• ABOUT THE SPOT

Surfing in Big Wave Bay, Hong Kong, South Central China

Skill level:
Beginners and advanced
Wave type:
Sand Bar
Best wind direction:
Northeast
Swell size:
From 3ft/1m to 6ft/2m+
Hong Kong or else the "Asia's World City" is a unique city, located on the south coast of China and enclosed by the South China Sea and the Pearl River Delta. Build on the fountains of an ancient civilisation and influenced by the west culture, as it was until recently a British colony, Hong Kong is an amazing intersection of cultures, modern architecture, fine dining and vibrant art events, as well as one of the world's leading financial centers.

As it is mainly mountainous, Hong Kong boasts a wide variety of attractions for those who want to discover what lies outside the noisy city, with many nature reserves and parks, beaches, bays and rivers and many more places that are worth exploring. With a humid subtropical climate, influenced by the monsoons, summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms and typhoons and the temperature exceeds 30 °C/86 °F during the day, while winter is cool and mild with an average temperature of 19 °C/66 °F.

Surfing in Hong Kong is only starting to take off and one of the favorite beaches for both locals and visitors is Big Wave Bay. Located in an idyllic scenery under the Shek O Country Park, the beach has white sand and clean water. The size of the swell starts working from 3 ft/1 m and holds up to 6 ft/2 m and more. The wave quality is normal with fun speed and short length, while the best swell direction is when coming from South and Southeast.

The beach is suitable for all skill levels depending on the season you will choose to surf. The typhoon season lasts from June to October and provides classic swells, ideal for beginners. For the most advanced surfers, the monsoon season that starts from November and holds until late February, is best as it offers bigger and more consistent waves. There are schools available on the spot, where you can book lessons or rent gear as well as lifeguards, showers, restrooms and a BBQ area.

Surfing in Hong Kong is a relatively new activity. However, the sport is getting very popular and actually very fast. So if you are planning to visit the city, take a break and enjoy a great day surfing at the Big Wave Beach. Note that the beach is ultra crowded during weekends and be careful of rocks and buoys.