Located off the coast of Fujian Province in the Taiwan Straits, Pingtan Island concluded a week of elite competition as the 2026 National Windsurfing Championship and National Kiteboarding Championship (including youth hydrofoil kiteboarding events) wrapped up on June 15.

Athletes from 11 teams representing Beijing, Shanghai, Shandong, Fujian, Hong Kong and other regions competed in strong winds and waves, showcasing the rising strength of China's water sports sector. The championships featured windsurfing, kiteboarding and youth hydrofoil kiteboarding across senior, U21 and U19 categories, with formats including course racing, long-distance racing, slalom and team events designed to align with Olympic standards.

Champion Chen Jingyue (second from right) stands on the podium at the award ceremony.

In the women's hydrofoil kiteboarding long-distance race, Fujian athlete Chen Jingyue of Pingtan claimed the title with a steady performance. "I feel my physical endurance and technical consistency have improved compared with before, but I also found areas that need work. I'll bounce back and come back stronger," she said.

Shanghai athlete Huang Qibin delivered a strong showing, winning multiple titles in the men's hydrofoil kiteboarding events, including both slalom and course races. "Compared with the past two years, I've improved in stability and overall strength," he said. "Competing in Pingtan is always exciting. Racing against top athletes from across the country is very rewarding."

The youth hydrofoil kiteboarding category also attracted attention, with young competitors demonstrating strong resilience and competitiveness, highlighting the potential of China's next generation of water sports athletes.

With steady winds and ideal waters, Pingtan has become widely recognized as a premier venue for sailing and wind-powered sports in China. In recent years, the island has leveraged its marine resources to develop a growing sports tourism industry, with wind sports as a signature feature. The successful staging of the championship further cemented Pingtan's role as a venue for elite competition and helped integrate sports and tourism.