The National Youth Sailing Championship and Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Tournament for Outstanding Rowers 2023 officially kicked off at the Da Nang beach on Saturday.

Co-organised by the Viet Nam Boat Racing Federation and the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, the competition attracts more than 50 male and female athletes in both disciplines from Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh and Da Nang.

Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports Pham Tan Xu presenting souvenir flags to participating teams.

Due to the unfavorable weather conditions on Saturday morning, the sailing competition was rescheduled to the afternoon of the same day.

Sailing athletes prepare for their performances in the midday sun

At the Sailing tournament, athletes compete in men's and women's events in Optimist boats (male and female competitions), laser boats, and 470 boats. In the SUP tournament, athletes compete in men's and women's events at distances of 200m; 1,000m; 1,500m; 2,000m; and 6,000m. The SUP tournament is divided into age groups from 10 - 14 years old, 15 - 17, and 18 years old and above.

Sailing athletes before the competition.

The levers that bring the sailing boats from the shore to the water are thoroughly checked to ensure safety.

The 3rd Sup Tournament attracts the participation of lots of young athletes.

In recent years, the SUP movement has been developing strongly in Da Nang.

Reporting by BAO LAM - Translating by M.DUNG