Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Suggested Route: Cheung Sha Beach ＞Surfing or stand-up paddleboarding ＞ Seaside dining
Highlights: When you visit the beautiful Cheung Sha Beach on Lantau Island - Hong Kong's longest beach - be sure to try your hand at some thrilling water sports! Cheung Sha Beach offers different wave zones with varying difficulty levels, making it a prime destination for both seasoned surfers and eager beginners.

Most may not associate Hong Kong with surfing, believing it is an activity reserved only for tropical destinations. However, the waves at Lower Cheung Sha Beach prove otherwise! Whether you are just starting out or have been riding waves with finesse, you can get in on some surfing fun along this 3 km-long beach year-round.

Cheung Sha Beach - Escape from the Hustle and Bustle
Compared to other surfing hotspots like Sai Kung and Big Wave Bay on Hong Kong Island, Cheung Sha Beach is a relatively tranquil one, and it only takes around 20 minutes to travel to and from Tung Chung. Alight at the Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen bus stop and walk along South Lantau Road until you reach the downhill junction. From there, you're just a few minutes' walk from the scenic Lower Cheung Sha Beach.

Cheung Sha Beach, the longest beach in Hong Kong, is divided into Upper Cheung Sha Beach and Lower Cheung Sha Beach.

Ultimate Hub for Water Sports Lovers
Cross the parking lot, then take a right and continue straight ahead. You'll soon come to Lantau Grocer. This colourful grocery store offers surfboard and stand-up paddleboard rentals, as well as drinks, snacks, and other beach supplies. It's a popular rendezvous point for water sports enthusiasts visiting the area.

No gear? No problem. Rent your surfboards and other water sports gear here.

Surfing for Beginners
As a popular destination for surfing, Lower Cheung Sha Beach is home to several surfing-related organisations that offer classes. For those trying surfing for the first time, consider signing up for an introductory course and learning from a professional instructor. It's a hassle-free way to quickly learn the ropes – from choosing the right board to picking the right wave zone – while enjoying the fun of surfing.

Tip: Beginner classes usually take place in the shallow area, where the water level only reaches the chest or waist. If you can't swim, your instructor can still offer classes, but we suggest assessing your own physical ability and the actual conditions on the day before signing up.

Whether you're going surfing or stand-up paddleboarding, warm up sufficiently on land and get familiar with the basic skills and movements before getting into the water.

What's unique about Cheung Sha Beach is its continuous stretch of deep and shallow water areas, suitable for surfers of different levels. For beginners, your instructor will usually pick a shallower spot for the class, where the waves are mild and the current is not too strong.

Tio, founder and instructor of Hong Kong Surfing Lesson, has been a surfing coach for over 11 years. She recalled that when she first came to Cheung Sha Beach, she was taken by its beautiful setting and ultimately chose to set up camp there. She says that Cheung Sha Beach "is such a rare find!" and notes that it offers favourable surfing conditions all year round.

When Hongkongers think of surfing, their minds often wander off to some far-flung destinations like Australia, Morocco, Portugal – places renowned for their powerful waves and thriving surf culture. However, many are surprised to learn that their own backyard offers an excellent introductory environment to the sport. While the currents in those popular surfing hotspots can be strong and rapid, making it challenging for beginners, Cheung Sha Beach has gentle, beginner-friendly waves. And the entire beach is covered in fine sand with no rock layers, allowing surfers to hone their skills without the risk of crashing into rocks. Tio suggests that for a better experience, beginners can first learn the basics here and eventually venture out to other countries for bigger challenges.

Why Kids Should Learn Surfing
Tio says that children can easily pick up surfing because they have a lower centre of gravity and are lighter, making it easier for them to balance and control their body movements, which are important for surfing. So as long as they aren't afraid of the water, most children can easily stand on the board and surf ashore during their first class.

Beginners can learn in shallow areas first.

Master the Basics and Take on New Challenges
For those who know the basics of surfing and wish to practice other skills, there are areas at Cheung Sha Beach with bigger waves. There, you can try chasing waves, walking diagonally, and shuffling left and right on your board. Once you've mastered these, it’s time to move on to deeper waters and show off your skills.

According to Tio, being able to observe the waves and get up from the board at the right time is extremely important. She explains that since every wave is unique, each surf session is like a new adventure. Additionally, waves are by nature always changing, so even if you know how to catch and observe them, you still need to adapt to the conditions of the sea every time you surf. To Tio, this is the most challenging – and amazing – aspect of surfing.

Learning with your children makes for a unique family bonding time.

Each surfer has their own goals and targets — some may want to keep improving and making breakthroughs, while beginners may simply challenge themselves to maintain balance. Regardless of your level, surfing is always a fun and exciting way to experience the sea.

Surfboard or stand-up paddleboard – take your pick. They are lined up and ready for you to experience the fun of riding waves.

Back on Land for a Laid-back Afternoon
After catching the waves, change into your casual wear. It's time for a quick break and a meal at one of the seaside restaurants. Feel the breeze, take in the coastal scenery, and enjoy a well-deserved meal after your workout.

Restaurants are conveniently located on Lower Cheung Sha Beach, just a few minutes' walk from your lesson.

Now that you've had your first taste of surfing, you'll probably be thinking about it every time you see the ocean. The gentle waves at Cheung Sha Beach are perfect for beginners, while experienced surfers can challenge themselves in areas with bigger swells. If you and your family are visiting Cheung Sha Beach to take part in different water activities, you're definitely in for some precious memories.

 

How to get to Lower Cheung Sha Beach:
Take bus 11, 11A or 23 at Tung Chung Station Bus Terminus and alight at the Lower Cheung Sha Village stop.