Text by Brooke Translation by Bian Jiajin Photos by Chen Daiwei & CFP

GAME OF THE ADVENTURER

Text by Brooke Translation by Bian Jiajin Photos by Chen Daiwei & CFP

In China, Shenzhen is pioneering in the development of out-door activities. Because it is close to Hong Kong and can get the latest news and concepts about the recreational activity more quickly. On the one hand, Shenzhen has a unique and ideal climate and environment.But what’s more, there are always many adventurous young people who are always fi ghting for their dreams and enthusiasm.

Nobel Sports among citizens

In Dapeng Bay, it's still not cool in the evening of September.

At Qixing Bay Marine Base, there are several children playing around the sampans under the watchful eye of their coach. People who are carrying oxygen cylinders are ready for sailing and diving,and some motor boats are exercising around the pillars. However, more people are here for sailing.“For people who are crazy about water sports, the natural environment in Shenzhen is wonderful. The coastline is very long, the water areas are wide,and there are not so many sub-merged rocks. The quality of the water is good and it's warm all around year. In northern China, it's about just 6 months that you can play sports, while in Shenzhen you can be on the water almost all year.” said Guo Zihua,the most senior coach in the circle who has been sailing for more than ten years.

For many years there has been ample yacht parking at this marine base, among which are OP and DC 22 sailboats for green hands, and huge DC 46 sailboats that can sail very far. “Infl uenced by the cul-ture in Hong Kong, Shenzhen is the fi rst city in China Mainland that has a yacht club. Earlier, the players were some rich people who had economic power. In recent years, sailing is no longer regarded as a kind of hard-to-reach nobel sport. It's just a lifestyle, or a choice”, said Wang Yingwei, who is called “Bro Mast”by other sail-ors.

Sailing over the broad ocean, shifting the helm,altering the ropes and sails according to the wind,enhances the communication with the nature, and everything of urban life is put aside. “It's easy for you to forget something unhappy when you are sailing. It's wild. Es-pecially when you do a longer voyage, experiencing waves and wind on the sea,your mind will change. You have more time to think about some philosophical questions. And after you come over one sea area, you will want to conquer more.” said Guo Zihua.

The adventure and romance of sailing attract more and more people to come to Shenzhen. The employers bring their employees, and the parents bring their kids to learn sailing. “Sailing can cultivate inde-pendence in kids and their ability to communicate with the nature. Sailing can also teach them team work and social skills. Thus, the parents treasure the personality cultivating in sailing”, said Wang Yingwei.

Power of the era.

Compared to sailing itself, “doyouhike.net” is more popular. Since 2000, it has come from just an online forum to a planner and leader of some online and offl ine outdoor sports. “There are a lot of young people in Shenzhen coming from other places. They work hard and make a living. But they also have social needs on weekends. Outdoor sports are very chic and popular. Through outdoor sports, people can also improve their health, which fulfi ls all the needs of young people. Asking different friends to different places, hanging out and sharing the experiences. It is the Internet and social needs that have forced an implementation and expansion of 'doyouhike.net' and the outdoor sports culture in Shenzhen.” said Xiao Nan, who has been a user on doyouhike.net for more than ten years.“The more a city is economically developed, the more popular are its outdoor sports. Among fi rsttier cities, Shenzhen is the only one that has both mountains and sea. Regardless of which outdoor sports you prefer, hiking, climbing, camping,you can fi nd your favourites in Shenzhen. It's also another reason why outdoor sports are devel-oped so quickly here. In future, people will value a healthy life much more, outdoor activities will grow in popularity and this market will be then subdivided.Some minor and high-end sports and places will get more attention.”