MotoSurf Racing Makes Debut at the World Games in Chengdu, China

Chengdu, August 14  — The 2025 World Games in Chengdu is in full swing, and for the first time, the powerboating discipline will feature MotoSurf, a high-speed water sport raced on fuel-powered surfboards. Combining elements of surfing and jet skiing, the sport delivers a visually thrilling experience open to both men and women.

This marks MotoSurf’s debut at the World Games after a decade of development, representing the powerboat category on the world stage. The competition also embraces sustainability by using zero-emission fuels, in line with environmental goals.

Competition Overview

According to the World Games Organizing Committee, the MotoSurf competition will take place at Sancha Lake, Chengdu, from August 15 to 17, 2025. Events include Men’s, Women’s, and a mixed-gender Nations Cup relay. This is the only powerboat event in this edition of the World Games.

Athletes will race on boards equipped with fuel-powered engines in an open-water course of approximately 200m x 200m, marked by buoys. The winner is determined by the shortest time to complete the designated laps. A total of 41 athletes from 15 countries will compete, including eight athletes from China — four men and four women — securing participation across all three events. The host nation’s strong representation highlights China’s commitment to and enthusiasm for this emerging sport.

„I am really proud to represent China in this fast-growing sport. Our whole team has trained really hard for The World Games. We will do our best for the podium finish and we are ready to bring glory to our nation.“ says Zhang Mao Zhu, the leading racer of the Chinese Motosurf racing team.

Rising Sport with Global Appeal

Originating in the Czech Republic in the early 2010s and introduced to China in 2014, MotoSurf breaks away from traditional surfing’s dependence on waves. Powered by fuel or electric motors, its “jet-surf” technology enables thrilling rides even in inland waters. Athletes stand on specially designed boards, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h, with waves crashing and engines roaring — creating a unique sensory spectacle on the water.

With its compact equipment, moderate speeds, and robust safety measures, MotoSurf is considered one of the safest forms of powerboating. This makes it highly accessible for beginners and water sports enthusiasts, helping the sport grow in popularity worldwide. At the World Games, its fast-paced, dynamic nature has quickly captured the attention of international youth and family audiences, cementing its place as a “next-generation” sport.

As one of the newest competitive disciplines under the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), MotoSurf has rapidly expanded its global footprint in recent years. Its environmental credentials are also noteworthy — at the Chengdu World Games, all competition boards will be powered by the world’s smallest zero-emissions fuel-powered engines, blending internal combustion performance with clean energy innovation. The mixed relay event will even use fully electric boards for a zero-emission race.

Making its first-ever appearance at the World Games, MotoSurf is set to deliver a high-octane spectacle of speed and skill on Sancha Lake. This debut not only offers thrilling competition but also promotes safety, sustainability, and the continued growth of this exciting water sport worldwide.