Perfect time to get out on the water

Bucklands Beach Yacht Club Rear Commodore Power Wayne Huang has been busy introducing the local Chinese community to sailing via a new YouTube channel.

On the first day of level 3.2 in Auckland – Wednesday November 10 – he held a community open day for locals keen to get outdoors, learn how to windsurf and enjoy the area’s local beaches.

Huang, together with double Olympic sailing gold medallist Bruce Kendall, and training institute ShareBoating, wanted to promote the outdoors and water sports the can be enjoyed in east Auckland over the summer months.

“This activity attracted a number of local professionals, school students and parents from the local community keen to try windsurfing for the first time,” said Huang.

Dr Alice Yang of Half Moon Bay was one of them.

“After being in lockdown for a so long it was such an exciting experience to get outside and learn something new especially on such a beautiful day at an amazing beach,” she said.

Macleans College student Sarah Huang was also pleased to be out on the water. “It was so much fun, I think I’ve developed a new hobby,” she said.

Wayne Huang hinted that they might do it again. “It’s a one of the great ways to any tackle mental health issues after such a long lockdown,” he said.

“It was evident from the success of the day that the importance of getting outdoors and trying new things does wonders for one’s wellbeing and state of mental health. Everyone left in high spirits, keen to try again.”