Surfing at Riyue Bay Surf Resort Hainan - China’s 1st & Brand-New Wavepool

Rough cost breakdown and other relevant information for people interested in going to the wave pool resort: I had 12 sessions and I spent about $1000 AUD on board hire and sessions combined. (Hardboard hire $60/day or $20/session) Bringing your own board can be hard and expensive with Chinese airlines Booked with Surfway Hainan (10% off or one free session) I surfed the A1, I1,I2, B4 wave settings (A=advanced I=intermediate B=beginner 1=less power/wall, 2=more power/wall) A2 looked too fast and tricky to stay in the right section. A1 was fast and powerful and good for turns. Steeper takeoff. I2 was super fun with a bit less power/steepness than A1 but easier to stay in the right section. I1 was slower - a longboard/groveller shortboard wave. Harder to paddle into on a shortboard and less power/wall to do good turns. B4 was a small weak foamy wave good for beginners learning to go down the line or just a fun foamy session to get the wave count up. B2 I didn’t surf but is a split peak for beginners to learn in soft waves. It can get crowded - 20 max surfers. This is PerfectSwell technology: 4-wave sets so lots of waiting unlike Wavegarden technology. If maxed out you might only get 6 waves in a session that you paid $70-100 AUD for. If there are less people you might get 10-15 waves. Coaches will sit in the lineup and assign you numbers so you wait your turn. Often they will tell you to always go after the same person in front of you so there is not point hurrying back to the waiting spot as you will have to wait anyway. I found this different to URBNSURF as if you are a fast paddler and can get back you can catch more waves. Working out positioning is tricky to start with as the wave appears to come out of nowhere. Lots of people either missing waves or taking off too deep. Accomodation: twin room ~$200 AUD/night (not pool view) Amenities - Pool and gym and DIY laundry There are a few (mostly western) restaurants and shops within the resort but much cheaper to walk to the streets where there’s is a vibrant nightlife and domestic tourist scene. Hopefully this info helps :)