Wakesurfing and wakeboarding have grown increasingly popular in recent years, with many a Hongkonger opting to spend their weekends and holidays catching some waves out on the water. However, the water sports may seem daunting to those that have yet to try them out. To answer your questions and quell any uncertainties you may have, we’ve put together a comprehensive introduction and guide to wakesurfing and wakeboarding in Hong Kong.
What is the difference between wakeboarding and wakesurfing?
Wakesurfing
Often affected and limited by the weather, standard surfing can often be uneventful if the weather does not comply. However, this is not an issue for wakesurfers as boats create waves for each surfer, allowing the activity to carry on regardless of the weather.
Wakesurfing has a lot of similarities to wakeboarding, with a few key differences to keep in mind. In both sports, your body is pulled up by tension from a rope, but wakesurfers can let go of the rope when they feel stable enough to control the board. After letting go of the rope, wakesurfers use their balance to control the speed and direction of the board – advanced surfers can even do thrilling tricks on the waves!
Wakeboarding
A wakeboard is slightly different in its appearance as it has a shoe attachment, much like a snowboard. However, similar to wakesurfing, it is not affected by external environmental factors. Wakeboarding also uses waves created by speedboats to surf on, requiring a large amount of physical strength. However, because you can’t let go of the rope, wakeboarders aren’t able to do as many tricks on the board.
Which one is more suitable for me?
Novices: Wakesurfing is more suitable for you because less physical strength is needed to chase the wave due to the wakesurf boat’s high speed.
Have snowboarded before: If you’re someone who has tried snowboarding before, it may be easier and quicker for you to catch learn the techniques of wakesurfing, as there is a lot of overlap that can be easily translated over.
However, you can choose the most suitable surfing experience for you based on your hobbies and abilities.
What are the prices for wakeboarding and wakesurfing?
Wakeboarding
As the requirements for a boat to wakesurf are relatively low, the rental price is around HK$700 per hour on weekdays and HK$800 per hour on holidays and weekends.
Wakesurfing
Not only are the requirements for a wakesurf boat higher, but wakesurfing has also recently seen a spike in popularity as a water sport. Wakesurf boats are special inboard speedboats, with the propeller installed in the bottom of the boat to preventing injuries from close-range wakesurfers. Therefore, the cost of a wakesurf boat is higher, priced at around HK$1,000 – 1,200 per hour on weekdays, and HK$1,200 – 1,400 on weekends and holidays.
How long should I rent the boat for?
If 3-4 people rent a boat together, 2 hours should be enough, giving each person 20-40 minutes. Although it may seem like a short period of time, it takes only a minute for a novice to get up and stabilise themselves. Having said this, surfing requires repeated practice and with 8-10 turns per person, everyone will have used a good amount of physical strength by the end of their turn.
With over 4 people, the waiting time will be relatively long and everyone will have less number of turns, so make sure to take that into account when deciding how long you should rent for.
How long do I have to schedule in advance?
As we’ve already entered summer, the more popular wakesurfing or wakeboarding boats need to be reserved well in advance in order to be secured.
On average, booking needs to be made 7 days in advance for weekdays and 30 days in advance for weekends and holidays. Each boat and rental outlet is different so make sure to check clearly for details, times and prices.
Where is the best place to go?
Sai Kung has always been a prime location for water sports, and wakesurfing and wakeboarding are no exception. But at the same time, there are also bays suitable for wakesurfing and wakeboarding in areas like Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O, Repulse Bay and Tai Tam.
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Editor
Katherine Ho
