Cross-Harbour Swimming
Hong Kong, ‘the fragrant harbour’, lives up to its name more literally nowadays and so the HKASA is attempting to re-introduce cross-harbour swimming (especially for the younger generations) to celebrate the cultural identity of this city. The annual cross-harbour swim was a sporting event held from 1906, however due to intolerable water pollution levels it was cancelled in 1973. In its 36 years of absence, the government has taken greater measures to implement water quality control and the harbour was officially declared ‘safe enough’ for swimming in 2005 – those with susceptible respiratory and skin problems, however, should still be cautious! The HKASA now invites the collective support of swimming enthusiasts and clubs to revive this cultural sporting event. All potential participants – both individual swimmers and swimming clubs – should contact Jackie Chu as soon as possible.
What: Cross-harbour swimming
When: To be arranged
Where: Kowloon Public Pier and The Royal HK Yacht Club
Enquiries: Jackie Chu, 2572 8594

Sink or Swim
Beach time is family time, so why not do something a little different this year and join in the Deep Water Bay Ocean Swim? The competition is open to everyone aged 10 and above, and is sponsored by PowerBar and Gatorade among other sporting brands. A whole host of prizes are on offer, and each entrant will receive a free T-shirt, swimming cap and sponsor products. If you’re not quite the Olympic swimmer, don’t worry – lifeguards patrol the course. But if testing limits is not your idea of fun, you could also sit back, enjoy the atmosphere and support your friends. Registration is from 7-8am at Deep Water Bay Beach, but the race starts at Middle Island and finishes at the registration point.
What: Deep Water Bay Ocean Swim When: July 12, 7am
Where: Deep Water Bay Beach
How much: $180
Enquiries: www.revolution-asia.com


In The Wake
Wakeboarding has become Hong Kong’s talk-of-the-town water sport; however, it’s not just a trendy fad that will soon fade. This year’s combined event of the Quiksilver 40th Anniversary Wakefest and the 2009 HK Open Wakeboard Championships will take place at Tai Po Waterfront Park, with preliminary rounds on July 18 and finals and presentations the following day. Anyone can apply, as well as teams of up to six riders. Riders from 11 categories will be judged on the execution, intensity and composition of their routines.
What: Quiksilver 40th Anniversary Wakefest & 2009 HK Open Wakeboard Championships
When: July 18-19, 9am
Where: Tai Po Waterfront Park
How much: $350, $500 for non-HKWSA members
Enquiries: 2504 8168/www.waterski.org.hk

Round and Round
Fancy sitting indoors under air-conditioning watching cyclists compete? Check out the 10th Asian Indoor Cycling Championships in the Championships Hall at Chai Wan Sports Centre. Athletes of all ages from Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Macau and of course, Hong Kong, will be vying for medals, so go and support your country!
What: 10th Asian Indoor Cycling Championships
When: July 10-12, 11am
Where: Chai Wan Sports Centre
How much: free admission
Enquiries: 2504 8176/www.asian09.hk-icycling.net