Showcasing aerial stunts in mid-air  International surfing competition kicks off in Taitung

Travel Center / Taipei Report

The annual Taiwan International Surfing Open is being held in Jinzun, Taitung from today (14th) to the 18th. This year, it has been recognized by the ASC International Surfing Organization as a stop on the Asian Tour, joining Malaysia, Vietnam, and other locations as one of the event’s key venues in Asia. Competitors’ performances will be evaluated for qualification to the ISA World Surfing Games—the highest-level (Ultima) surfing competition organized by the ISA—and it is also the only international surfing event in Taiwan.


▲The Taiwan International Surfing Competition kicks off today. (Photo / Long Shyang)

This year’s event features the highest number of world champion surfers from around the globe to ever compete in Taiwan. Professional surfers with numerous championship titles include 2011 World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen, a consistent winner in the surfing world since the age of six. Also competing are current top youth competitor Nic Jones, who is one of the most watched young athletes in the sport, and Wade Carmichael, currently ranked first in the Asia-Oceania region. All will battle it out in Jinzun, Taitung.

In addition to following the ASC’s top-tier competition structure, this year’s event is divided into four main categories: Men’s Shortboard, Women’s Shortboard, Longboard Mixed, and Junior Division. The total prize money has increased from last year’s NT$300,000 to a record-high NT$600,000 for a surfing competition in Taiwan. To encourage domestic athletes to achieve better results, a special “Best Domestic Progress Award” has also been added, with a total prize pool of NT$52,900, including NT$10,350 for first-place winners in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Additionally, the competition has introduced a “Best Maneuver Award,” allowing spectators to witness not only high-speed wave riding but also impressive aerial tricks and spray-spiking skills. These additions have helped attract many international surfing pros to register for the 2012 Taiwan International Surfing Open.


▲The event schedule is subject to change based on on-site weather conditions. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)


▲The surfing open has drawn many talented competitors vying for the trophies. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)