Kayaking becomes family favorite in east China

Kayaking is gaining popularity in east China's Zhejiang Province, especially amongst families, as an alternative weekend activity.

At one water sport club in Hangzhou City, kayakers can be seen paddling along in the water. For first timers, it’s a fun and cool way to relax.

"This is the first time I came here. I haven't tried it before. It is pretty fun," said a visitor.

"I will. Because the weather is hot, and it is good to exercise”, the visitor added.

Coaches at the water sport club say, most of their visitors come during holidays or weekends, and about half of them arrive with their families.

According to the club operator, beside leisure kayaking guests can also choose to participate in rowing, a popular sport in the West.

"It is more expensive for [professional] rowing because it is considered a noble sport in foreign countries. We charge about 20,000 yuan (around 3,092 U.S. dollars) per year. Kayaking [trainings] costs less because it is easy to learn, and the cost of equipment is lower, about 7,000 yuan (roughly 1,082 U.S. dollars)," said Qiu Baoshun, general manager of a water sport club.

Leisure kayaking it is relatively easy to learn, and new students can hit the the water as soon as they finish the safety training course. It costs about 200 yuan (about 31 U.S. dollars) per person at this water sport club.