Footprints Recruiting

Surfing, Windsurfing, and Kitesurfing in Taiwan

While Taiwan is not known as a "surfers' paradise", there are quite a few places in Taiwan where the sea glides into a sandy beach; where coastal mountains serve as a backdrop; where there are waves suitable for beginners as well as advanced surfers. The surfing in Taiwan is decent all year 'round.

Beginner Surfers in Taiwan

As a rule, longer boards catch smaller waves, are more stable, but offer less in terms of steering. Short boards are less stable, require more paddling to catch a wave, but afford the oppurtunity to impress your friends with fancy maneuvres.

Some tips for beginners:

Stretch before going out
Use the leash! The cord on your board attaches to your ankle, so that if you fall off, your board doesn't take off into the deep blue without you.
Don't forget to paddle! You need to make sure you will be travelling as fast as the wave when it arrives.
To get up: push with your arms and slide your feet under you into a wide stance.

Rentals and Purchases

If you're looking for a longboard (2-3 meters long) to rent in Taiwan, ask for a 'Chang Ban', which should be wide, thick, and made of foam. DO NOT PAY MORE THAN NT$500 for a beginner surf board for all day. If you want to buy a surfboard, prices start around NT$20,000 because they are imported.

Other Water Options

If you're not too keen on surfing, or if it's just not enough, there are several other options for you.

Body/Boogie Boards - offer the same thrill as surfing, but feel safer and are much easier to carry and catch waves.
Windsurfing - Taiwan offers perfect conditions for windsurfing. There is always a wind, and there are loads of places to windsurf safely.
Kitesurfing - is "the new surfing" wherein you strap a small board to your feet and attach a kite to your waist.

Links

Here are some links that have English as well as Chinese language options.