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Make the most of the city heat and try out a new summer activity with our ultimate guide to water sports in Hong Kong

We all know that the Hong Kong heat can get pretty unbearable. While our first choice is normally to escape the city to holiday destinations both near and far, with the current restrictions on travel likely to last, we're looking for different ways to spend our time. But rather than staying indoors and bingeing Netflix, why not get outside and make the most of the summer months?

Our city may be known for its epic skyline and busy streets, but if you venture a little further afield, you'll find plenty of options for summer water sports. Whether you want to learn to surf, tackle wake boarding, or even go on a night kayak adventure, we're letting you know the best places to go in Hong Kong.

See also: 7 Outdoor Sports In Hong Kong For Your Adrenaline Fix

Surfing

Surf Hong Kong 

Head down to the stunning beaches of Tai Long Wan and learn to surf with Surf Hong Kong. Located on Sai Wan beach, the beginner-friendly classes are taught by professionally certified surfing instructors. Private and group classes are available, as well as kids surf camps and surf board rentals for those with experience.

Surf Hong Kong also offers SUP rentals, kayak tours and camping gear rentals.

Where: Sai Wan, Tai Long Wan

Find out more at ateamedventures.com/surf-hong-kong

See also: Island Guide: What To Do, See And Eat In Tai Long Wan

Paddle Boarding

Hong Kong Surf and Stand Up Paddle Board Association

The Hong Kong Surf and Stand Up Paddle Board Association offers SUP lessons for those of all ages and skill sets. Based in Sai Kung, private and group classes are available––with the class cost including all gear rental, professional tuition and a HKSUPBA certificate. 

For those looking to learn to surf, HKSUPBA also offers surfing lessons in Sai Wan, Tai Long Wan. 

Where: Sha Ha Beach, Sai Kung

Find out more at hksurfsup.org

See also: The Most Beautiful Beaches To Visit In Hong Kong

Wakeboarding

Hong Kong Wakeboard

Although a little tricky to master, wake boarding is one of the most exhilarating summer water sports. A regular sight in Tai Tam Tun Reservoir, boats can be booked via Hong Kong Wakeboard and include all equipment and coaching. All boats are available for private bookings only for time blocks of one hour. 

If you've already mastered wake boarding, the instructors at Hong Kong Wakeboard can also offer the tuition and gear for wake skating and wake surfing.

Where: Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, Tai Tam Tuk Village
 
Find out more at wakeboard.com.hk

See also: 10 Of Hong Kong's Most Picture-Perfect Waterfalls

Kayaking

Sea Kayak Hong Kong

There are few better ways to explore Hong Kong's many hidden islands than by a kayak tour, and Sea Kayak Hong Kong offers day-long tours to a multitude of locations, along with kayak and camping expeditions lasting one, four, five or nine days. 

Many of the tours include venturing to the outer islands of Sai Kung's UNSECO Geopark, promising stunning views on an off-the-beaten-track adventure. 

Where: Various tour locations available
 
Find out more at seakayakhongkong.com

See also: Where To Kayak In Hong Kong

Wild Hong Kong

Focusing on hiking, cycling and kayaking adventures around various parts of rural Hong Kong, Wild Hong Kong is perfect if you're looking for a half or full-day kayak tour.

The courses promise to explore various locations in the Sai Kung Country Park, with SUP tours also available.

Where: Sai Kung Country Park

Find out more at wildhongkong.com

See also: Neighborhood Guide: Where To Eat, Drink And Shop In Sai Kung

Blue Sky Sports Club

Designed for those with little or no previous kayaking experience, Blue Sky Sports Club offers both half and full-day kayaking tours. Promising to cover all the basics, the tours explore a variety of islands around the Sai Kung Peninsula.

Blue Sky Sports Club offers more than kayak tours, with a range of SUP, surfing and wake boarding classes also available.

Where: Sai Kung Islands

Find out more at bluesky-sc.com

See also: 10 Secret Islands To Visit In Hong Kong

Windsurfing

Hiwindlover Water Sports Centre

Hiwindlover Water Sports Centre has been a mainstay on Stanley Beach for over 40 years, and offers windsurfing, stand up paddle, kayak and small sailboat rentals and courses.

If you're looking to master the sport, book in for the Summer Elite Training Program, taught by Hiwindlover Director, Ho Chi Ho—who represented Hong Kong in the 2000 Athens and 2004 Sydney Olympic Games. Beginner courses and windsurf rentals are available for those looking for something a little more casual.

Where: Stanley Beach, Stanley
 
Find out more at hiwindlover.com

See also: The Most Beautiful Beaches To Visit In Hong Kong

Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre

Whether you're a seasoned pro, or new to the sport, Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre offers both windsurf rentals and courses taught by experienced coaches.

Set on the island of Cheung Chau, the centre also has kayaks and SUP boards available for rental—perfect for taking out to explore the breathtaking views on the other side of the island. 

Where: Cheung Chau Island
 
Find out more at ccwindc.com.hk

See also: Island Guide: What To Eat, Drink And Do In Cheung Chau

Night Kayaking

Tatler Asia
Above Night kayaking in Cheung Chau with Kayak Hong Kong. (Photo: Courtesy of Kayak Hong Kong via Facebook

Kayak Hong Kong

Water sports needn't be reserved for the day time. If you want to avoid the scorching heat and explore by starlight, book in for a Cheung Chau night kayak tour with Kayak Hong Kong. Not only will you be able to see distant lights of Hong Kong island and passing ships twinkle as you tour around the coast, but occasionally guests can catch a glimpse of the glowing sea bioluminescence. 

Kayak Hong Kong also offers day time kayak trips, along with its sister company, Surf Hong Kong offering surf lessons in Sai Wan.

Where: Cheung Chau
 
Find out more at ateamedventures.com/kayak-hong-kong

See also: 7 Places To See The Sunrise In Hong Kong

Diving

Splash Hong Kong

While the likes of the Philippines and Thailand may be diving hot spots, you don't need to leave Hong Kong to learn how to dive! Whether you're a beginner looking for a fun day out diving, want to earn your PADI or even go pro with a dive master course, Splash Hong Kong offers it all and more out of its base in Sai Kung

All abilities are welcome, with a multitude of courses on offer, ranging from beginner one day fun dives, to intense eight day-long instructor courses. 

Where: Sai Kung
 
Find out more at splashhk.com

See also: The Best Snorkelling And Diving Spots In Hong Kong

Flyboarding

Flyboard Hong Kong

If the likes of kayaking and SUP seem a little pedestrian to you, go all-out with a futuristic and adrenaline-filled flyboard class.

Book in with Flyboard Hong Kong and get ready to take to the seas and the skies! Private classes are available to book for either one or two hours, for three to six people.

Where: Deep Water Bay
 
Find out more at hkflyboard.com

See also: Hong Kong Hikes: The Best Trails On The Outlying Islands

Sailing

Aberdeen Boat Club

Those looking to challenge themselves can opt for sailing and lucky for us, Hong Kong has plenty of places offering classes. Over at the Aberdeen Boat Club, they offer a range of facilities and training programmes including private tuition options. Looking to take up the sport seriously? Consider the keelboat J80 course to get a more hands-on experience.

Where: Aberdeen

Find out more here at abclubhk.com

Hebe Haven Yacht Club

Offering a picture-perfect location, at Hebe Haven Yacht Club, you and take in the stunning views of Pak Sha Wan while learning to sale. You can also enjoy the first-class boating facilities and some of the best sailing waters and beaches while surrounded by breathtaking coastlines. All the courses offered here are recognised by the Hong Kong Sailing Federation and welcomes members and non-members.

Where: Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung

Find out more at hhyc.org.hk

See also: Tatler's Ultimate Guide To Sailing In Hong Kong


This article was originally published on May 14, 2020 and was updated on August 9, 2021.

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