After five days' competition, the 2016 International Kiteboarding World Championships' Pingtan round concluded in Pingtan on Sept 25, along with the second national kitesurfing championship, which was held in tandem.

Kitesurfers ride the waters near Pingtan's coastline. [Photo from ptnet.cn]

The events provided spectators with an exhilarating competition and crowned six world champions and three national champions out of just under 100 participants, including the world's top 50 ranked riders.

Pingtan had plenty to cheer about too as local kitesurfer Chen Jingyue won the twin-tip speed race titles in both the world and national championships, as well as a bronze medal in the world championship women's airstyle event.

Pingtan-based kitsurfer Chen Jingyue [Photo from ptnet.cn]

Chen was delighted with her wins. Aged 16, she has just four years' kitesurfing experience. Chen was encouraged to take up kitesurfing by her mother, who thought it would help her control her strong-willed nature. She proved to be an extremely tough competitor, who refused to be put off kitesurfing even after suffering a fracture in her lower leg caused by the repeated high-impact exercise.

Another young rider from Pingtan, Chen Yiman, finished second in the twin tip race in the national championship despite having only two years' experience as a kitesurfer.

Fellow Pingtan-based rider Chen Yiman [Photo from ptnet.cn]

The breakout star has enjoyed sports such as running, cycling and swimming since she was a young child thanks to the influence of her mother, who is also a sports enthusiast. Her coach Zhai Dahui said that Chen is smart and a fast learner, and that people can expect even better performances from her in the future.

The world championship men's twin-tip race title went to the French rider Julien Kerneur, a veteran rider whose career as a kitesurfer has spanned 14 years. Despite his long experience, Kerneur was still excited to win this latest title, which was won after a close battle with Thai athlete Narapichit Pudla.

French kitesurfer Julien Kerneur [Photo from ptnet.cn]

Pudla, who finished second in the men's world championship twin-tip race, has been kitesurfing for eight years. He was suffering from a back injury during the event, but still gave his best to the competition. He was disappointed to miss out on the title and swore to continue his training and practice.

"Kitesurfing is joyful, exciting and it makes me feel like I am flying like a bird and swimming like a fish in the sea," said Pudla.

Narapichit Pudla, a kitesurfer from Thailand, gives the cameras a beaming smile. [Photo from ptnet.cn]