6 facts you need to know about Taiwan

Taiwan delivers great swell year round. Not known for death defying slabs or heavy hold downs, if you want that head elsewhere. Taiwan is rampant with classic beachies, rivermouth, cobblestone points and the occasional reef break off shore.

Limited crowds, a welcoming surf culture and the opportunity for a real surf adventure await. 

Historical Fact

Taiwan 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.

Surf Seasons

Taiwan’s surf season is split into 2 distinct regions.

The South Coast: April / July-October

The East Coast: November-March

After arriving in Kaohsiung airport, the closest to the surf coast, your guide will greet you and 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 needs to experience.

You can expect sand/rock bottom points, cobblestone beachies and the occasional reef break. Bring a variety of craft from a log, twinny and performance shorties, you will use them all!

Don’t expect: Death-defying slabs,

Do expect: Uncrowded waves, 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.

Food

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 3 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.

Non-Surf Activities

Journeys between surf breaks has you passing through quaint towns and breathtaking mountainous scenery.

Snorkelling, go-karting, waterholes/falls, hot springs and a bike rides 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!

Quirky Customs

The number 4 is considered one the unluckiest digits, as in Chinese it sounds similar to the word for ‘death’. Hospitals have no 4^th floor and quite often apartments have cheaper apartments on the 4^th floor. People have even been said to refuse phone or car registration numbers with the number 4 in it.

It is also considered rude to leave your plate completely finished after a meal. 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 in the morning!

Last thoughts on Taiwan as a Surf Trip

Taiwan is a must-do surf adventure. Tailored surf packages to suit your availability and skill level are the best way to go. Standard surf packages through World Surfaris start for less than $2,000 including 7 days surfing, a local guide for surfing and other activities. Meals are cheap, as is transportation. Local nightclubs and bars have a terrific atmosphere and its a great way to mingle with the friendly locals. Taiwan is also rich in history and culture. Bringing home a gift for the family is also easy with amazing shopping centres and local markets selling anything from handcrafted toys to Gucci leather handbags.

Perhaps the best thing about Taiwan however is the uncrowded waves scattered all over the South and East Coasts. There is no need to try plan your trip around a swell because there is always something surfable. 

Visit https://www.worldsurfaris.com/surf-trip/taiwan-surf-adventures for more information