Taiwan is officially referred to as the ‘People’s Republic of China’ and is known for being one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 23 million residents living in a space roughly the same size as Belgium.
Taiwan’s surf season is split into two distinct regions – the South Coast: June- October, the East Coast: November-March.
After arriving at Kaohsiung airport, you will be met by our awesome guide who will drive you straight to the South or East Coast, depending on the time of year you travel. The program whilst there is to simply surf, chill, dine and take in this amazing culture everyone should experience.
You can expect sand/rock bottom points, cobblestone beachies and the occasional reef break. Bring a variety of craft – a log, twinny and performance shorties as you will use them all!
Don’t expect death-defying slabs, do expect uncrowded waves for days, friendly locals and a memorable surf adventure.
The waves in Taiwan are largely undocumented, which is probably a good thing. Jinzun Harbor, Sangshuei Rivermouth, South Bay & West Bay are some of the best, must-surf waves in Taiwan.
Street food is both cheap, delicious and makes for a great post-surf energiser. Traditional restaurants line the streets of several local towns where you can get a three-course meal for less than $20. Night markets are also hugely popular and definitely worth checking out. Anything from braised pork, fish-ball soup, dumplings and a range of noodles can be found on most street corners and major shopping & dining precincts.
Journeys between surf breaks take you via quaint towns and breathtaking mountainous scenery. Snorkelling, go-karts, waterholes, hot springs and a bike ride through the many local townships are a great way to explore the friendly streets of Taiwan. Night markets are an absolute must-do while in Taiwan!
The number 4 is considered one of the unluckiest digits, as in Chinese it sounds similar to the word for ‘death’. Hospitals have no 4th floor and quite often apartments have cheaper apartments on the 4th floor. People have even been said to refuse phone or car registration numbers with the number four in it.
In Taiwan, it is considered rude to leave your plate completely finished. Hosts believe that if a plate is left completely empty, they have not prepared enough food and their guests are still hungry. So even if that last dumpling looks delicious, if you want to leave the venue with a happy chef, leave that last dumpling alone…who knows, your surfboard might even thank you for it tomorrow.
Taiwan is a must-do surf adventure. World Surfaris offer tailored surf packages to Taiwan for less than $2,000 for seven days surfing. The package includes an expert local and ex-pat surf guide who ensure you get the optimal experience of surf, scenery and culture.
Photos courtesy Neil ‘Moonwalker’ Armstrong.
For more info head to World Surfaris
