No stopping the paddles in typhoon weather: A Todai student fulfills the dream of canoeing around Taiwan on 8/13

More and more people are taking on the challenge of circling Taiwan—there are elder cyclists touring the island, solo bikers, and even those hiking in flip-flops. But have you ever thought of a cooler way to go around the island? Someone in Taitung did it by canoe. A team from the Department of Physical Education at National Taitung University, named “Delivering Dreams – Never Stop Paddling,” arrived at Dapeng Bay in Donggang, Pingtung yesterday (7th) amid wind and rain. They are expected to return to Taitung on August 13, completing their one-month goal of circumnavigating Taiwan by canoe.

The canoe team arrived at Kaohsiung’s Gushan Fishing Port on the 6th. On the 7th, due to poor weather and sea conditions, the team opted for overland travel for safety reasons. At 2 p.m., they arrived at Dapeng Bay, where the Dapeng Bay Administration and Dapeng Bay International Development Company deployed over 10 canoes and rubber boats to accompany the Taitung University students. They launched from near the Dapeng Bay Cross-Sea Bridge, braving the rain to cross the waters of Dapeng Bay and reach the waterfront dock of the Dapeng Bay International Leisure Zone, completing a symbolic challenge.

In addition to giving out special postcards as thanks for this round-the-island journey, the students also shared that they met many other travelers circumnavigating Taiwan in unique ways—such as a girl biking solo around the island, and someone walking the whole way in flip-flops they bought for just NT$500. Everyone encouraged one another, creating an especially uplifting atmosphere. Despite disruptions from Typhoons Saola and Haikui during the trip, the team members held firm to their never-give-up spirit and will complete the final 7 days of the journey. They are scheduled to arrive at Fugang Fishing Port in Taitung around 3–4 p.m. on August 13, bringing this remarkable feat to a close.

● Read more: The most adorable moment in Taitung’s sky — Pirate and Mushroom hot air balloons take flight

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