Taiwan
I
n 1980, Jeff Sun opened the first surf shop in Taiwan. Back then, his humble
establishment near Daxi station in northeast Yilan County attracted mainly
counter-culture rebels and hippies. As beach-going grew more popular in the
intervening years, surf hostels and schools have been sprouting up along the
black-sand beaches that line the subtropical island’s lush and mountainous east
coast. This picturesque stretch of Pacific coastline from Yilan down to the Hengchun
Peninsula in Pingtung County attracts beginners and pros with warm waters and
beckoning swells year-round.
WAI'AO, YILAN
The best view of Yilan County is from a surfboard out in the Pacific
Ocean. Turtle Island looms on the horizon, while in the opposite
direction is a mountain range shrouded in Taiwan cypresses. Once a
deserted stretch of black-sand beach, Wai’ao has grown to become
one of Taiwan’s most vibrant surf communities.
Only an hour on the bus from Taipei followed by a
12-minute train ride, it’s also the top choice for visitors seeking a
day trip outside the city. Just across the street from Wai’ao Train
Station is a pier overlooking the beach. Here, you’ll find tanned
surfer girls and boys hosing down their surfboards next to rows
of crops that local farmers have planted.
At the center of the hub is the Rising Sun Surf Inn. Opened in
the summer of 2012 by Garrett Ball from California, the inn attracts
both first-time surfers and pros, and lessons are offered in English
and Chinese. The main stretch of beach, away from the rocks, has
consistent swells that are suitable for beginners. After a full day of
surfing, beachgoers can unwind with locally brewed IPAs at the inn.
Another option is to stroll over to Drifters Pizza Pub by the train
station for some pizza and live music on Saturday nights. Wai’ao also
hosts the annual Wai’ao Seafood, Blues, and Brews every April, a
music festival that features bands from all over the world.
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