Windsurfing was introduced to Hong Kong in the '70s. Its popularity reached a peak when Miss Lee Lai Shan got a gold medal in the 1996 Olympic Games on behalf of Hong Kong.
From that time, peoples interests in windsurfing started to grow.
"To promote windsurfing is our aim," said Mr. Louis Leung, the senior sports executive of the Windsurfing Association of Hong Kong.
"There are about 1,000 members in our club. Their ages range from 10 to 65.
"We thus organize different levels of training programs and competition for them.
"We also have a club house in Stanley. It provides a place for training, equipment washing and storage.
"On the other hand, we hold some exhibitions and elementary training courses to introduce the sport to nonmembers," said Mr. Leung.
According to Mr. Leung, windsurfing is not expensive.
Said he: "The sea is always there. You don't need to pay for it.
"For beginners, it is not necessary to buy the whole set of equipment."
In his opinion, windsurfing is a marvellous way to relax.
"We get tired from our work during the week. Windsurfing provides us with a chance to enjoy the pleasant sunshine, the gentle breeze and the fresh sea air," said he.
Mr. Leung is optimistic about the future development of windsurfing in Hong Kong.
"Windsurfing is quite popular in Hong Kong as we have gained much recognition from our international achievements.
"The number of our members has grown dramatically in recent years.
"Therefore, I have confidence in the development of windsurfing."
However, according to Mr. Lo Kin Keung, the windsurfing coach of the Association, the sport is not popular enough.
"People seldom talk about windsurfing and only have few channels to know more about it," he said.
Mr. Lo has been a windsurfing coach for four years. He is now teaching in the Student Sailing Club of The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
"Most surfers are between 18 and 30 years old and there are more boys than girls.
"The basic requirements of windsurfing are that participants know how to swim and can at least swim for 50 meters.
"To play this sport, a sail, a board, a boom and a mast are needed. In winter, one should also wear a wet suit.
"Normally, most participants manage to glide on the water surface after a two-day training.
Mr. Lo does not regard windsurfing as a dangerous sport.
"All sports are somewhat dangerous," said he, "Windsurfing is not particularly dangerous if you follow the safety rules.
"For example, one should bring sunscreen lotions, wear windsurfing shoes and check if the weather is suitable for windsurfing before going out to the sea," he said.
Mr. Lo also said that the sport requires both strength and skills.
"For beginners, they usually windsurf on a rather calm sea. Therefore, skills are a bit more important.
"For professional athletes, what they need are not just strength and skills, but also endurance.
"Windsurfing trains people to become tough, self-confident and able to endure harsh conditions," said he.
"Thus, it is great fun to go windsurfing," he concluded.
Mr. Ko Wang, 21, a Year 2 statistics student of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, strongly agrees with what Mr. Lo said.
He said: "Windsurfing is very exciting and challenging.
"I started windsurfing in April 1998. At that time, I was the chairman of the Student Sailing Club of the University.
"I remember once I went windsurfing in a camp with the Tai Po Boat Club, I was just a beginner then.
"The wind blew so harsh that I lost control of the windsurfer, and I was in the middle of the sea! Luckily, a boat passed by and saved me."
However, this experience did not threaten Mr. Ko nor reduce his passion towards windsurfing.
"After learning windsurfing, I become more independent and I am more able to face difficulties.
"What I also learned is not to give up easily.
"Windsurfing really gives me a lot and it is an excellent way to spend my leisure time," said he.
Miss Angie Lee, who has windsurfed for about four years, shared the same feelings.
She said, "Windsurfing is not only exciting, but also good for our health.
"I always invite my friends to go windsurfing with me. However, to some people, this sport takes too much time.
"Also, it is really expensive to buy a whole set of equipment, not to mention the maintenance costs.
"Therefore, time and money are barriers for joining this activity.
"However, I still enjoy spending my spare time on windsurfing.
Miss Lee finds windsurfing a very meaningful sport.
Said she: "Strong wind and sea waves are like the adversities in our life. We have to stand out against them."
