Paddleboard creating a big splash in Beijing

Many parks and scenic spots in Beijing have introduced stand-up paddleboarding this summer, sparking a surge in the sport's popularity that reflects the city's successful water system management.

On a sunny Thursday afternoon in central Beijing's Shichahai Scenic Area, visitors flocked to the shores and boats glided across the lake. Rows of paddleboards lined the dock, with people lined up waiting to try the water sport. Several professional clubs now offer lessons.

Tian Lili, 26, was trying paddleboarding for the third time, having initially been introduced to it by a friend at Chaoyang Park.

"Paddleboarding is a summer sport that is perfect for young people," she said. "It allows you to bask in the sun, cool off on the water and have fun.

"It's quite easy for beginners to pick up. Once you grasp the basics and maintain balance, you can paddle around effortlessly."

She praised Shichahai for providing comprehensive safety measures for paddleboarders.

"The authority has designated specific water areas for paddleboarding activities to avoid collisions with boats," Tian said. "The staff also recommends purchasing accident insurance.

"Additionally, there are rescue boats stationed around the area, ensuring swift assistance within two minutes of an incident.

"I believe it will boost consumption. I came here specifically today because I knew there were paddleboarding activities. After paddling, I plan to have a meal here and hang out a bit. I believe most people, like me, will spend money here."

Paddleboarding has gained popularity as a leisure activity in China in recent years, appealing to individuals of all ages, said a paddleboarding instructor surnamed Wang who is working at Shichahai.

She said participants range from age 7 to 65, with the area accommodating 200 to 300 people a day.

Having taught paddleboarding for two years, Wang emphasized that the paddleboarding instructors at Shichahai are trained professionals certified by the General Administration of Sport.

The park said paddleboarding trials have been offered since the beginning of this month, with four sessions daily lasting two hours each.

Shichahai has been implementing standardized management of paddleboarding activities since early this month, delineating separate water areas for paddleboarding and boating activities, which will be operated and managed collectively by boat companies.

Paddleboarding enthusiasts can now be found across the city, from the suburban Jinhai Lake and Chaobai River to the urban Liangma River and Kunyu River. Professional clubs formed by paddleboarding enthusiasts are emerging, offering services such as rentals and lessons to lower the entry barrier.

In recent years, Beijing's water system management has shown significant progress, turning public water bodies in the city into summer activity spaces for residents and unleashing substantial consumer potential. However, alongside the rise of new consumer activities, challenges have emerged.

A 72-year-old resident of Shichahai surnamed Wang said he has been swimming in the area since childhood and had noticed a slight decline in water quality, primarily due to the influx of boats and visitors.

"Expanding the activity area, enhancing safety measures and enabling public water bodies to better serve residents will foster the better development of emerging leisure formats," said Wu Liyun, a professor focusing on culture and tourism at Beijing International Studies University. "The development of emerging sports, to a certain extent, requires standardized management, with professional qualifications for activity organizers."

Li Boyu and Zhu Sidi contributed to this story.

dujuan@chinadaily.com.cn