About Us
Who We Are
The Hong Kong, China Surf and Standup Paddle Association was established in 2011 and is the 76th member of the International Surfing Association (ISA). This means the Association can send surfers and stand up paddle athletes to represent Hong Kong in ISA competitions against athletes from around the world.
As Hong Kong’s first organization dedicated to stand up paddleboarding, the Association has worked for many years to grow the sport locally and raise its standard and recognition.
The Association has cooperated with more than 100 partners to promote stand up paddleboarding. This work includes summer stand up paddleboarding training programs subvented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, training sessions with the Hong Kong Playground Association, stand up paddleboarding education with NGOs such as the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and school programs that identify and train young athletes with potential.
The Association's vision is for Hong Kong to be recognized worldwide as a leading destination for water sports, with a thriving community of athletes, enthusiasts and spectators to support the long-term growth of stand up paddleboarding.
- 5International SUP championships hosted in Hong Kong
- 40+Local races organized since 2013
- 110,000+Certificates issued
- 200+SUP instructors trained and certified
- 100+Partners promoting SUP
What We Do
Training
Stand up paddleboarding courses for every level, from beginner certificates to professional training that prepares paddlers to compete internationally.
Races
Local races since 2013, with categories for all ages and abilities, and five international championships that brought world champions to Hong Kong.
Team Hong Kong
The Association trains athletes who have represented Hong Kong at the ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship in Copenhagen (2017 and 2024) and Wanning, China (2018), and at Asia SUP Tour races across Asia.
Tours & Community
Stand up paddleboarding tours, run with the help of member organizations, around Sai Kung and the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, and charity paddles such as the 180 km Stand Up for Hong Kong fundraiser and Stand Up for Maui.
Milestones
-
2011
Establishment of the Association
-
2013
Hong Kong SUP Championship
Our first large-scale competition, with 400+ participants.
-
2015
1st International SUP Championship
Our first international competition, with participants from 7 countries.
-
2017
Team Hong Kong
Representing Hong Kong at the ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship in Copenhagen.
-
2017
Team Hong Kong
Representing Hong Kong at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Hyuga, Japan.
-
2018
Team Hong Kong
Representing Hong Kong at the ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship in Wanning, China.
-
2019
5th International SUP Championship
Our 5th international competition. Participants included multiple-time SUP World Champion Michael Booth.
-
2020
Stand Up for Hong Kong Fundraising
Our team of athletes paddled 180 km across the city over five days to raise funds for Hong Kong's medical services.
-
2022
Over 200 Instructors Trained
By 2022, we had trained over 200 SUP instructors in Hong Kong, all certified by the International Surfing Association, SUP's CAS-recognized Olympic governing body.
-
2022
Government Funding Support
Since 2022, the Association has received government funding under the LCSD Subvention Scheme for New Sports to promote stand-up paddleboarding and surfing and expand public participation.
-
2023
Stand Up for Maui
In support of Maui, the birthplace of modern stand-up paddleboarding, after the devastating 2023 wildfires, we organized a charity paddling event that brought our community together and raised funds to help local recovery efforts.
-
2023
Hong Kong Playground Association Collaboration
The Association began collaborating with the Hong Kong Playground Association to organize SUP training sessions that deepened participants' understanding of the sport and gave them hands-on experience. A diverse range of activities allowed people of all ages and genders to take part in water sports and enjoy the ocean.
-
2023
Over 130,000 Members Reached
In 2023, the Association's individual members passed 130,000. All of them had successfully completed at least one of our training programs.
-
2024
1st SUP Surfing Technical Race
Our first SUP surfing competition, and the most challenging race category we have hosted to date. Athletes navigated a technical course through the surf zone, testing their paddling, balance, and wave-reading skills in demanding conditions.
-
2024
Team Hong Kong
Representing Hong Kong at the ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship in Copenhagen.
-
2025
Collaborated with GO PARK Aqua
Together we hosted major water sports events, including the Hong Kong SUP Championship, helping to promote paddleboarding and bring together athletes and enthusiasts from across the city.
-
2026
Additional Sponsorship
Secured additional sponsorship from brands such as Speedo and organized key events, including the Hong Kong SUP Long Distance Race, the Hong Kong SUP Sprint Race, the Hong Kong SUP Championship, and SUP Fest 2026.
Qualifications
The Association is the 76th member of the International Surfing Association (ISA), which manages surfing and stand up paddleboarding worldwide and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The Association is also a member of the Asian Surfing Federation, the managing organization for surfing sports in Asia, which promotes surfing and stand up paddleboarding across the region and is recognized by the ISA and the Olympic Council of Asia.
The Association's instructors hold ISA qualifications, including the ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor Certificate for teaching in calm water. Some also hold the advanced ISA Open Water SUP Instructor Certificate, which covers SUP racing, technical paddling and downwind paddling in open water.
