Catch waves with international pros in Taitung!

By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

The “2011 Taitung International Surfing Invitational and Open” will take place on November 26 and 27 at Jinzun Fishing Port in Donghe Township, Taitung County. Following Malaysia, ... the ASC international surfing organization has rated Taitung as one of Asia’s best surfing spots. The event will gather over a hundred domestic and international surfers along with a prestigious panel of foreign judges for this international surfing extravaganza; Australian pro surfer Ry Craike has also been invited to Taiwan to compete with local surfing talent!

The ASC is known for its strict standards, and it has very high requirements for surfing locations. Thanks to its geographical location, wind direction, and wave conditions, Taitung stood out and was designated as a five-star competition site (the organization’s highest rating is six stars). Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting said: “With the ASC Asian Surfing Tour making its first-ever stop in Taiwan, we are inviting world-renowned surfers to challenge the waves of the East Coast. Coupled with coverage from domestic and international news and sports media, this will surely boost the visibility of both Taiwan and Taitung. We also hope to see more surfing lovers come to Taitung to enjoy the fun together. The Taitung County Government is also striving to make Taitung the Hawaii of Asia!”

In addition to the surfing competitions, the Taitung County Government is also hosting a Surfers’ Night to showcase the indigenous culture of Taitung on the international stage. To facilitate visitors’ travel to the event venue, the organizers have coordinated with the “Taiwan High Way” shuttle bus stops set up by the Taitung County Government and the Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Round-the-clock hourly shuttle services are available at locations such as Taitung Airport and Taitung Railway Station, saving visitors the hassle of parking and transportation.

For more information, please contact:

Taitung County Government Tourism Service Center Hotline: 089-357131

Taitung County Tourism Website: http://tour.taitung.gov.tw

Tourism Bureau Taiwan High Way Website: www.taiwantrip.com.tw