Participants compete in the Lihu Lake Kayaking Contest in 2015. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wuxi's 2016 Lihu Lake Kayak Competition is just around the corner and fans of the sport should make sure to sign up for an event before it gets underway on Sept 15.

The competition is set to run until Sept 17 and the qualifying rounds for the men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles will be held on Sept 15.

On Sept 16 the winners will be decided in some hotly anticipated races. The day has also been earmarked for a special invitational race involving professional kayakers.

Sept 17 will allow keen amateurs to grab a paddle, jump in a kayak and show off some skills, a fun and fitting way to end the three-day kayaking bonanza. Visitors to the kayak competition will also have the chance to try wakeboarding and sailing.

A woman participant makes a victory pose during the kayaking training. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This year's number of participants is expected to reach over 1,000, more than twice the number involved last year. This is a testament to the fact that kayaking has been riding an upward wave of popularity in Wuxi for several years now. Many locals see the watersport as the perfect combination of leisure and exercise and the chance to enjoy some beautiful scenery further adds to the experience.

An official involved in organizing the event said the blissful tranquility of Lihu Lake make it a paradise for kayakers. With the local authorities onboard, the popularity of kayaking will undoubtedly continue to grow.