Cover Kimberly Chen is dedicated to sharing her expertise in water sports, with the hope of enriching the lives of others. (Photo: Kair Chen）
Kimberly Chen is dedicated to sharing her expertise in water sports, with the hope of enriching the lives of others. (Photo: Kair Chen）
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For the businesswoman, who took up water sports at 35, temporary failures are new opportunities
Kimberly Chen, a woman of many talents and boundless energy, has carved out an impressive niche for herself in the world of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and sports. The co-founder of Beaujax International Ltd, a professional wakesurfer, a fitness coach, and a campus corporate lecturer, Chen effortlessly juggles multiple roles, all while maintaining a relentless passion for sharing her joy and happiness through sports with others.
The day before our interview, Chen had just returned from a diving trip with her students in Xiaoliuqiu, and later that afternoon, she was set to embark on another adventure to Green Island. Despite her packed schedule, her face radiated an infectious enthusiasm, belying the notion that she might be fatigued.
Chen's foray into water sports began at the age of 35, a testament to her determination and adaptability. Her hard work paid off when she secured a second-place finish in the Women's Masters category at the prestigious 2019 WWA Masters Wakesurf Championships in the US. Building on this success, Chen went on to repeatedly claim the top spot in the Women's Masters Surf category in the CWSA Wakesurf World Rankings from 2020 to 2023.
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Freedom through sport
Above Chen learned water sports at 35, and during her first experience with wakesurfing, she felt liberated. (Photo: Kair Chen）
Chen learned water sports at 35, and during her first experience with wakesurfing, she felt liberated. (Photo: Kair Chen）
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Nothing in her early life pointed to this turn in her career. Growing up, Chen lived under the weight of others’ expectations as she attended top schools, dedicating all her time to her studies. “I never had a rebellious phase. I was a good child, always following rules,” she said. Despite this, she yearned for freedom.
The turning point came after she established her career and a stable family life. When she tried wakesurfing, she felt an unprecedented sense of freedom and joy. This experience sparked her love for water sports, leading her to learn to dive and develop a deep appreciation for rivers and oceans.
While competing on the global stage, Chen faced a pivotal moment that tested her resolve. A misstep during an international competition cost her the coveted first place, plunging her into a sea of self-doubt. “That was a rare low point,” she reflects, grappling with the question that haunted her: Why can't I achieve the results I want?
In search of clarity, Chen made a choice to return to the water where her journey began. One day, during practice, she fell into the river, feeling its gentle embrace envelop her. As she gazed at the breathtaking sunset, she asked herself, “Are you doing this just for the scores?” This moment of introspection rekindled her passion for the sport, reminding her that her love for it transcended mere rankings and accolades.
“Sports taught me humility,” Chen shares. “Even with faith and prayer, things won’t always go smoothly.”
Through her struggles, she learned to view temporary setbacks as gateways to new opportunities. This realisation transformed her low point into a renewed mission: to share her experiences and inspire others.
Sharing her passion
This challenging chapter in her life sparked a new mission for Chen: to share her journey with others. Since late 2021, she has been at the forefront of initiatives like the Women’s Water Sports Dream Project, which encourages women aged 35 to 45 to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace the beauty of the sea and rivers. Participants not only gain confidence through sports but also forge connections with nature, actively engaging in conservation efforts.
Chen is driven by a deep commitment to the areas she cherishes, particularly the ocean and the environment. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed; she was honored with the Outstanding Sports Promotion Award by the Taipei City Sports Bureau for her contributions to both sports promotion and environmental education.
With a focus on teaching and mentorship, Chen aspires to be a new role model, guiding others in discovering untapped aspects of themselves. She especially finds joy in witnessing young girls succeed in water sports or overcome their fears to dive into the depths. “Some come ashore in tears, hugging me, saying they never thought they could do it!” she says.
Despite skepticism from some quarters, Chen asserts, “I treat this work seriously, whether it's teaching, competing, or lecturing. It's a career for me!” And the greatest rewards of this career, she explains, are the spiritual fulfillment and the knowledge that she is making a difference. Busy yet content, Chen approaches her mission with unwavering determination, abundant passion, and infinite patience, helping herself and other women uncover their best selves.
This story has been translated from its original Traditional Chinese version.
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