GBA Lifestyle News
It’s all too easy to get stuck in a routine in Hong Kong. A little work here, a little socializing there, and suddenly you’re wondering where the year went. So if you’re looking to break the mundane cycle and get your adrenaline pumping, you’re in luck – our city is home to a range of extreme sports that are guaranteed to shake things up. Here are just a few of our favorite extreme sports in Hong Kong.
If you’re feeling the need for speed, then head out to Sheung Shui where the MX Club offers dirt-biking courses for all levels. You’ll soon be riding a pint-sized motorbike over steep slopes and popping wheelies in the air. If you prefer a little less action, the club also offers quad-bikes – four wheels offer an adrenaline rush with a little more stability.
Love the outdoors? You’ll get more than your fill of outdoor explorations with a canyoning adventure. This blend of trekking, abseiling, trail running, rock climbing and more is challenging, but once you’ve done the training, so utterly exhilarating. Hong Kong Rock Climbing Adventure offers canyoning escapes in Ping Nam and Ma Tai, as well as a ziplining adventure on Tung Lung Island.
Bored of Hong Kong’s many hilly hiking trails? Then it’s probably time to take to the hills in a way that’ll really get your heart pumping. The Hong Kong Mountain Biking Association has been the sport’s driving force in the country. They’ve lobbied the government and are continuously working on creating new trails. Head to their website for all the information you need, including the best trails around Tai Mo Shan, Lamma Island, Chi Ma Wan and Wan Tasi Island.
There’s no better way to get a sense of the size and landscape of a city than from the air, so why not try paragliding for a bird’s eye view over Hong Kong. The city is home to a surprising number of operators including Paraglide HK, and Ascendia Paragliding. Both offer lessons, and you could be certified for a full entry-level license in as few as eight sessions. Be sure to check legal and safety issues here – you want to make sure everyone is properly licenced and insured before you fly.
There’s nothing like taking to the open waters, so grab a board and get ready to catch some waves. Windsurfing combines elements of surfing and sailing, and it’ll take a little getting used to manoeuvering the wind-powered sail before you actually start to make some moves. The Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre offers equipment rental and lessons – and they also produced Hong Kong’s first women’s Olympic windsurfing champion. If you want something a little more low-key, you can also rent kayaks and paddle-boarding rigs here.
Fancy yourself a bit of an acrobat? Then wakeboarding may be just the thing. In this water sport, you’ll perform aerial manoeuvers on a board while being pulled behind a motorboat. You’ll find plenty of places willing to help you on your quest for wakeboarding fun, including Tai Po Wakeboard, Wakeboard.com.hk, and Hong Kong Aqua-Bound Centre.
Looking for more in-depth stories about Hong Kong? Check out our city living section.
