Nobody ever thinks about going surfing in Taiwan, but as you can see from these surfing photos, the Taiwanese do.. This is a blessing and curse depending on how you look at it. Wave riders traveling abroad often opt for better-known breaks in Hawaii, Malaysia, and the Philippines, so Taiwan’s lack of reputation is a blessing because it helps to keep the waves relatively uncrowded–especially for those willing to drive a few hours out of the city. It’s a curse, however, because it means that the world continues to miss out on Taiwan’s excellent surf (and it is, in places, epic).
Not that I’m complaining.
One of the most popular places to surf in Taiwan is Jinshan, a beach less than an hour’s drive from Taipei. It’s the closest beach to the capital city and has good waves for learning on, so it’s more crowded than most breaks (if you’re interested in going there, you’ll find all the information you need about Jinshan here)
These surfing photos will give you an idea of what Jinshan is like on a so-so day when the waves are small and messy. It was still pretty great (and not too crowded).

A few beginners with rented boards head out to play in the surf.

Paddling out.

One of the few foreigners out on the waves that day. There were only three including me.

The waves were messy, but a couple of the better locals managed to squeeze into some tiny barrels.

When there were no barrels to be had, they just made the best of the sloppy waves.

Several families came out to watch the surf and play in the sand despite the cloudy weather.

The surf was inconsistent, so surfers were all over the place looking for waves. The view there is fantastic.

There were plenty of good wipeouts.

Like this one.

Despite the conditions, most surfers were catching waves consistently.

Rentals were still moving. This shop owner is waxing up a board for a renter.

No Taiwan photoessay is complete without something Made in Taiwan.

Jinshan is not a hardcore surfer destination, but if you are looking for a place to near Taipei to have some fun with your friends, it is perfect.
This guest post is by freelance adventure travel writer, photographer, and blogger Matt Gibson. For more Matt Gibson adventure travel goodness, check out his adventure travel blog, Facebook page, and Twitter account. If nothing else, you should definitely download his free e-book Five Adventure Photoessays.
Hey Matt, thanks for sharing your surf trip in Taiwan.
As someone who’s been to Taiwan a lot before college to visit my family relatives … I find it ironic and funny that I’ve never seen the Taiwanese coastline or any of its beaches. I guess my parents never really thought to show me the sea over there.
Now that I actively search for waves to surf, I’m reminded that my homeland Taiwan of course has beaches. The waves may not be like the North Shore of Hawaii, but they are waves nonetheless, and like you mentioned, not talked about, so not as crowded.
I can’t wait to check out some surf spots in Taiwan, the next time I’m there.
Cheers,
Harrison
I have to admit that I have never realised the is a surf scene in Taiwan but it looks like there are some pretty good waves there – I grew up surfing in Cornwall where 30years ago you could still hit a secret spot with just a handful of friends, alas the secret spots are still there but they are not a secret anymore.
nice post, nice waves
Tristan
Ive looked for waves in the strangest of spots. I just came up short in Vietnam. Now I have to add Taiwan to my list.