ADVENTURES
NORTH COAST
Paddling on the calm sea
even able to try a bit of surfing on the tiny waves. When on the beach, I looked back out at the ocean, tired from the workout. The three-hour expedition under the sun had been enough for me, but not for two of the instructors. After they helped us return our boards, they grabbed two racing paddleboards (longer and narrower, designed for speed and glide efficiency) and headed out for their own recreation, paddling furiously to the horizon. It will be no surprise to you that I highly recommend paddleboarding on Taiwan’s beautiful North Coast. You get as close to nature as is possible, experiencing the island’s natural beauty from the sea while having great fun and working out! Practicalities How to book Reservations are required and can be made, online at www.isup.com.tw . The three-hour paddleboard experience at Jinshan costs NT$1,800 for adults on weekdays, and NT$2,200 on weekends (half-price for children up to 12). What to wear Wear a bathing suit, and protect yourself against the sun. Waterproof pants and rashguards can be bought at sporting shops around Taiwan. Sunglasses are recommended, due to the sometimes strong direct and reflected sunlight. Getting there To get to Jinshan by public transport, you can take a bus following the coastal highway, including No. 862 (Tamsui-Keelung line or Crown Northern Shuttle Bus line from Tamsui to Guihou Fishing Harbor) and No. 863 (Tamsui-Jinshan). There is also a bus service connecting Taipei Main Station with Jinshan via Yangmingshan (Kuo-Kuang No. 1815). The staff at Breeze SUP can pick you up if you call in advance.
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TRAVEL IN TAIWAN
Apart from outings at Jinshan, Breeze SUP also offers trips for more advanced paddleboarders to the iconic Elephant Trunk Rock, located near Shen’ao Fishing Harbor on the Northeast Coast. The stronger currents at this location make the paddling more challenging and exciting. Breeze SUP also organizes outings to Dahu (Big Lake), in Yilan County’s Yuanshan Township, that are open to all. The calm lake waters allow for a variety of fun group activities. Groups of up to 10 people, for example, are challenged to stand on the same board together, jump from board to board, and paddle in tight rows. Paddleboard fishing is another activity offered at the lake; a longer and wider board is provided for this activity to provide better stability when casting. Breeze SUP (Sup 微風立槳運動俱樂部 ) 0932-332-942 www.isup.com.tw
English and Chinese Dahu 大湖 Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education 法鼓山世界佛教教育園區 Elephant Trunk Rock 象鼻岩 Fulong 福隆 Jinbaoli Old Street 金包里老街 Jinshan Cape 金山岬 Jinshan District 金山區 Juming Museum 朱銘美術館
Mystery Beach 神秘海灘 Ricky Wu 吳睿豪 Shen'ao 深澳 Shitoushan Park 獅頭山公園 Shuiwei Fishing Harbor 水尾漁港 Teresa Teng Memorial Park 筠園 - 鄧 麗君紀念公園 Twin Candlestick Islets 燭臺雙嶼 Yangmingshan National Park 陽明山國家公園