|
|
As
we endure the muggy days of summer, people all
over the island are looking for ways to cool off.
Swimming pools, mountain hikes, air-conditioned
coffee shops-- anything to find refuge from the
cripppling heat.
This
summer season, as thousands flock to Fulong Beach,
Honeymoon Bay (Ilan County), and Kenting national
park to cool off, a lucky few will take the opportunity
to travel to Taiwan's overlooked and underused
West Coast Beaches. The coastline stretching from
Lugang in Taichung County to the Tamsui Rivermouth
in Taipei County is home to some of the best wind-surfing
in all of Asia and, now, thanks to the enterprising
efforts of North Taiwan's small but committed windsurfing
community, there is a place you can go and try
this unique and thrilling watersport: Jhunan(Zhunan).
At
first glance, Jhunan(Zhunan) seems to be just another
train stop in Miaoli county, a nondescript seaside
town with nothing much to offer the interested
tourist, but head to the beaches near the harbor,
and you will find a tree-lined sand-dune oasis,
complete with bike trails, food stands, park benches,
showers, a small restaurant and, most importantly,
Tony's Place, where you can buy delicious food
and get room for NT$300 a night. Tony also rents
top-quality equipment for unbeatable prices and
friendly and qualified instructors can help you
learn to stand on the board, hoist the sail, and
catch the wind.
The
chance to try windsurfing in such friendly and
convenient conditions should really not be missed.
If you have any interest at all in the sea, watersports,
or the thrill of a great surfing session, or just
want to explore a little of the Taiwanese West
Coast, you should visit Jhunan(Zhunan) at least
once. The Taiwanese and foreign windsurfers are
all very friendly, and if you are really interested
in giving it a try, you will feel welcome.
Jhunan(Zhunan)
is not only a great spot for beginning windsurfers,
it is also one of the premier spots in Asia for
intermediate and advanced surfers. The prime time
for beginners lasts from April to September when
the sea remains relatively calm. Winter is the
season for adrenaline junkies as the brisk winds
blow down from Korea and North China at speeds
of 20 to 35 knots which combine with rough seas
to give experienced windsurfers an addictive thrill.
Winter is not the season for the faint of heart,
but you will find committed Taiwanese and foreigners
alike who wait in anxious anticipation for the
blustery winter months.
Many
foreigners come to feel restless, claustrophobic
and exhausted after too many summer weekends in
the city. A cheap and convenient excursion to Jhunan(Zhunan)
may be the perfect remedy. Who knows, this may
be the beginning of a passion that captivates you
as much as it does the hundreds of thousands of
windsurfers around the world.
Expenses:
One night Accomodation: NT$300
One Day Equipment rental: NT$1000
One Day Lesson: NT$500
Chicken Curry and a Beer at Tony: NT$200
|
