I had heard from a few sources that there were actually good waves in China, many of which were uncrowded. I took the first few accounts with a big grain of salt, as any cautious surfer who knows anything about the validity of surf reports from other surfers should. But a few credible sources peaked my curiousity enough for me to go find out for myself.
I went to Hainan Island, often dubbed the “Hawaii of China”, and was pleasantly surprised in multiple aspects of the trip. Here’s what I learned and what you should know before you go.

Conditions & Forecasting for Hainan
Hainan’s surf is generated by nearshore storms and is highly seasonal. The winter has relatively consistent waves but the summer is mostly flat, with the exception of a typhoon swell.
Swell in Southern China
Hainan’s surfability hinges primarily on two major weather patterns: the Northeast (NE) Winter Monsoon and the Summer Southerlies, punctuated by the potential for powerful Typhoon swells.
Primary Season (Winter NE Monsoon: November – March/April)
This period represents Hainan’s prime surf season, particularly for the island’s eastern coastline, centered around the Wanning region.

Driven by the consistent NE monsoon, this season offers reliable surf. About 80% of the days between November and February are surfable. The dominant swell direction (NE) aligns with the orientation of Hainan’s central and Southwest coastline creating numerous left-hand point breaks. Spots like Riyue Bay, Shimei Bay, and others in the Wanning area come alive during this time.

However, it’s crucial to manage expectations; while consistent, these monsoon swells often produce “mellow” waves lacking significant power. The waves are generated from short-period wind swell resulting in slower, softer waves.
Secondary Season (Summer Southerlies: April/May – October)
As the winter monsoon fades, the focus shifts to the south coast, primarily around Sanya. During these months, swells generated by weather patterns in the South China Sea arrive from the south or southeast. Surf consistency drops significantly compared to winter, with about 30% surfable days.

Spots like Sanya Bay, Yalong Bay, and the popular beginner hub of Houhai become the main targets.
Typhoon Season (May – November)
Overlapping significantly with the summer southerly season, the typhoon season introduces the potential for powerful, high-quality swells. These storms, tracking through the South China Sea or West Pacific, can generate significant groundswell with longer periods, potentially impacting both east and south coasts.
Waves can reach substantial sizes (8-10 feet or more), and certain spots are known to handle these conditions well. I haven’t experienced a typhoon swell in Hainan yet so can’t speak from personal experience. While some surfers I met said there can be 8-10 typhoons producing rideable waves per season, others said it’s more like 1-2.
Typhoon swells can be hard to track and dangerous. In addition, authorities often close beaches and enforce surfing bans during typhoon events due to safety concerns.
My recommendation for traveling to China for surf is to go during the winter months when it’s much more consistent and you’re almost guaranteed to get a few surfable days.
Swell Dynamics in Hainan China
The primary source of waves in Hainan comes from NE Monsoons in the winter. Generated by the pressure gradient between high pressure over mainland China and lower pressure to the south, these are the most reliable source of surf.
They typically exhibit moderate periods, averaging 10-12 seconds, though longer periods up to 17 seconds are possible under specific conditions. These swells primarily light up the east coast’s famed left point breaks, but often lack the raw power found in ocean groundswells from larger storm systems.
The prevalence of these quality left points, perfectly angled to receive the NE swell, is a key reason why winter is considered the peak season for quality surf in Hainan.

Wind Patterns: Offshore Breezes and Onshore Chop
Wind conditions are critical in shaping Hainan’s waves, particularly during the monsoon season.
Winter Winds:
The prevailing NE monsoon brings dominant Northeast winds.11 Crucially for surfers, these winds blow directly offshore at the numerous east-coast left point breaks (like Riyue Bay, Shimei Bay, Golf Course).
This natural geographical advantage grooms the incoming NE swells, creating cleaner, more organized wave faces ideal for surfing. Riyue Bay, for instance, benefits specifically from Northwest offshore winds and also offers some shelter from direct NE winds. While ideal for wave quality, these persistent northerly winds, especially stronger gusts, can introduce significant wind chill, making the water feel colder than the temperature might suggest (more on this below).
Summer Winds
Wind patterns become more variable during the summer months. Locals informed me and forecasts confirm that the wind is often onshore or side shore. Headlands can offer some protection in a few areas, but it’s not enough to bank on for a surf trip.
Tidal Influences in Hainan
Hainan’s tidal fluctuations are fairly moderate. Areas like Riyue Bay have a range of around 3-4 feet. I experienced low and high tide surfing at Riyue Bay and can confirm that the lower tide is better for shortboarding as the waves break a little bit faster. While the high tide waves are fatter and slower, in my experience they were noticeably bigger on the high tide.
Specific surf spots might be more sensitive, but in my experience tides were a secondary consideration compared to swell and wind conditions.
Water Temperature & Wetsuit Needs
Hainan’s tropical climate provides warm water year-round. Average water temperatures hover between 22-26°C (72-79°F).
Despite the warm water, winter does warrant a wetsuit. I thought I’d be okay with my board shorts because of the water temp, but often found I was the only one in the water without a wetsuit. Windchill is the main factor dropping the temperature. Most days had at least a light breeze and were overcast. Some days it was also drizzling.
A top or light spring suit is enough to keep you warm. You just need something to keep the wind off your back. Wetsuit recommendations generally follow:
- October – late November: Possibly no wetsuit needed, but consider a vest or top for wind.
- November – December: A springsuit (short arms/legs or long arms/short legs) is advisable due to wind chill.
- January – March: A light fullsuit, such as a 2mm or an old 3/2mm steamer, is recommended for comfort during longer sessions or on windier days.
It’s also noted that water temperatures in the far north of Hainan can be up to 4°C colder than in the south, potentially necessitating slightly thicker rubber if surfing in those areas during winter, although that area doesn’t catch much swell.
Board Selection
I was very glad I had my small wave board, could have used my shortboard a few days, and possibly my best surf was on a longboard a friend let me borrow. Here’s what I’d recommend for surfing Hainan.
Best Boards for Hainan’s Waves
Since the swells reaching Hainan lack significant power, more foam is your friend. Boards with more volume and speed, such as longboards, mid-lengths, funboards, or fish shapes, will help you get into weaker waves and cruise through slower section.
Since it’s difficult to travel with a longboard, I’d recommend taking a fun board and if you want to longboard you can find one to rent.
What are the locals riding?

There are plenty of Chinese surfing performance shortboards in Hainan, but in my opinion riding a small board on that wave is a lot of work and not the right match. On a low tide and stronger swell at a break like Riyue or Golf Course, a shortboard will be fun. But these sessions are less frequent.
Board Logistics
Deciding whether to bring personal surfboards or rent locally involves weighing convenience against equipment familiarity and the significant logistical hurdles of board transport.
Surfboard Rentals
Renting boards is a viable option in Hainan’s main surf hubs.
- Availability: Surf schools and clubs in Riyue Bay and Houhai village near Sanya offer rentals. This relatively developed rental infrastructure caters to the growing number of tourists and beginner surfers.
- Types: Expect to find soft-top beginner boards, standard shortboards, longboards, and potentially Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs). The quality and range of performance boards will be limited compared to bringing your own quiver. Some rentals might be locally manufactured boards, which have garnered mixed reviews regarding quality and durability. I have not ridden one, but a friend unboxed one while I was there and I was impressed with the shape, style, and quality upon inspection.
- Costs: Daily rental rates typically range from $5-10. Shorter rentals directly from beach vendors might be slightly cheaper, but this is limited mostly to soft tops and epoxy learner boards.
Traveling with Your Own Board
A few things to note when traveling with your own board in Hainan:
Motorbikes – Renting a motorbike with surf racks is easy and affordable. For around $5 USD per day you can get a small electric motorbike that will be enough for cruising around town and getting down to the beach.
Mixed Reception from Taxis – At the airport a driver in a standard four door sedan was happy to accommodate my boards at no extra charge. He adjusted the front seat, placing my board bag in the front, while I rode in the back. Later in the trip, another taxi hailed by the ride app DiDi refused to take my boards. Another seemed to not know what they were and I had to help show him how to lower the back seat of his SUV to fit them in the back.
No Boards On The Train? – I was told by locals that surfboards are not allowed on the train… but as a foreigner you may be able to get away with it. I did not test it, as I preferred the convenience of a car from the ride-hailing app through WeChat the few times I needed to relocate with my boards.
Navigating Hainan: Getting to the Surf
For short trips to the beach from your hotel or homestay, a motorbike with surf racks will do. If you need to go further, to other areas of the island, you’ll likely need to make friends with someone who has a car or call a cab. Based on my experience it’s best to stay near where you want to surf. Locals are very friendly and may be up for helping you get to a few spots further away, so don’t be afraid to make new friends.




The Lineup: Crowds, Culture & Vibe
Hainan’s surf scene is dynamic, characterized by increasing crowds, a diverse mix of surfers, and a unique, evolving culture that blends tropical relaxation with Chinese characteristics and government influence.
Crowd Levels: Navigating the Masses
While Hainan offers escapes from the mainland’s megacities, its popular surf spots are far from empty. Crowding has become more noticeable as surfing’s popularity booms in China. Certain spots and times are particularly affected:
Riyue Bay (Wanning): As Hainan’s most famous break and host to international competitions and national team training, Riyue Bay can get quite busy when the surf is up. The lineup is a mix of visiting surfers, local enthusiasts, large groups of surf school students, and highly skilled athletes from provincial and national teams, especially during training seasons (November/December are noted as particularly busy with teams). I had good luck with sessions early in the morning (before 9 am), during lunch breaks, and at sunset. The key time to avoid is 9-11am and 2-5pm which is the the peak training times of the official teams.
Houhai Bay (Sanya): This bay has rapidly become a hotspot, particularly known for beginner surfers and domestic tourists seeking an active, affordable alternative to Sanya’s resorts. The beach can get very busy, especially in the afternoons and evenings when a lively party atmosphere takes hold. The entrance area can also be congested due to ferry traffic for nearby Wuzhizhou Island. However, once past the main throng, the beach itself is sometimes described as more “low-key” than other Sanya beaches. The crowding here is largely composed of learners and tourists enjoying the social scene.
Quieter Alternatives: For surfers seeking solitude, exploring beyond the main hubs is key. Spots like Shimei Bay, Fuli Bay, and Xintan Bay (all generally in the Wanning/Lingshui area) are increasingly attracting surfers looking for less-crowded waves. South coast spots like Jinzonglu and Dadonghai are also noted for having fewer crowds, though wave consistency at Dadonghai is questionable and access may be restricted.
Visiting during major Chinese national holidays (especially Chinese New Year in Jan/Feb and the May Day holiday) is not recommended due to mass tourism influx, which leads to extremely crowded beaches and inflated prices.
Surfer Demographics & Skill Level
The surfers in Hainan’s waters are a diverse group. You’ll find the original generation of local Chinese surfers who pioneered the scene, alongside a rapidly growing contingent of newer domestic enthusiasts inspired by the trend. Expatriates living in China also surf but are much less common. During my two-week stay I saw less than 10 non-Chinese surfers out in the lineup.
The Vibe & Etiquette
Hainan’s surf culture is certainly unique. I saw some of the best longoarding I’ve seen anywhere else at Riyue Bay but also saw surfers in the lineup who didn’t understand what priority was.
The general atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Although some locals did inform surfers who were inexperienced when they were breaking the rules, it was not aggressive or confrontational. I didn’t see any aggressive localism, but it wasn’t an all-out “party wave” scene in Riyue Bay. Overall it felt like a relaxed, less strict lineup than any other point break I’ve surfed.
While you aren’t likely to be shunned as a visiting surfer, you may get an unintentional drop in. I recommend still being very respectful of the locals, giving them the priority at their home wave, and also keeping calm if someone unintentionally drops in on you.
Overlaying this grassroots development is the significant influence of the Chinese government’s push to develop surfing as an Olympic sport. This has brought investment in facilities (like the surf center at Riyue Bay), attracted foreign coaching expertise, and importantly, increased the sport’s legitimacy, leading to less hassle from authorities who previously viewed surfers with suspicion. However, this top-down approach also directly contributes to crowding through the presence of large training squads and may accelerate the commercialization of surf spots, potentially altering the original “soul surfer” atmosphere that attracted early pioneers.
Hainan Surf Spot Snapshot
Spot Name | Region | Wave Type |
Riyue Bay – Main Left | Wanning (East) | Left Point Break |
Riyue Bay – Beachie | Wanning (East) | Beach Break |
Riyue Bay – Ghost Hotel | Wanning (East) | Left Point Break |
Houhai Bay | Sanya (South) | Beach / Mellow Reef |
Shimei Bay | Wanning (East) | Left Point / Beach Break |
Fuli Bay / Xintan Bay | Lingshui (East) | Left Point / Beach Break |
Dadonghai Bay | Sanya (South) | Beach Break |
Jinzonglu | Sanya (South) | Beach Break |
Golf Course / Gui Lang | Wanning (East) | Left Point / Right Reef (?) |
Essential Hainan Surf Travel Intel
Navigating the surf in Hainan is actually the easy part. The real challenge is in the practical realities concerning communication, connectivity, accommodation, supplies, and safety.
Language & Communication
The language barrier is a significant challenge. English is not widely spoken outside of major international hotels and dedicated tourist services. Functional Mandarin Chinese is highly advantageous, if not essential, for independent travel, interacting with local service providers (taxi drivers, small shops), and navigating daily life.
I was surprised to find that even at the restaurants, motorbike rental shops, and convenience stores, employees spoke no English. Now I know how foreigners must feel when they come to America.
A translation app is critical if you aren’t planning to study Mandarin for at least a few months before arrival… but be aware that Google Translate won’t work in China (sometimes even with a VPN). You’ll need to learn a suite of new apps for this trip.
Connectivity & Apps
Internet access can sometimes be limited, particularly in more remote areas.3 More importantly, accessing the global internet as most Westerners know it requires overcoming China’s Great Firewall. A reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) is absolutely essential if you want to access international websites and apps such as Google services (Search, Maps, Gmail), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, and many Western news outlets.
The mainstream VPNs are also blocked, so make sure to do a little research before you arrive and set your phone or computer up with a couple recommended ones that aren’t blocked.
Several smartphone apps are crucial for navigating modern China:
- WeChat: The ubiquitous super-app used for messaging, social media, and, critically, mobile payments. Many smaller vendors may only accept WeChat Pay or Alipay.
- Baidu Maps: The Chinese version of Google Maps. Note that it’s only in Chinese, but it works and is much more accurate than Google Maps in China.
- Baidu Translate: The Chinese version of Google Translate. It’s quite good and can be navigated with a little trial and error.
- Trip.com: China’s leading online travel agency for booking flights, trains, and accommodation. You’ll find many more options here than on other western sites like Booking or Expedia.
Accommodation
Hainan offers a wide spectrum of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. In surf hubs like Riyue Bay and Houhai, choices range from budget-friendly hostels and local guesthouses (homestays) to mid-range hotels. For those seeking more comfort or amenities, international standard luxury resorts are available, strategically located near quality breaks in Shimei Bay or the Marriott in Fuli Bay.
Surf Supplies & Repairs
In general, I prefer to bring all essential supplies, including ample surf wax (tropical formula), spare leash, fins, fin keys, sunscreen, and a basic ding repair kit. While surf supplies are available in major hubs, the quality and availability vary widely. The last thing I want to do on a surf trip is spend a whole day searching for sunscreen that doesn’t have a skin whitening element to it.
There are several small boutique surf shops in the Riyuan area, but they have more clothes than actual surf supplies.







Safety & Hazards
While generally safe, there are a few things to be aware of:
- Rocks & Reefs: Many of the point breaks have a sandy beach but are reef underneath the break. Submerged rocks can be hazardous, especially at low tide. Watch where the locals surf and paddle out, and proceed with caution as you learn the break.
- Marine Life: Jellyfish and sea lice will provide short-lasting stings, but are more of an annoyance than a threat.
- Water Quality: The water is generally considered acceptable for surfing. Due to the relatively shallow nature of the South China Sea, water clarity can decrease during swells as sediment gets stirred up, but this is not usually indicative of pollution. There is a bit of litter and some runoff, but it’s generally not an issue.
- Access Restrictions & Closures: Surfers must be aware that access is not always guaranteed. Authorities may close beaches during typhoon swells for safety reasons. Some beaches might be generally off-limits to surfing or have designated swimming areas where surfing is prohibited. Lifeguards actively enforce these zones. While relations with authorities have improved since surfing gained Olympic status, I’d recommend respecting local regulations and instructions from lifeguards or officials.
Food & Drink
Hainan offers a variety of Chinese foods and few options for western food. Food stalls, local eateries, and convenience stores are available in and around surf villages like Riyue Bay and Houhai. You can view menus, translate them, submit an order, and pay all through WeChat in most restaurants. Even small street venders accept digital payment via WeChat or AliPay by scanning their QR code.







The cost is very reasonable, food quality relatively high, and it’s clean and safe.
Surf Trip To Hainan? Final Call
I’d recommend going if:
- You enjoy longboarding or funboarding on laidback waves
- You like surfing and want to experience China
- You want to keep your budget low
- You’re looking for a surfing stopover between North America and Southeast Asia
I’d skip it if:
- You haven’t traveled much and may struggle with adjusting to a foreign area with a completely different operating system
- You have 1-2 weeks vacation and want to get shacked… go to Indonesia instead