It has been a big year for the paddling community in Hong Kong. Initially paddling here, so close to Shanghai the home of dragon boating, involved exclusively that  – dragon boating. Now in addition to several hundred (yes, hundred!) dragon boating teams, there at least five outrigger canoe clubs, an active single craft scene and a fast growing number of paddling events for all kinds of crafts. My club, Hong Kong OCC (HKOCC), while not the largest or most experienced, is the fastest growing, and I suspect the most fun! We’ve now got 4 OC6 and two dodgy OC2s.  

Big regattas include:

"Round the Island" in November each year 40km changes race with a variety of craft (OC, ocean skulls, catamarans etc) all circumnavigating Hong Kong Island. This year we were joined by teams from HK, Singapore and Team Hawaii each of whom participated in the shorter sprint "around the little island" the day before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2xzMUTQGUs&feature=related

"Dragons Back " 24k Surf Ski, OC1, OC2 race from Sai Kung to Hong Kong Island. Big names and big seas. http://www.thedragonrun.com.hk/gallery.html

But the highlight of the year was the Heineken Cup in Guam and the Micronesia Cup in Palau. Neither of these races will challenge Molakai or Hammo anytime soon, but for beautiful ocean, gentle people and a whole lot of very keen paddlers makes for a great "road trip". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et7okEAAZCw