Photo provided by interviewee

The 11th Pingtan International Kiteboarding Festival and the Pingtan leg of the China Kiteboarding Tour came to a thrilling conclusion on Oct. 27, with elite kitesurfers showcasing their skills in a dazzling display of aerial maneuvers. Among the fierce competition, Xie Weixin and Chen Yiman emerged victorious, clinching the men's and women's titles in the freestyle event.

The event, which featured three competition categories - twin-tip racing, freestyle, and windfoil racing - drew over 80 athletes from diverse backgrounds, eager to push their limits on the waves of Pingtan. After two days of intense competition, the atmosphere was electric as the winners were finally announced.

In the men's freestyle, Xie Weixin, a seasoned pro from the China Kitesurf (Fenghelang), stood atop the podium, displaying a mastery of tricks and a natural talent that captivated the judges and the audience alike. On the women's side, local darling Chen Yiman claimed her crown, adding yet another victory to her growing list of accolades in the sport.

Chen's success wasn't limited to the freestyle event, as she also emerged victorious in the women's twin-tip racing, showcasing her versatility. In the men's twin-tip racing, PUDLA NARAPICHIT from Thailand took home the gold, while in the windfoil racing, Zhuang Jiuwei from Taiwan dominated the men's division, and Xiao Liuyi from Xiamen Taohairenjia Sailing Club emerged as the women's champion.

The festival has not only showcased the sport's competitive edge but also served as a platform to introduce kite surfing to a wider audience. Young talents like Yang Hongyi, a 15-year-old from Quanzhou who is in his second year of kitesurfing, have been inspired by the event. "Pingtan is an ideal place for kitesurfing," he enthused, recalling his first encounter with the sport during a visit to the island last summer.

Li Peng, president of the Xiamen Kiteboarding Association and a veteran kitesurfer, echoed the sentiment. "I'm thrilled to see more and more young people joining this exciting sport," he said. "Pingtan has become a hotspot for kitesurfing, thanks to its natural advantages and the strong support from the local government."