Hong Kong coach criticized for surfing amidst Typhoon Wipha

A Hong Kong coach faced widespread criticism for nonchalantly surfing amidst Typhoon Wipha.

A man carries a surfboard despite the approaching storm - Photo: SCMP

This coach is facing backlash from the community after claiming he went out to sea to surf during Typhoon Wipha. Notably, the company he works for even advertised the classes with the slogan: "The bigger the waves, the better."

This action has been condemned by many because water activities are prohibited in bad weather and the sport is banned on public beaches year-round.

However, this did not deter Go Surf HK, a business specializing in providing professional surfing lessons according to ISA standards. They offered a 20% discount to those who registered for classes during the period when the Wipha storm signal was in effect.

According to the SCMP , a coach from this company reportedly went out to sea at Pui O beach on Lantau Island, despite warnings about the dangers.

The Post saw a video of some people surfing at Pui O and contacted the coach involved for comment.

Many local surfers, fearing backlash from the community, requested anonymity when speaking out against Go Surf HK's actions. "Surfing in a storm is absolutely ridiculous," one said.

"With the current pressure from the government to ban surfing, this puts even more pressure on surf enthusiasts and those who teach the sport responsibly," another person shared.

Hong Kong has issued a Level 10 alert for Typhoon Wipha. This is the highest alert level, indicating average wind gusts of 118 km/h or higher. The last time Hong Kong issued a Level 10 alert was during Super Typhoon Saola in 2023, which injured 86 people.

Forecasts indicate that from this morning to noon on July 22nd, Typhoon No. 3 (Wipha) will make landfall in southern Hai Phong, Hung Yen, and Ninh Binh with winds potentially reaching level 9, gusting to levels 11 and 12. Further inland in Hanoi, Bac Ninh, and Thanh Hoa, winds may reach levels 6-7, gusting to level 8.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-hong-kong-bi-chi-trich-vi-luot-song-giua-bao-wipha-20250722084937965.htm