Hong Kong China Rowing Association

Easy, Fun & Accessible, Board Rowing is going to become a popular water sport for the community as well as a major international event, said HKCRA Chairman Ng Kong-wan

(Hong Kong, 29 Jun 2021) The Hong Kong, China Rowing Association (HKCRA) has officially announced the introduction of Board Rowing to Hong Kong. The association held a launch ceremony at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club today (29 June).

Officiating at the ceremony were Ms. Zorina Wan, Principal Assistant Secretary for Home Affairs (Recreation and Sport)2; Mr. Timothy Fok, GBS, JP, President of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC); Mr. Vincent Ng, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Harbourfront Commission; Ms. Louisa Mak, Miss Hong Kong 2015; Mr. Chau Wai-sheung, Vice-Chairman of Hong Kong Elite Athletes Association; Mr. Ng Kong-wan, Chairman of The Hong Kong, China Rowing Association; Mr. Wong Chi-wai, Coaching Director of The Hong Kong, China Rowing Association; Ms. Carmen Lee, Hong Kong Rowing Ambassador and Ms. Winne Hung, 2020 Tokyo Olympics Hong Kong Rowing Team representative.

An Easy, Fun & Accessible type of rowing for all

A new type of rowing, board rowing combines the elements of rowing and a board and, looking forward, is expected to be both a popular water sport among the locals and a major international sport event.
In his opening remarks, SF&OC President Timothy Fok expressed support to the introduction of the new sport, which “will help the promotion of active lifestyle in the city”.
“Board rowing is a new type of rowing that is lightweight, easy to learn and fun to play.” Explained HKCRA Chairman Ng Kong-wan. The promotion of the sport consists of two stages: stage one, the promotion in the community, which has already launched nine months ago via the board rowing introductory course (BRIC) and related programmes, and stage two, the promotion of the sport as a major international event, which aims at attracting the participation of the mass public, corporates and non-commercial organisations.

A unique launch ceremony for the upcoming watersport

The ceremony, themed around starting horn and oars and led by 2020 Tokyo Olympics Hong Kong Rowing Team representative Winne Hung, was carried out to symbolise the launch of the promotion of boarding rowing, after the introductory speech of the HKCRA Chairman Ng Kong-wan, Coaching Director Wong Chi-wai and Hong Kong Rowing Ambassador Carmen Lee.
“It looks so much fun! I believe board rowing will soon be a hit in the city.” Commented Louisa Mak, after her trial board rowing at the Wanchai Basin outside the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club that is joined by Carmen. The watersport lover was impressed by the easiness, fun and accessibility of the new sport, and she urged everyone, of all ages and at any stage of sports, to try board rowing whenever possible.

ABOUT Boarding Rowing

Board Rowing is a new type of rowing promoted by the HKCRA. The installation involves two elements: a rowing frame and a board, and it is played with a sliding rigger. It has three characteristics:

• Easy: Comparing to traditional rowing, coastal rowing and surfing, board rowing has higher stability while playing, making it a sport easy to learn and to develop into a major international sport event.
• Fun: Board rowing combines the fun of traditional rowing and surfing. It’s speedy, therefore adrenaline-boosting, and it’s even more fun when dealing with the wave conditions!
• Accessible: Consisting of simply two elements (a rowing frame and a board), the equipment of board rowing is easy to carry, set up and stow away, making it a perfect sport in the city famous for its long coastline.

ABOUT Hong Kong, China Rowing Association

The Hong Kong, China Rowing Association (HKCRA) is the governing body for the sport of rowing in Hong Kong. It is affiliated to the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and to the Asian Rowing Federation (ARF) and International Rowing Federation (FISA).
The HKCRA has entitled and organised different types of promotion and development programmes and activities including “Youth Development Programme”, “Para-rowing Programme”, “Indoor Rowing for Schools Programme” and coastal rowing activities, aiming to expand the sport of rowing at community level for different people indeed with the ultimate goal to achieve rowing for all.