The best places to surf in Hong Kong

The clue’s in the name here. Big Wave Bay is the focal point of Hong Kong’s surf culture and the city’s most popular location for surfing thanks to its easy accessibility. As you head to the beach, there are a number of shops where you can rent a surfboard (cost is a reasonable $50 with a $100 deposit), which is ideal for those looking to test the waters before investing in their own equipment. The quality of the breaking waves isn’t perfect – but they are of a decent size.

How to get to Big Wave Bay: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan and then Exit A3. At the bus terminus, hop on bus number 9.

Surf facts:
Break type: Beach
Wave type: Pitching into closeout
Crowd factor: High
Best season: Winter and summer typhoon swell
Wave height: 1-6ft
Potential hazards: Crowds, strong currents, garbage, rocks at either end of the beach.

One of the most most pleasant beaches on Lantau is also one of the island’s best surfing spots. Unlike Big Wave Bay, Cheung Sha’s huge stretch of sand and ocean means you’re never fighting for space. With nearby restaurants, board rentals available and showers by the beach where you can wash off, this is a comfortable spot to practice. There are even reasonable waves during summer, which isn’t the case for many of Hong Kong’s beaches. If you end up feeling peckish, there are many great beachside restaurants to add to the holiday vibes prevalent at Cheung Sha. One of the main downsides here, however, is, this being South Lantau and all, you can only access the beach via means of public transport – not ideal if you plan to lug your own board with you.

How to get there: Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then either bus 1, 2, 3 or 4 to Cheung Sha.

Surf facts:
Break type: Beach
Wave type: Pitching into closeout
Crowd factor: Medium
Best season: Summer
Wave height: 1-4ft
Potential hazards: None

Home to smaller waves than at nearby Cheung Sha, Pui O is probably the best beach in the territory for beginners – at least those willing to lug their boards to south Lantau. The waves are usually a reasonable height for those getting to grips with the pastime and the regular southeast to south swell is less disruptive to consistent waves than at other locales in Hong Kong. If all that doesn’t sound tempting enough to get you paddling in the water waiting for a big one, you can always kick back at Pui O’s legendary beachside bar, Mavericks.

How to get there: Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo. Then take bus 1 to Pui O Beach.

Surf stats:
Break type: Beach
Wave type: Pitching into closeout
Crowd factor: Medium
Best season: Summer
Wave height: 1-4ft
Potential hazards: Strong currents, rocks at the south end of the beach

Now you know where to get the best waves, here’s where to buy your gear...

X-Game
Probably the best brand of its kind in the city, X-Game has been supplying surf goods to Hongkongers since 1985. Its stores across Hong Kong sell all the de rigueur brands and the staff are extremely helpful too. Various locations inc Flat 1201-2, 12/F, Chai Wan Industrial City, Phase 1, 60 Wing Tai Rd, Chai Wan, 2366 9293; xgamehk.com.

Island Wake
Another well-established local chain serving action sports fans, Island Wake has stores as far afield as Sai Kung and Stanley. Selling everything from wakeboards and casual
surf wear to professional vests to keep you protected and afloat, this is a great place to browse. Various locations inc 1/F & 3/F, 1-3 Cannon St, Causeway Bay, 2895 0022; islandwake.com.

Water Pro
An online-only store, Water Pro’s main focus is diving equipment. However, they have an excellent range of items that surfers require too, such as wetsuits and rash guards by respected brands like SEAC and Mares. They even stock special GoPros if you want to capture your action. water-pro.net.

Meet the only man in Hong Kong making surfboards by hand. And doing it on distant Tap Mun.