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.
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