Pro surfers rush to Hainan’s hidden beaches
 
Professional surfers are making the most of ripper surf and empty tropical beaches in Hainan’s untouched Shimei Bay before the word spreads.
 
China, usually associated with the Great Wall, Pandas and cold winters has a few secrets up its sleeve, and one of these is found in the south east coast of Hainan Island in the South China Sea.
 
Here lie the breathtaking and little known Sun Moon and Shimei Bays, with clear blue waves crashing onto endless flat stretches of white, powdery sand.
 
Hainan’s tropical climate means water is warm all year round, a rare fact for surf destinations and one that makes the surf spots of Hainan so unique.
 
Since Hainan is in it’s early stages of international tourism, these stunning beaches are virtually deserted. Heading our early morning to ride the waves of Sun Moon Bay you might be the only one out for miles.
 
These beaches won’t stay secret for long, as professional surfers have already started seeking out the waves of the Island’s east coast. Infamous surf brand O’Neill held its third annual Hainan Surf Tournament in the sleepy Ri Yue Wan beach in Shimei bay last year, with competitors from 12 countries reveling in the consistently ideal surf.
 
‘It’s definitely been one of the most awesome weeks of surfing for me here in China,’ said Aussie surfer Mark Matthews who took the crown of “Surfer of the Festival”. ‘We’ve scored quality waves on the beach breaks and the points, the people have been amazing and we’ve all just had such a great time – I’m looking forward to returning next year for certain.’
 
Hainan’s surf is one of the island’s many features and one that will aid the Chinese government’s plan to make Hainan one of the top international tourist destinations by 2020.
 
The island is even preparing to host the country’s first ever world sanctioned professional surfing event this year, which was recently signed by the Regional Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP). ‘The beaches, accommodation and all round facilities are top class and we will definitely endeavor to work with the government officials here in Hainan with the view to running an ASP event in 2011,’ said ASP representative Dane Jordan.
 
The expected establishment of direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Hainan, alongside the introduction of Free Landing Visas to Australian’s traveling in groups has made travel to the island easier than ever. With luxury accommodation available at Le Meridien Hotel, Shimei Bay is sure to become one of the island’s hot spots within the next few years.
 
SOURCE: etravelblackboard.com

 
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