The first Kunshan Baifu Double Kayak Challenge was held during the 2013 China · Jinxi International Jet Ski Grand Prix...

    The 2013 China · Jinxi International Jet Ski Grand Prix, hosted by the Water Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Jiangsu Provincial Sports Bureau, and organized by the Jinxi Town Government of Kunshan, the Kunshan Sports Bureau, and the Kunshan Tourism Resort Management Committee, took place in Jinxi Town, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province.
    As a highlight of the competition schedule, the first Kunshan Baifu Double Kayak Challenge, co-organized by Canadian Baifu (RIOT) Kayak China, was held on September 27 and 28, featuring preliminary and final rounds. A total of 40 kayakers from clubs across Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Hunan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Shanghai, and Tianjin registered for the 2-kilometer out-and-back race. After fierce competition, the top three teams that advanced to the finals came from Hangzhou Coastline Club and two clubs in Shanghai. They were awarded Baifu Edge13, Edge11, and Quest10 kayaks respectively, all provided by Baifu Kayak China – Kunshan Yaohuo Sports Goods Co., Ltd. The oldest pair in the competition—a 50-year-old male and a 48-year-old female duo from Tianjin Tianhaifeng Club—won the Best Sportsmanship Award with their tenacious spirit and positive attitude. The perfect teamwork between the 45-year-old male and his partner in the winning team also became a highlight of the event.
    This two-day kayak challenge not only provided an opportunity for domestic kayak clubs and enthusiasts to showcase their skills but also served as an open platform for mutual exchange and learning, attracting many new participants to the sport.

First Kunshan Baifu Double Kayak Challenge participants ready to race

Finalists poised at the starting line

Winners of the competition – the 45-year-old male from Hangzhou Coastline Club and his perfect partner

The 50-year-old male and 48-year-old female duo from Tianjin Tianhaifeng Club awarded the Best Sportsmanship Award

Returning victorious from the preliminaries

Double kayak speed race finals

Award-winning participants and sponsors take a group photo

Group photo of some participants

    Kayaking, as an emerging water sport in China, is rapidly gaining popularity. Over the past two years, it has steadily grown in appeal from south to north, becoming a fashionable activity embraced by more and more outdoor enthusiasts. Many have incorporated it into their regular fitness routines and weekend leisure activities.

 
Baifu kayak coach instructs a Xinjiang participant in practicing the Eskimo roll

    Kayaking is often seen as a highly specialized competitive sport. In reality, it’s an accessible outdoor activity that’s easy to pick up, affordable, and beneficial for strengthening muscles in the waist, arms, shoulders, and back, as well as improving balance and coordination. In recent years, it has gained a growing following among young adults and families who enjoy the immersive feeling of being one with nature—offering endless fun. The support from Kunshan Yaohuo Sports Goods Co. in organizing this event also aims to give outdoor enthusiasts more opportunities to experience the sport. Lin Quan, the Chinese general manager of the company, stated that they plan to not only continue hosting such events but also to expand their scale and enhance the fun factor.
    The 2013 China · Jinxi International Jet Ski Grand Prix featured various competitions including sit-down jet ski qualifying races, stand-up jet ski qualifying races, rowing contests, and the double kayak challenge. Over 100 participants from South Korea, Canada, the United States, Malaysia, Serbia, Spain, and China took part. Highlights during the opening ceremony included impressive performances by the Chinese National Water Ski Team and local folk-style rowing displays.

Opening ceremony of the 2013 China · Jinxi International Jet Ski Grand Prix

Some participants of the 2013 China · Jinxi International Jet Ski Grand Prix

Performance by the Chinese National Water Ski Team

"Human Fly" stunt performance by the Chinese National Water Ski Team

    The competition was held at Wubao Lake in Jinxi Town, Kunshan—over 2,500 years old, adjacent to the ancient city of Suzhou and just 7 kilometers from Zhouzhuang. Known for its picturesque scenery of "36 bridges and 72 kilns," and preserving the classic Jiangnan water town features of "small bridges, flowing water, and rustic homes," the historic Jinxi Ancient Town added charm to this event.