World kiteboarders confront wind and wave in Beihai

Athletes from 17 countries and regions are competing in the 2019 Formula Kite Asian Championships in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, vying for the continental crown in a week of enthralling action that runs from May 24 to 29.

The kiteboarding competition is organized by the Chinese Yachting Association, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Sports Board, and Beihai municipal people's government.

In addition to participants from Asian countries, many European and American competitors are taking part in the competition. They are pitting their skills against each other under the men's and women's kite hydrofoil categories, hoping to earn enough points to qualify for the inaugural World Beach Games in San Diego in October.

Kiteboarding is emerging near-shore water sport that requires competitors to ride a board that is harnessed to a wind-powered kite. Ornamental value is enhanced by stunt kite, windsurfing, surfing, water skiing, and skateboarding elements. The World Sailing Council approved the introduction of kiteboarding in the sailing program of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics in May 2018.