kong
Basic Surfing Techniques
Essential Surfing Equipment
Surfing Safety Precautions
What is Surfing?
Surfing originated in Hawaii and has now become popular worldwide, becoming a beloved sport. Surfers stand on specially designed surfboards and utilize the power of the waves to move. It involves various techniques such as riding along the wave face, riding against the wave, and maneuvering through waves, making it an exciting and challenging sport. Alongside surfing in natural water areas like beaches, there are now indoor surfing facilities and artificial wave pools that allow more people to experience the joy of surfing.
Surfing can be categorized into longboard surfing and shortboard surfing. Longboard surfing is typically suitable for beginners because the surfboards are longer, providing greater stability and making it easier to maintain balance. Shortboard surfing requires higher skill levels and balancing abilities.
5 Recommended Surfing Spots in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Surfing Spot 1: Sai Kung Tai Long Wan
Big Wave Bay is one of the most popular surfing beaches in Hong Kong, located on the eastern side of Sai Kung. The waves at Big Wave Bay are larger and more suitable for experienced surfers. The wave height can reach over two meters, especially during autumn and winter when the waves are even stronger, making it a preferred destination for surfing enthusiasts.
- Surfing season: Autumn and winter
- Wave characteristics: Sandy bottom with multiple breaking waves
- Suitable for: Experienced or seasoned surfers
Sai Kung Tai Long Wan
- Address: Shek O Tai Long Wan Road
- Directions: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station, transfer to New World First Bus No. 9, and get off at Shek O Beach and Tai Long Wan Beach.
Hong Kong Surfing Spot 2: Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau Island.
The Cheung Sha Beach, located under Lantau Island, is one of the famous beaches in Hong Kong. It stretches over 3 kilometers and has fine sand with clear water. Due to its long coastline, there are waves of different sizes at various locations, allowing surfers to choose their preferred area for surfing. With fewer crowds and ample space, this beach offers a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can also enjoy beautiful sunsets. It is an ideal choice for engaging in water activities.
- Surfing Season: Summer
- Wave Characteristics: Sandy bottom with multiple breaking points
- Suitable for: Beginners and surfers of different skill levels
Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau Island.
- Address: South Lantau Road, Lantau Island
- How to get there: Take New Lantao Bus No. 11, 11A or 23 from the Tung Chung Station Bus Terminus outside Exit B of MTR Tung Chung Station, about 20 minutes by car
Hong Kong Surf Spot 3. Pui O Beach, Lantau Island
Pui O Beach on Lantau Island is also located in South Lantau Island, only about 10 minutes’ drive from Cheung Sha Beach. It is a half-moon-shaped beach with a length of about 250 meters. The waves on Pui O Beach are usually relatively stable, with thinner and gentler waves, suitable for novices and surfers of different levels. If you are an experienced surfer, you may wish to go to a more challenging beach, such as Big Wave Bay or Sai Kung Bay.
- Wave season: summer
- Wave spot terrain: sandy bottom with multiple waves
- Suitable for: suitable for novices and surfers of different levels
Pui O Beach, Lantau Island
- Address: Pui O, Lantau Island
- How to get there: Take the ferry from Central Pier No. 6 to Mui Wo, transfer to bus No. 1, 2, 3M or 4 at the bus terminus in front of Mui Wo Pier, and get off at Law Uk Estate Station.
Hong Kong Surf Spot 4. Shek O Beach
Shek O Beach is located in the southern district of Hong Kong Island, only about 5 minutes’ drive from Big Wave Bay. The sea is clear and the water quality is excellent. Waves are usually relatively calm.
- Wave Season: Autumn and Winter
- Wave spot terrain: sandy bottom, coarse sand grains
- Suitable for: suitable for novices and surfers of different levels
Shek O Beach
- Address: Big Wave Bay Road, Shek O
- How to get there: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station, transfer to New World Bus No. 9, and go to Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach
Hong Kong Surf Spot 5. Snow & Surf
Snow & Surf is located in Sui Sum Industrial Building, Kwai Chung, with an area of more than 10,000 square feet. So far, it is the world’s first indoor sports venue that combines skiing and water skiing! The water skiing facility is housed in a glass conservatory with a constant temperature throughout the year. The surf track will create waves of different strengths, and provide boogie boards and enterprise boards. If you want to challenge the difficulty, you must play enterprise boards!
Snow & Surf
- Address: 2/F, Sui Sen Industrial Building, 8-10 Kwai Sau Road, Kwai Chung
- How to get there: Kwai Hing Station Exit A, walk for 7 minutes Tel: 9637 3322
- Website: https://snownsurfhk.com/
Surfing丨Basic skills
- Posture: Standing firmly on the surfboard is the most basic skill. To maintain balance, feet are shoulder-width apart, knees are slightly bent, and the center of gravity of the body is placed on the front foot.
- Surfing along the wave: To surf along the wave, you need to face the wave. When the wave approaches, you need to prop up your body with your arms and jump forward, using your feet to control the direction of the surfboard.
- Create speed: When surfing, you need to create speed. You can control the direction of the surfboard with your arms and feet to accelerate the surfboard.
- Steering: Steering is an important skill that can be used to control the steering of the surfboard with the feet, the left foot when turning left, and the right foot when turning right.
Surfing丨Required equipment
To play surfing, prepare a set of clothing suitable for surfing, and prepare for sun protection and protect your body to avoid sunburn.
- surfboard
- surfing clothing
- foot rope
- Board wax
Surf丨Safety matters
Surfing is a dangerous sport, you need to pay attention to safety:
- Familiar with the marine environment: Before surfing, you need to be familiar with the local water environment, including wave size, tide, current, etc., and choose a surfing site that suits your skill level.
- Don’t surf alone: Surfing alone on the sea is very dangerous. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to practice under the guidance of a professional instructor.
- Pay attention to weather changes: Weather changes may affect the size of waves and the ocean environment. You need to pay attention to the weather forecast at any time in order to adjust your surfing plan in time.
- Comply with local regulations: Beach regulations in different places may vary, and local regulations and safety precautions need to be followed.
Are there any suitable surfing spots in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has multiple places suitable for surfing. In addition to surfing in natural water areas such as beaches, there are now indoor surfing facilities and artificial wave pools available. For more information, please refer to this link.
What are the precautions for surfing?
Surfing is a sport that involves certain risks, so it’s important to prioritize safety. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to practice under the guidance of a professional coach.this link.