Kitesurfing has become increasingly popular in Pingtan, an island city off eastern Fujian province, reported the local newspaper Pingtan Times on July 25.

A kitesurfer trains in Pingtan, Fujian province. [Photo/ptnet.cn]

The primary cause for the sport’s growth is Pingtan’s ideal geographic conditions, as Zhai Dahui, a senior kitesurfer, says. “The wind is steady and strong and the beach is outstanding. Both are Pingtan’s natural advantages.”

“I’ve been to many places. There is no doubt Pingtan has some of the best wind, sea and beach conditions,” he added.

Zhai came to Pingtan in 2009 and saw its vast potential for kitesurfing. He then chose to stay and help grow the sport locally.

His keen observation was soon proved correct. After years of development, Pingtan has emerged as one of the most kitesurfing-dynamic areas in China and even the world, having hosted a number of events including the Kitesurfing World Championships.

Foreign experts and players also echoed Zhai’s sentiment.

Jens Nerbring, a chief judge at the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA), commented during a recent visit, “the power and direction of wind in Pingtan are terrific for kitesurfing, which give us a lot of options to play the game. I think Pingtan has what it takes to be a ‘kitesurfing island’.”

IKA showed its support for Pingtan by authorizing it to hold training courses for kitesurfing coaches in May, 2013, the only place in China where they can train. Previously Chinese would-be-coaches had to go abroad for training and exams.

Seven training sessions have been held in Pingtan since 2013, leading to 50 certified kitesurfing coaches, accounting for about 80 percent of China’s total, said Zhai, adding that even foreigners came to Pingtan for the training.

The thriving of the sport and its functional training system have bred an army of local young kitesurfers, who showed up on international stages and won accolades.

Chen Jingyue, 15, is the one who stands out most.

After starting in 2012, the prodigy has cracked the top three places in eight kitesurfing competitions at home and aboard. She is considered by insiders as a future queen of the sport.

Chen downplayed her achievement and media hype, saying “there are many excellent kitesurfers in Pingtan who also have good results. I think the key is the promotion of kitesurfing in Pingtan.”

Zhai Dahui agrees and attributes the success of the sport to the support of the local government.

Pingtan is planning a kitesurfing base open to all young players in China; it has also filed an application to the country’s top sports authority for the title of “China Kitesurfing Island”, said Gao Yun, an official at the Pingtan Social Affairs Bureau.

There are two national kitesurfing tournaments to be staged in Pingtan in September, he added.