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Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way for people to stay cool in the summer heat. Photo: SCMPIt’s summer in Hong Kong, and the best way to beat the heat is by jumping into the water! Instead of simply going swimming like you usually do, check out one of these out-of-the-ordinary water sports that will keep you cool and get your body moving.
1. Stand-up paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding has its roots in surfing in Hawaii. Its name is pretty straightforward: you stand on a board and paddle through the water. It’s a great way to enjoy the sea breeze.
There are a few places where you can try paddleboarding in Hong Kong. Hiwindlover, located on Stanley Main Beach, offers rental services for HK$80 an hour and beginner courses for newbies. You could also head to Long Coast Seasport in Lower Cheung Sha Village, south Lantau, for board rentals, lessons and tours. A half-day (four-hour) rental for the board costs HK$270.
Finally, experienced paddleboarders can head to Blue Sky Sports Club in Sai Kung, where you can rent a paddle-board for an entire day for HK$320.
2. Kayaking
Kayaking allows you to enjoy the splash of seawater while admiring the natural beauty of the environment. Stanley Main Beach is full of places to rent water sports equipment; at Aqua-Bound Water Sport Centre, you can rent a single kayak for HK$80 per hour and a double kayak for HK$150.
The Liu family has run the Hing Kee Beach Store on Kwun Yam Wan Beach in Cheung Chau for 70 years. There, you can rent a single kayak for HK$80 per hour or a double kayak for HK$140 per hour. The water there tends to be calmer, making it perfect for beginners.
3. Snorkelling
There’s a big difference between snorkelling and scuba diving. Scuba requires a lot more equipment and training – it can also be risky, depending on where and how deep you dive. Snorkelling simply involves swimming face down while wearing goggles and breathing through a tube called a snorkel. It’s easy to find snorkelling equipment in Hong Kong, and you can venture out on any beach to peek at the ocean floor.
For a guided experience, you can head to Sharp Island for a half-day snorkelling trip. You’ll leave from Saigon Pier and head to Kiu Tsui to admire the wonderful world of coral fish and observe the city’s coral reefs. You can also swim among a school of fish and witness Hong Kong’s fascinating marine animals in their natural habitats.
The tour is available until October 31 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and costs around HK$235. A minimum of eight people will accompany you.
Hong Kong swimmer conquers 40km channel between Northern Ireland and Scotland
4. Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding, also called Kitesurfing, uses wind power and a large kite to pull a rider across the water. You can check out this half-day guided tour, which will allow you to try this fantastic water activity and appreciate the view of Shui Hau Wan on Lantau Island.
Kiteboarding can be a bit more expensive than other activities; the tour costs HK$499 per person, but all necessary equipment is included in the fee. Also, this tour is available every day, and you can sign up whenever you want. It is tailored for beginners, so don’t be shy about trying it out!
5. Water World at Ocean Park
Of course, we can’t forget Water World at Ocean Park. Thanks to a new promotion, students can spend the day at the theme park for HK$288 on weekdays until September 15. The park has more than 27 indoor and outdoor facilities spread across five themed areas, allowing you to enjoy the summer sunshine and experience the refreshing excitement at the same time.