Tucked away on a picturesque beach, the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre has nurtured numerous exceptional windsurfers. Its legendary status stems from the fact that it was home to an Olympic gold medalist.
Established in the 1970s, the windsurfing centre holds the distinction of being the first training school for the sport in Hong Kong. At the time, windsurfing had yet to gain popularity among locals. However, Lai Gun (黎根), inspired by observing foreigners enjoying the sport, became determined to promote windsurfing within his community.
Mr. Lai opened the training centre and began teaching windsurfing to friends and family, sharing his infectious passion. Despite limited resources, he successfully trained many students, including his niece, Lee Lai San (李麗珊), who won a gold medal in the 1996 Olympic Games. Though no local athletes have achieved such an honor since, the school's contributions to the sports industry remain significant. Today, the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre continues to offer a range of training courses and water sports equipment rentals.
The Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre is a fully equipped water sports facility that caters to a variety of interests. In addition to windsurfing, the centre provides rentals for Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) and kayaks, ensuring a diverse array of water activities for visitors. Windsurfing courses are typically available from April to October and cater to different skill levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. For those seeking a truly exceptional learning experience, you can even request coaching from Lai Gun, the gold medalist instructor himself, ensuring a high-quality and memorable lesson on the water.
In addition to its water sports offerings, the windsurfing centre also houses a popular café that serves a variety of beverages and Western cuisine. Situated on a small hill overlooking the sea, the café offers a serene atmosphere and refreshing sea breeze that are hard to come by in the bustling city. Escape the chaos with a glass of wine in hand, and you'll undoubtedly feel reinvigorated after your relaxing getaway.