In the Paris 2024 Olympics, for the first time ever – granted, this being only the second Olympic surfing appearance in history, there wasn’t much precedent – a Chinese athlete competed at Teahupo’o, Tahiti. 15-year-old Siqi Yang surfed on the women’s side of the event, and although she lost in Round Three of competition, she kicked off China’s Olympic surfing ambitions.
Now, however, things are getting a bit sticky in terms of surfing in China. As we reported recently, two surfers were arrested for paddling in Hong Kong, when conditions were deemed too dangerous. “The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) discovered two members of the public illegally surfing off Big Wave Bay in Southern district during an enforcement action on October 25, when a red flag was hoisted on the beach,” according to Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung. Red flags are placed at beaches to warn of large waves.
Hong Kong Grapples With Surfing Ban
Following that incident, a young surfer from the region has decided to ditch his national flag.
According to Young Post:
“A 10-year-old Hong Kong surfing star has started training with the Swiss national team in hopes of one day competing at the Olympics.
Mahohi Nguyen Tang was born in Hong Kong to Swiss parents and learned to surf at Big Wave Bay. With no national team and a recent government crackdown on the sport, his father said it has been difficult for him to progress.”
Of course, Switzerland isn’t exactly known for its pristine surfing destinations either. They do, however, have Wavegarden’s Alaia Bay. China – at least currently – has a ban.
According to Lawmaker Adrian Pedro Ho King-hong:
“I’ve known people who surf in Hong Kong, I’ve always known people who like to surf here. But it turns out it’s prohibited; I didn’t know that. Now that I do, I’m going to fight for it. I am very surprised that Hong Kong is putting this kind of restriction on this sport.”
But, as we’ve seen before, it wouldn’t be the first time a surfer has changed their flags in accordance to the Olympic games. Could there be a Chinese Swiss surfer come LA 2028?
Stay tuned.