Twelve-year-old Xu Yuehan has emerged as a rising talent in competitive surfing, transitioning from an inland upbringing in Anning, Yunnan province, to a rigorous training schedule in Bali, Indonesia. After beginning the sport in 2024, Xu has secured multiple titles, including a victory at the 2025 National Surfing U Series in Guangdong and a runner-up finish at the 2026 Wanning, Hainan, stop of the same series. Her recent performance includes a fourth-place finish in the Open Women division at the 2026 Legian Boardriders-LSI Club Series in Bali, where she competed against adults.
From Inland Beginnings to Coastal Training
Xu’s entry into surfing began during a 2024 Spring Festival holiday in Wanning, Hainan, when she was nine years old. After participating in a surfing lesson, she successfully stood on her board during her third attempt. Following this experience, she requested to return to Hainan to pursue the sport. By the end of 2024, Xu transferred to a school in Lingshui Li autonomous county, Hainan, to facilitate a balance between her education and her training requirements.
Did You Know? Before moving to Lingshui Li autonomous county to pursue her training, Xu lived in Anning, a city in Yunnan province located nearly 1,000 kilometers from the ocean.
The Impact of a Rigorous Athletic Regimen
In Bali, Xu follows a structured daily routine that begins at 5 am. Her schedule includes multiple surf sessions, physical conditioning, and recovery practices such as stretching and massage. Despite the intensity of this regimen, she stated, “Standing on a wave makes me feel free,” and added, “I can try whatever moves I want.” Her ability to compete in the Open Women division in Bali—a category without age restrictions—demonstrates the rapid progression she has maintained since her initial introduction to the sport.
Future Competitive Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Xu Yuehan first get involved in surfing?
She discovered surfing during a family holiday in Wanning, Hainan, in 2024 after seeing a leaflet for lessons in her hotel lobby.
What is Xu’s current training status?
She attends a school in Lingshui Li autonomous county, Hainan, to remain close to the sea and frequently attends training camps, such as the one in Bali, Indonesia.
What major surfing achievements has Xu attained?
She won the girls’ under-12 shortboard event at the 2025 National Surfing U Series in Guangdong and finished as the runner-up in the same series at the Wanning, Hainan, stop in 2026.
What challenges do you think young athletes face when training for sports far from their hometowns?