ABOUT TOWN: Enjoying the Great Outdoors in Taichung

From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002:

By Tammy Huang Translated by Cheryl Robbins

The weather has warmed up and, with the two-day weekend, there is much more time to get outdoors, exercise and enjoy nature. The Taichung area has many clubs, organizations and businesses that specialize in outdoor recreation. Below is a very small sampling of what is available.

Together Outdoor Store

In Western countries, extreme sports are very popular. However, people in Taiwan have just begun to learn about activities like rock climbing. Together–a venture of the Giant bicycle company–has invested a great deal of financial and human resources to feature the island’s first year-round outdoor rock-climbing training area, just in front of its store. For those interested in getting a feel for this sport, the cost is only NT$100 for a short one-on-one course with an experienced rock climbing instructor.

Together furnishes the equipment you will need for climbing the artificial rock face. Those with rock climbing experience and their own equipment only need to pay a fee of NT$100 for unlimited access to the training area. Or, for NT$500, purchase an activity card which entitles the user to participate in six rock-climbing activities. After completing a beginner’s course, cardholders are eligible to participate in rock-climbing association events suited to their skill level. These include rock climbing trips all over the island. As noted below, Together also offers course for in-line skating (rollerblading), skateboarding and other activities.

Courses Offered:

1. Beginning Rock Climbing: Includes an introduction to rock climbing equipment, extending and grasping for hand and footholds, safety tips, rope knotting, basic climbing techniques and training.
   Tuition: NT$2,500
   Class Times: adults (Monday and Wednesday), children (Tuesday and Thursday) 7-9 pm (total of eight classes)
   Equipment provided
2. Basic In-line skating: Includes standing, kneeling, stepping, safe falling, moving from side to side, turning and braking.
   Tuition: NT$1,200
   Class Times: Monday and Wednesday 7:30-9 pm (total of six classes)
   Participants must bring their own skates, knee and elbow pads, helmet and gloves
3. Basic Skateboarding: Includes introduction to skateboard equipment and balance. Students gradually learn skills such as grabbing the skateboard and jumping off, or flipping the board with feet or hands.
   Tuition: NT$1,200
   Class Times: Monday and Wednesday 7:30-9 pm (total of four classes)
   Skateboard provided.
   Open to those aged 10 or over

17, UenShin (WenHsin) Rd., section 1
Tel: (04) 2386-8612 ; 2475-8525
Hours: 11 am-10 pm Tues-Sun (Closed Mondays)

Jack Wolfskin

Listening to Manager Lu’s description of Jack Wolfskin’s outdoor adventures, it is obvious that this organization (named after the German outdoor gear maker) is committed to promoting environmental conservation and understanding of local cultures. Manager Lu says: ‘Every place has its unique beauty and value. Our job is to discover those qualities, then plan the most suitable itinerary for those who want to see that beauty and value for themselves.’

Participants are able to come in contact with nature and local people. Meals are eaten in small, local eateries and accommodation may include a boarding house or hostel. The staff at Jack Wolfskin understand that the quality of the guide greatly influences the quality of the trip. Therefore, much attention is paid to hiring the best guides. On each trip, there is one guide with the technical or professional experience required, as well as a local guide, perhaps an Aborigine, familiar with the area. Thus, participants are able to obtain a variety of information about plants, birds and stars. Depending on the season, Jack Wolfskin organizes bird-watching trips. Other activities include a visit to a farm where families can pick blueberries to make their own jam.

Jack Wolfskin also holds free lectures and courses on a regular basis. So, if there is a particular interest you have, first listen to a lecture or take a class, then join a related tour.

On April 13, there will be a slide show to introduce the various courses available. This lecture will be given by Chang Hsi-ming of the Jack Wolfskin Wildlife Education Center. Ecotours in April include a camping trip to Nan River. Cost is NT$2,800 per person. From April 27 to 28, there will be a hiking trip along the Old Chung-chih-kuan Trail. Cost is NT$2,700 per person. For information on upcoming lectures and trips, call the organization.

2-64, WuChiuan (WuChuan) Rd., 3F (across from the Taichung Municipal Cultural Center)
Tel: (04) 2371-0588
Hours: 10 am-9:30 pm (Closed Sundays and holidays)