Tucked away in one of Hong Kong's most inaccessable corners rests Dai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay) - one of the regions few remaining unspoiled natural jewels.

As the seasons change and autumn brings the North Easterly Moonson, the swell increases and Hong Kong's surfing posse make the long pilgrimage to a place where waves have been known to have 14 foot faces, although 6-8' would be average. During this time the temperatures range from 16°c over night to 26°c with a relative humidity in the region of 50% sometimes until well into December, the weather is beautiful. By January temperature ranges of 8°-14° are regular and wet-suits are standard. The shape of the bay, the swell and the direction of the prevailing winds produce some good size sets with beautiful shapes. There is no accomodation in the area - campers only, so removed from civilization even mobile phones don't work ! In a neighbouring bay there's a village with a population of about 15, a cafe (simple menu serving excellent food), and a beautiful beach with considerably smaller surf (aka The Gromit Vomit Training Pool). Although ... sets have been known to appear. For many years this rare resource was a jealously guarded secret shrouded in mystery, since there are about six places in Hong Kong called Big Wave Bay but only one really delivers - confusion abounds. There are some of the hardcore surfers who have surfed these breaks for nearly two decades, back in the days when only one or two people made it out there ! It used to be that you would see more of the indigenous wildlife like water buffalo and wild boar than another human-being. Recently a few articles in the HK press (who brought that reporter?) has informed the population of the beauty of this place with no mention of the potential dangers. Between the period of 8th to the 17th Novemeber 1996, surfers rescued 12 swimmers who were in trouble, unfortunately there was one fatality - ALL were competent swimmers ! People - If you do make the hike out there please do not be deceived - The beach IS beautiful, the waves ARE fun, but the rip-tides are KILLERS ! These are not gazzetted beaches - There are no life guards on duty ! Contrary to conventional public wisdom when a surfer advises a swimmer to move it is not because they want to hog the break, the wash and the beach - There is usually a perceived if not real danger. On the lighter side, in recent years we've also had some cracking beach parties. Once with 40 in attendance when the "Dai Long Clan" attempted the construction of a tee-pee which resulted in collapse and a rather warming fire! In the abscence of drift-wood as an alternative to "burning down the house", the abundance of dried cow-pats make excellent fuel to keep the camp-fires burning through the darkest hours! In short "Dai Long" is a rare chance to get back to nature, let your hair down, relax and enjoy the ocean in one of the worlds' most developed and dymanic cities.