Surfers ride the waves in rising numbers
White-collar workers in cities have numerous ways to take a break from the relentless grind of their jobs and daily life.They include going for a run along the streets, settling down with a bucket of popcorn to watch the latest blockbuster movie or television series, visiting a spa in the suburbs, or spending an evening playing mahjong with friends.
But for 32-year-old Zhong Sizhe, riding the waves on a surfboard is her go-to method to shake off work-induced stress.
"Surfing gives you a sense of freedom. In the office, you are always looking at your smartphone, so your mind is constantly occupied, but when you take a surfboard to the ocean, you can forget about everything," Zhong said.
An auditor in Changsha, Hunan province, Zhong traveled to Sanya, Hainan province, in November for a two-month business project.
Although Sanya, an international tourist city at the southern tip of Hainan Island, boasts a wealth of tropical scenery, Zhong spent almost every weekend playing mahjong or poker, which left her feeling bored.
After work, Zhong longed to do something new and inspiring, so she decided to try her hand at surfing.
"My friends could not believe that I never ventured outside the hotel during weekends, or visited the beach in Sanya," she said.
Surfing, a relatively unknown sport in China, has gained popularity on social media platforms in the past two years, particularly among young people.
Zhong, who took a trial lesson at a surfing club in Houhai village, Hainan — regarded as one of the best surfing locations in China — was immediately hooked on the sport.
Such lessons are a popular way for clubs in Sanya to attract tourists. For just 200 yuan ($27.90), participants receive one-on-one surfing instruction, making this an affordable and accessible option for those who want to take up the pursuit.
Despite the challenges posed by surfing, Zhong quickly mastered the key moves. "It was an amazing feeling — I imagine it's just like flying on a sword," she said.
Zhong is just one of many Chinese who have taken up surfing in recent years.
Yang Xingye, 29, owner of the Joyful Surfing Club, where Zhong learned to surf, said the sport has gained numerous followers, partly due to the promotional efforts of surfers and surfing clubs during the past decade.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role.
"As outdoor activities became more popular during the pandemic, many people took to the beaches and started surfing. People are also becoming less focused on work and are looking for alternative ways to enjoy life," Yang said.
页:
[1]