travel
C
hildren love playing with water,
whether it’s splashing around
in the tub or pool. For those
more adventurous, Hong
Kong is a wonderful place for water
sports with the young ones. Our beaches
are in plentiful supply and many are
sheltered by mountains which make for
safer swimming currents, especially for
children. In addition, our mild yet windy
climate provides the perfect setting
for water sports, while offering plenty
of thrills.
Water sports are great for kids. Not
only do they help improve coordination
and motor skills, they’re also loads
of fun and look so cool – at least,
when done right! In Hong Kong, many
classes are available for children from
eight years old and most classes
require participants to be able to swim
at least fifty metres. This is because
water sports require somewhat greater
strength and coordination than other
activities, such as swimming or soccer.
There are advantages to starting early,
children learn much easier and faster
than adults. Their innate fearlessness is
also a big plus, although that might add
a few grey hairs to parents watching
from shore.
Making waves
Hong Kong has many water sports
centres, both publicly and privately
run, offering a rich variety of activities
for children. The Hong Kong Leisure
and Cultural Services Department
(LCSD) has five centres, offering
beginner classes in kayaking, sailing
and windsurfing for children aged eight
to 13-years old. As these classes are
affordably priced, around $30 for a
group kayaking class, they are in high
demand with places allocated through a
balloting system.
1. Located in the Sai Kung Country
Park, Chong Hing Water Sports
Centre has a large lake, ideal
for young beginners. Kayaking,
sailing and windsurfing courses
are available for children from eight
to 13-years old. The centre also
organises races and competitions
for children. The Leisure and
Cultural Services Department
(LCSD), High Island Reservoir, Sai
Kung. Call 2792 6810.
2. Stanley Main Beach Water Sports
Centre is ideal for children and
beginners with its popular beach
and calm seas in summer. In
addition to equipment rentals, junior
windsurfing, kayaking and sailing
courses are available. And if your
kids get hungry? Just take your
pick from the many family-friendly
restaurants nearby. LCSD, Stanley
Link Road, Stanley. Call 2813 9117.
Spring 2020
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