A Positive Mindset Gives this Windsurfer Wings

How many elite Hong Kong windsurfers can you name? How many university students do you know who are also competitive windsurfers? Meet Rafeek Kikabhoy, who ticks both boxes. He is a professional wingfoiler and windsurfer who has been representing Hong Kong since 2012, and also a sports scholar who will be pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at HKU, admitted through the Talented Athletes Direct Admission Scheme in 2024.

Rafeek started windsurfing when he was 8 years old. “I didn’t enjoy it at first,” he admits. “The equipment felt heavy, and I had to wake up early to get to the windsurfing class. It took me a couple of months to discover the excitement of this sport. Once I did, windsurfing gave me an exhilarating sense of speed and adventure every time I launched. It also offered me personal “me-time” as I sailed, allowing me to connect with myself and the water. These experiences fuelled my passion for windsurfing and motivated me to continually improve my skills.”

Somewhat surprisingly, his inspiration as a role model comes from outside of his sport. “The American professional basketball player Stephen Curry has always been a significant role model for me. His dedication and perseverance truly encouraged me,” says Rafeek. He often reflects on Curry’s journey – from facing setbacks early in his career to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time. “His attitude in overcoming challenges inspires me to push through my own difficulties in windsurfing.”

One of his most significant moments of failure came when he transitioned to the senior fleet after turning 18. The competition in the windsurfing team became intense, and the opportunities for overseas competitions were limited, with only a few spots available. “I struggled with my results and found myself questioning my abilities and commitment to the sport,” he recalls. There were times when he nearly gave up, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure and the fear of not being good enough. “However, I eventually realised how much I loved my sport and enjoyed the unique lifestyle that came with being an athlete. This perspective allowed me to confront my challenges head-on, understanding that setbacks are a natural part of an athlete’s journey.”

Rafeek chose HKU because of its strong sense of community, diverse campus culture, and its reputation for academic excellence. “I wanted to be part of this dynamic environment,” he says. “One of my future career goals is to create a business related to sports, so I decided to pursue a BBA to gain the essential skills needed for success in the business world, especially in the sports industry.”

He’s looking forward to engaging with his peers and building friendships here: “I will actively participate in workshops and seminars to gain practical skills and insights in my field. I’m also looking forward to joining student clubs and organisations related to business and sports, which will provide networking opportunities and allow me to collaborate with like-minded individuals. I think these experiences will help me grow both academically and personally.”

He anticipates that juggling his studies with training and other commitments will be tough – but he has a game plan for handling stress. “I intend to balance my studies, training, and other obligations by creating a structured schedule that prioritises time management. By setting clear goals for both academics and athletics, I can stay organised and focused.” He knows he’s lucky to have supportive friends and family to share his challenges and celebrate his successes: “I believe that a sense of community and open communication are essential for managing stress effectively.”

The success he strives for is defined by setting and reaching his personal goals: “In sports, success means continuously improving my skills and competing at higher levels. Outside of sports, it involves academic achievement, personal growth, and building meaningful relationships.”

In the long run, he wants to contribute to the windsurfing community by sharing his knowledge and experience with others – especially to the next generation of windsurfers: “I want to be a mentor to younger athletes, helping them develop their skills and navigate the challenges of the sport. In the future, I also plan to advocate for more partnerships and collaboration within the community.”

One piece of advice he would like to share with other HKUers is to stay curious, humble and positive. “I never say never! Stay open to possibilities, accept feedback with humility, and keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Stay optimistic and you’ll believe that anything is achievable with determination and hard work. Remember: a positive mindset gives you wings.”