Wuxi holds kayaking competition

A kayaking competition is held at Taihu Lake in Wuxi on April 23, with amateur kayaking enthusiasts from 11 different cities coming to take part. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

A kayaking competition was held at Taihu Lake in Wuxi on April 23, with amateur kayaking enthusiasts from 11 different cities coming to take part.

The 27-kilometre race traversed the Mashan region of Taihu Lake. The top-level amateur race attracted 128 athletes riding 108 canoes.

The competition was divided into the men's single race and the men and women's mixed race. Competitors were allowed to either bring their own canoes or use the unified ones.

A male amateur kayaking enthusiast takes on the 27-kilometre route through the Mashan region of Taihu Lake. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

After a fiercely competitive men's single race, Xu Feng from Suzhou, Jiangsu province emerged victorious, while in the unified canoe race, Zhang Xiucong from Wenzhou, Zhejiang province claimed first place. Chen Fang and Chen Wei won first place in the mixed group race.

"This is the first time in China that over 100 canoes have competed in the 27-kilometre route", said event organizers.

Wuxi set up its first kayaking association in 2016, providing Wuxi residents with a new way to enjoy sports. Various kayaking clubs are now open to the public, featuring many interesting competitions and activities.

Colorful canoes sit ready for the competition in Wuxi on April 23. [Photo/WeChat account: xiaolinlingzhi]