Pingtan, a coastal gem in Fujian Province renowned for its prime wind conditions and pristine beaches, played host to the 12th Pingtan International Kitesurfing & Cross-Straits Kitesurfing Freestyle Invitational 2025, which concluded on November 6.

The event featured two core disciplines—thrilling twin-tip racing and visually stunning freestyle—that tested athletes' all-around skills, drawing top talents from across the globe.

Chen Yiman (center) claims the Women's Freestyle Championship. 

Among the competitors, young local athlete Chen Yiman stood out with remarkable composure. Having trained on Longwangtou Beach since childhood, she has mastered the varied wind patterns of her hometown, turning familiarity into a competitive edge.

Her outstanding performance earned her dual championships in the Women's Twin-Tip Racing and Women's Freestyle categories.

• Chen Yiman rides the waves with the wind at her back.

"This competition was a great test of my training over the past year," Chen shared. "Beyond the joy of winning, I'm more delighted by the noticeable progress in my skills."

Her kitesurfing journey began with her mother Wu Hong, a water rescue instructor and outdoor sports enthusiast. Chen learned to swim at 6 and crossed the Haitan Strait by swimming at 12, laying a solid foundation for her athletic career.

Discovered by coach Lin Wenliang for her perseverance and aptitude, she combined her background in traditional Chinese dance with natural athleticism to develop a unique grace in freestyle competitions.

Earlier this year, Chen embarked on an intensive training tour, starting with winter training in Vietnam and later moving to Egypt to learn new moves amid stable sea breezes. This international experience enhanced her ability to adapt to different water conditions.

Off the water, she has become an ambassador for both kitesurfing and her hometown through her social media account "lman The Power," which boasts nearly 450,000 followers on Douyin and Xiaohongshu.

Pre-competition, Chen Yiman fine-tunes her kite.

With her sun-kissed skin, dynamic curls, and toned muscles, she showcases the authentic life of a kitesurfer, inspiring many women to take up the sport.

"I created this account to tell girls they can do anything they set their minds to," Chen said.

She often promotes Pingtan to international athletes during training breaks, highlighting its scenic beauty and ideal kitesurfing conditions.

"My hometown has great scenery, and its wind conditions and high-quality beaches make it a perfect destination for kitesurfing," she noted, piquing the interest of international competitors who expressed eagerness to return for further practice.