Feature Report O'Neill comp makes waves on Hainan
O'Neill comp makes waves on Hainan
When people think ‘surfing’, China is probably not the first destination that pops into mind. But the country usually associated with the Great Wall, Pandas and cold winters has a few secrets up its sleeve, and one of these is the surf found in the south east coast of Hainan. With tropical beaches, volcanic mountains and lush rainforest all found on the one small island, Hainan is a little known paradise waiting to be explored. And to add to the surprises, it has ripper surf.
The breathtaking Sun Moon and Shimei Bays lie on the east coast of Hainan Island and are the image of perfection: clear blue waves crashing onto endless flat stretches of white, powdery sand. With a tropical climate the water is warm all year round, a rare fact for surf destinations and one that makes the surf spots of Hainan so unique.
And the best thing? Since Hainan is in it’s early stages of international tourism, these incredible beaches are virtually deserted. Heading out early morning to ride the waves of Sun Moon Bay you might be the only one out for miles. There’s hardly anywhere these days where surfers can have the waves to themselves, so this is a real find. Hainan is preparing for a dramatic rise in tourism over the next few years, so now is the chance to get there and have the surf to yourself before you have to share it once the rest of the world catches on.
As the island has gradually opened up to tourism, professional surfers have started to catch on to the East Coast’s secret surf. Last November infamous surfing brand O’Neill held its third annual Hainan Surf Tournament in the sleepy Ri Yue Wan beach in Shimei Bay, with competitors from 12 countries in both professional and amateur divisions enjoying decent waves of consistent one-meter heights. Aussie surfers Mark Matthews, Rob Bain and Dane Jordan were amongst the successful competitors ripping it up in the tropical virgin paradise.
‘It’s definitely been one of the most awesome weeks of surfing for me here in China,’ said Matthews who took the crown of “Surfer of the Festival”. ‘We’ve scored quality waves on the beach breaks and the points, the people have been amazing and we’ve all just had such a great time – I’m looking forward to returning next year for certain.’
Aside from professional surfing, the week during November also saw what has been voted as Hainan’s best beach party, with free beer provided by Hainan beer to re-hydrate the surfers after a big day of hitting the waves.
Hainan is an easy flight from Sydney with a stopover at Hong Kong, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, followed by 45 minute bus to Shimei Bay in Wanning County. With direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Sanya expected to open this year, getting there is even easier. On top of that, in a fantastic move for Australian tourists, the Chinese government has enabled a free landing visa for groups of five or more staying up to 15 days.
Travellers seeking the ultimate surf holiday in paradise can stay at the luxury five-star Le Meridian Hotel in Shimei bay. This dream of a hotel opens up to the beach and a river mouth with incredible ocean views to match its location on the six-kilometre white-sanded beach. With a spa, fitness centre, karaoke room, 40m lap pool and all the other features of a five-star resort, staying at Le Meridien makes for ultimate luxury. For those after a more rustic surf lodge there is the 21 Hotel, a stereotypically Chinese lodging where you’ll save your dollars but keep the comfort.
In exciting news the Island is preparing to host the country’s first ever world sanctioned professional surfing event this year, which was recently signed by the Regional Association of Surfing Professional (ASP). ‘Everyone here has enjoyed the hospitality of China and the Hainan Island people,’ said ASP representative Dane Jordan. ‘We have surfed a variety of breaks and the consistency and quality has been very good. The beaches, accommodation and all round facilities are top class and we will definitely endeavour to work with the government officials here in Hainan with the view to running an ASP event in 2011.’
Hainan is really making a name for itself in the international sporting arena. Aside from the O’Neill events, Surfing Hainan is set to hold their first stand Up Paddleboard and Run Biathlon in Sanya Bay on May 15. Stand Up Paddle-boarding sees riders standing on large surfboards, launching themselves through the water with a single-bladed paddle. The Island also hosts annual international cycling and sailing events as well as preparing to host the renowned Mission Hills golf cup.
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