Huizhou is currently home to nearly 500 sports equipment manufacturers whose products have gained a strong foothold in the global market. Building on its robust industrial foundation and rich natural endowments of mountains, sea, lakes, forests, and rivers, Huizhou has set out a vision this year to establish itself as the "Outdoor Sports Capital of South China." With a sea area of 4,520 square kilometers and a coastline stretching 281.4 kilometers, how are local entrepreneurs venturing into the water sports sector to contribute to Guangdong's marine economy?

At the carbon fiber fabric production workshop of Sava, rows of advanced equipment operate in an orderly manner. Hair-thin strands of black carbon fiber is known for being lighter than feathers yet stronger than steel, are woven into fabric used for making bicycles and water sports surfboards.

"The products we manufacture are not only stronger but also significantly lighter, which enhances acceleration, maneuverability, and energy efficiency," explained by Ren Guoshen, General Manager of Sava.

In the company's showroom, Ren pointed to one of their products: "This is an electric hydrofoil, exclusively produced by us. Both the motor and other key components were developed in-house. It boasts an IP68 waterproof rating and can operate for up to 2.5 hours." Once launched, this water-based product is expected to become a new growth driver for the company.

A decade ago, Sava established a factory in Huiyang, producing mid to high-end carbon fiber bicycles. While researching the bicycle market, the company noticed growing enthusiasm for water sports products.

"Our team recognized substantial business potential in this area," said Ren. Seizing the opportunity, Sava promptly took action. In 2020, the company initiated its carbon fiber-powered surfboard project. After more than three years of research, design, and testing, mass production began in 2024 with the launch of two flagship products, the SAVA-500 fuel-powered and the SAVA-600 electric. Both models feature carbon fiber hulls, tail fins, and side fins, delivering high strength, lightweight design, and industry-leading technical performance in the domestic market. Sales have remained steady, already contributing 30% of the company's revenue.

Sava now holds numerous invention and design patents in the powered surfboard sector. According to Ren, the second generation of electric surfboards has been developed with upgrades in power and range. Mold production and sample trials are about to commence, with the new line expected to hit the market in the first half of this year.

Not far from Sava, the Changliukang Reservoir in Xinwei offers excellent natural conditions. Plans are underway to develop the reservoir and surrounding mountainous area into a professional cycling track and a water-powered surfboard venue, allowing more people to experience this emerging sport.

To prepare for future’s demand, Sava has constructed a new factory with expanded production capacity. Currently, the company produces over 10,000 water-powered surfboards annually. The new facility will boost annual output to 100,000 units, positioning Sava to meet the growing market demand for water sports products.

惠州企业发现商机  布局水上运动赛道

目前惠州有近500家体育制造企业，产品深耕全球市场。依托良好的产业基础、“山、海、湖、林、河、江”等户外运动资源兼具的自然禀赋，惠州今年提出打造“华南户外运动之都”。拥有4520平方公里海域面积、281.4公里海岸线的惠州，企业家们如何铆劲进军水上运动赛道，助力广东海洋经济的发展？

走进萨瓦公司碳纤维布生产车间，一台台生产设备整齐有序运作，一条条细如发丝、轻如鹅毛、强胜钢铁的黑色碳纤维丝，被“织”成一块碳纤维布，用在自行车和水上动力冲浪板上。“我们生产出来的产品，不仅强度更高，还能够大幅减轻自身重量，进而提升加速性能、操控性能和能耗经济性。”萨瓦公司总经理任国申说。

在企业展厅，任国申指着一款产品介绍道：“这是电动水翼板，是我们独家生产的，包括电机部分全由我们自己研发。防水级别高达IP68，续航时间长达2.5小时。”水上项目投产后，将给企业带来新的增量。

十年前，萨瓦公司在惠阳投资建厂，生产中高端碳纤维自行车。在发展自行车业务的一次调研中，萨瓦公司发现水上的运动产品非常受玩家喜欢，“我们公司觉得这商机很大。”任国申说，看中这一商机，萨瓦公司果断发力。2020年，萨瓦公司启动了碳纤维动力冲浪板项目，经过3年多的研发、设计、试验，在2024年开始量产，推出了碳纤维SAVA-500（燃油版）与动力冲浪板SAVA-600（电动版）两款明星产品。这两款产品的船身、尾鳍及侧鳍均选用碳纤维材料，强度高、重量轻，技术性能指标均处于国内行业领先水平，销量稳定，已占企业营收30%。

如今在水上动力冲浪板领域，萨瓦公司手握多项发明专利和外观专利。任国申说，电动款冲浪板已经研发第二代产品，动力、续航等方面均有提升，即将进行开模试产样品，预计上半年可推向市场。

距离萨瓦公司不远的新圩长流坑水库，天然条件很好，未来将利用水库及周边的山体，打造专业自行车赛道和水上动力冲浪板项目，让更多人有机会接触这项新兴的运动。萨瓦公司也建好了新厂房，为未来需求预留了足够的产能，目前水上动力冲浪板的年产量在一万多台，新工厂年产能可达10万台，满足了未来水上运动产品的需求。

统筹策划｜陈骁鹏

文、图｜林海生 贺沁怡 孙子浩

翻译｜陈慧琳

审校｜倪婷婷