Surf's up this November in Hainan

Surfing enthusiasts in China have plenty to celebrate about these days. Not only has the second annual Surfing Hainan Open - China's biggest annual surf contest - been confirmed for this year, but it's also coming sooner than you think!

The annual event has already occurred in January of this year, but after looking up past surf conditions, this year's contest organizers have decided to move the competition up to an earlier date. As a result, the upcoming competition will take place on November 7th and 8th of this year, in hopes that optimal surf conditions will attract a larger cohort of domestic and international surf pros.

The event will take place at Riyuewan (日月湾, AKA surfer's paradise), on Hainan Island's east coast. The location is sure to make for an awesome event, so whether you're an old pro, you've never stepped on a board before, or you'd just like to watch (while working on your tan), it could be an ideal early-winter getaway.

Details are a bit scarce at this point, but we expect that the competition will have the same format as last time, and include shortboard stand-up, longboard stand-up and bodyboarding competitions. Also expect some free beginner lessons for those who aren't quite ready to compete.

November's event will most likely cost slightly more than the last competition, as we're told that the event organizers have had to expand the entire operation because of how packed the event was last year. The organizers said that it will be around 400RMB for competitors and 300RMB for non-competitors. They will also have special packages with the Le Meridian hotel in the area for those looking for a more pampered getaway, though to find out the cost of that, you'll have to go to their website.

Competitors and spectators are both encouraged to join in on the fun. January's competition had plenty of representation from Shanghai (including shortboard open champion Nathan Mettler), but of course, the more the merrier.

Keep checking the Surfing Hainan website for registration information, as well as more on entrance fees. Any other questions can be directed towards Surfing Hainan's Shanghai contact Cameron Hirst at hand_drag at hotmail dot com.