HONG KONG – A seemingly routine scene for the upcoming wakesurfing film “Wave of Youth” turned into a life-threatening ordeal for actor Jeffrey Ngai, who was dragged underwater by a rope for several seconds before managing to free himself. The incident, which occurred over a year ago, left him with both a physical scar and lingering psychological trauma.
Ngai, alongside co-stars Tong Kai-yan and Julian Zhu, stars in the film that uses the high-energy sport of wakesurfing as a backdrop for a coming-of-age story. For Ngai, a self-described novice to the sport, the production required months of intensive training. While he vividly recalls the exhilaration of his first successful ride, that joy was nearly overshadowed by a catastrophic mishap during filming.
“When I fell into the water, the rope wrapped around my neck. I was dragged behind the boat for about three or four seconds,” Ngai recounted in a recent interview. “I was lucky to get the rope off in time to save myself.” The production team immediately provided first aid and rushed him to the hospital. Following the accident, Ngai required a month of recovery before returning to set. “Every time I got back on the board, I was afraid,” he admitted. “I pay extra attention to where the rope is now—it’s become an instinct.” Although the experience has not given him a full phobia of water, he noted that he would now think twice before wakesurfing casually during leisure trips.
Co-star Tong witnessed the incident from nearby and described it as a brush with death. “My biggest fear was that he might have injured his spine. We’re all very grateful he’s okay,” she said. For Tong, the film’s greatest challenge was portraying a professional wakesurf instructor. Despite having some surfing experience, she felt immense pressure to execute difficult maneuvers with an effortless look. “I’m not at a professional level, so I felt scared and insecure during filming,” she explained. Over six months of training and shooting, she endured icy water, harsh sun, and significant skin darkening—so much so that she worried she would be the “darkest girl on set” for her next project, “King of the Night.”
Julian Zhu plays a charismatic instructor who uses various tricks to please clients, a role he says mirrors his own past as a swimming coach. “I used to teach kids aged five or six, mostly just playing in the water to make them happy,” he said. “I applied that same experience to my performance.”
The film’s plot revolves around online shaming, a theme all three actors addressed personally. Ngai believes online criticism, whether positive or negative, can help personal growth. Zhu emphasized the importance of self-control, saying he avoids spreading negativity online. Tong offered a pragmatic view: “No profession is immune from public scrutiny online. Since you can’t avoid it, you have to coexist with it. When I’m upset, I go home and let it out, then I’m fine.”
“Wave of Youth” is set for release later this year, offering audiences both adrenaline-fueled water sports and a commentary on modern digital life.
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