Chen Yiman pictured kitesurfing [Photo by Lin Junbin from Pingtan CMC]

Chen Yiman, 22, from Pingtan Island, is China's record holder in Women's Freestyle Kitesurfing. Pingtan is the fifth largest island in China and a rising international tourism island.  

Recently, she starred in a special of SETV, making a splash on social media.

The video opens with a bright summer day. Tanned, toned, wild wavy beach locks matted the face of a tall and slender Chen as she dashed into the roaring waves.

"Falling into the sea or getting sunburned is no big deal. They will not stop me from loving the sport," said the fresh graduate. Chen's dream is to become a kitesurfing pro.

Chen learned about the sport through a fortunate stroke of serendipity eight years ago. "My mom met kitesurfing coach Lin Wenliang at a party and referred me to him. Back then, the sport was relatively new in China and needed new blood, especially female recruits." She was only 14 when she took an instant fancy for the sport after seeing her coach perform all the cool stunts.

Chen grew up on Pingtan Island, so she is familiar with the sea back home. "I cherish everything, especially anything to do with the sport, and hope to make Pingtan proud," said Chen.

Speaking of her kitesurfing career, Chen gladly said that she made many friends. “We call her ‘Yiman the Strong.’ She is strong and enthusiastic. Her movements on the sea are swift and graceful,” said Xie Weixin, a kitesurfer. 

Chen Yiman (First from Left) pictured at Red Bull Wind Riders – Mauritius 2022

In August this year, Chen joined the Red Bull Wind Riders – Mauritius 2022 and won the twin-tip racing.

"Training for kitesurfers is extreme. Back in Chen's freshie years, she worked harder than most boys. As a result, Chen stood out from the rest. I am proud of her," said Lin Wenliang, vice president of the Pingtan Kitesurfing Association.

In recent years, Pingtan’s superior wind and beaches have gained recognition by the kitesurfing community. Whenever the wind rises, kitesurfing enthusiasts at home and abroad will gather in Pingtan. 

"Kitesurfers are like migratory birds. They come with the wind every June to August to Pingtan, where the wind is stable and prevalent, and the beaches are clean and soft. The waves are calmer at this time of the year. It's perfect for both beginners and professionals," said Lin Wenliang.

Chen Yiman pointed out that Pingtan has hosted an array of beach and marine sports as well as tourism activities, enriching the experience of tourists. “Pingtan’s sea will always be in my heart, because it’s the place where my dream began,” said Chen emotionally.

Spotted a mistake or want to add something? All rights reserved. Do not reproduce our content without permission–you can contact us directly on our Twitter mailbox. Follow @pingtanchina (Twitter)