Spark Deep Dive: Hong Kong doubles down on surfing ban

A 10-year-old Hong Kong surfing star has started training with the Swiss national team in hopes of one day competing at the Olympics.

Mahohi Nguyen Tang was born in Hong Kong to Swiss parents and learned to surf at Big Wave Bay. With no national team and a recent government crackdown on the sport, his father said it has been difficult for him to progress.

“Absolutely [we would consider representing Hong Kong], we would be so proud. I think Hong Kong people would be proud. But I don’t think there is a national Hong Kong surfing team,” said his father.

Mahohi took up the sport with his parents when he was six years old. His dad said he quickly became the best in the family. His son’s lessons at Big Wave Bay were an important part of his development.

Big Wave Bay is the only beach on Hong Kong Island that has rideable waves. The government has never allowed surfing at public beaches. They said it risks endangering swimmers. However, the ban was never heavily enforced until recently. Now, surfers could be fined or even jailed.

In July, Mahohi was invited to a trial with Switzerland’s Junior National Surf Team. The coach offered him a place after just one session.

“His level has exploded since surfing there. Even Switzerland is building a national team. Why? Because surfing is now an Olympic sport,” his father said.

Lawmaker Adrian Pedro Ho King-hong said it was sad to see Hong Kong lose a potential star. He added he was “puzzled” by the government’s approach to the sport.

“Hong Kong has always been strong when it comes to oceanic sports; our first Olympic gold medal was in windsurfing,” Ho said. “The lack of support regarding this particular sport is puzzling, to say the least.”

Ho suggested the Leisure and Cultural Services Department turn part of Big Wave Bay into a spot for surfers. He said the community has been calling for it.

“I’ve known people who surf in Hong Kong, I’ve always known people who like to surf here,” Ho said. “But it turns out it’s prohibited; I didn’t know that. Now that I do, I’m going to fight for it.

“I am very surprised that Hong Kong is putting this kind of restriction on this sport.”

1. Which of the following statements is true based on the news?

(1) Mahohi learned to surf at Big Wave Bay.
(2) Hong Kong has a famous national surfing team.
(3) Mahohi joined the Junior National Surf Team of Switzerland after one session.
(4) Mahohi has been surfing since he was four years old.

A. (1), (2)
B. (1), (3)
C. (2), (3)
D. (2), (4)

2. Name at least TWO factors that led to Mahohi’s decision to surf for Switzerland.

3. Using the information in the news, how does lawmaker Ho feel about the government’s stricter regulations on surfing?

1. Based on the news and your own knowledge, what might be happening in this photo and why?

2. To what extent do you agree with the decision to crack down on the surfing ban? Explain using the news and your own knowledge.

• Big Wave Bay: also called Tai Long Wan, it is a popular spot for surfers. It is located in the southern district of Hong Kong Island, next to Big Wave Bay Beach and north of the well-known Shek O beach.

• crackdown: severe and sometimes sudden authority enforcement to minimise illegal activities or behaviours. This can mean greater police presence, arrests, and stricter regulations.

• Leisure and Cultural Services Department: this is a department in the government of Hong Kong. It reports to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. It creates cultural activities for Hong Kong residents and manages public facilities including libraries, swimming pools, and sports centres.

• prohibited: not allowed, banned

News

1. B

2. Mahohi and his family decided it was best to pursue a surfing career in Switzerland because his parents were born there and because they have a national team. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has no national surfing team. Additionally, it will be difficult, if not impossible, for Mahohi to improve and practise because of a crackdown on the surfing ban at Hong Kong beaches.

3. Ho was surprised and confused about the increased enforcement of the ban. He was concerned at the potential loss of a great surfing star in Mahohi. He said Hong Kong has historically performed well in water sports at the Olympics. Hence, this approach from the government was surprising, particularly as the rules are only now being enforced.

Photo

1. The surfer is running away from authorities and trying to avoid getting into trouble. They were most likely surfing illegally and trying not to get in trouble.

2. I don’t agree with the government’s decision. Hong Kong is a great place for water sports, and we should encourage people to take them up. If the government is concerned about safety, they could ban surfing during extreme weather and designate certain beaches for the sport to keep them away from swimmers. (all reasonable answers considered)