The first international Windsurfing Championship and first-ever Asian Kiteboarding Championship will take place in waters off Xianglu Bay in Jida, Xiangzhou District from Nov 23 to 30.

The Asian Windsurfing Championship 2018 has the highest profile of its kind in the Asian-Pacific region, and a size second only to the RS: X World Championship.

This year's Zhuhai event will feature nearly 200 athletes competing in Men's and Women's T293 and Gaastra Fun, Men's Gaastra Pro, and Men's and Women's RS: X categories. Those aged below 19 will be in the youth group. The T293 category, however, will limit its youth group to windsurfers below 17 and have a separate group for teens younger than 15.

Going with the wind

Kiteboarders will compete in Men's and Women's Hydrofoil Board. The emerging near-shore water sport requires competitors to ride a board harnessed to a wind-powered kite. Ornamental value is enhanced by stunt kite, windsurfing, surfing, water skiing, and skateboarding elements.

Organizers of the two events are the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF), International Kite Boarding Association and Chinese Yachting Association. The Zhuhai Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, and Zhuhai Jiuzhou Holdings Group will oversee them locally.

Kite power

Setting sail [Photos courtesy Zhuhai Jiuzhou Holdings Group]