By MOOK Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi, compiled and reported
The 2012 Taiwan International Surfing Open will take place from today (the 14th) to November 18 at Jinzun, Taitung. This year, it has been rated as an Asian Tour venue by the ASC International Surfing Organization, making Taitung the latest addition to the tour alongside Malaysia, … It is not only a qualifying event for juniors but also the highest-level (Ultima) surfing competition under ASC, and the only international surfing event in Taiwan. The head judge is TB, an International Level 3 judge from Australia’s Surfing Australia, who holds a prestigious position in the Australian surfing community, having judged numerous ASP tour events and served as head judge for many years. This ensures that the Taiwan International Surfing Open boasts a world-class judging panel. Moreover, this year’s event features the highest number of world champion surfers in Taiwan’s history, all top professional athletes with multiple championship titles. These include 2011 World Longboard Champion — Taylor Jensen, a consistent winner in the surfing world since the age of 6, as well as currently the most talked-about junior champion Nic Jones, and Wade Carmichael, currently ranked first in the Asia-Oceania region. They will all compete at Jinzun, Taitung.
The Taiwan International Surfing Open kicks off today at Jinzun, attracting many international surfing pros. (Photo provided by Taitung County Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
Taitung County Magistrate Huang Jian-ting stated that the first “Taitung International Surfing Competition” last year attracted many domestic and international participants, and this year’s event not only follows the top-tier ASC competition categories but is also divided into four major divisions: Men’s Shortboard, Women’s Shortboard, Longboard Mixed, and Junior Division. The total prize money has been increased from last year’s NT$300,000 to a record-high NT$600,000 for a surfing competition in Taiwan. To encourage local athletes to achieve better results, a “Best Improvement Award for Local Surfers” has also been added, with a total prize pool of NT$52,900, including NT$10,350 for the first-place winners in both men’s and women’s categories. Additionally, a “Best Maneuver Award” has been introduced, allowing spectators to witness not just wave racing but also high-level tricks such as aerial spins and spray flips. These elements have drawn many international surfers to register for the 2012 Taiwan International Surfing Open.
At the Taitung surfing event, the public can also participate in windsurfing or stand-up paddleboarding experiences. (Photo provided by Taitung County Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
In addition, to encourage the public to engage in water sports, visitors to the event site from November 14 to 18 can not only watch a world-class surfing competition and aquatic performances but also take part in outdoor experience activities. Through windsurfing or stand-up paddleboarding, they can experience the thrill of riding the waves. To encourage participation, Taitung County Government offers a raffle ticket to everyone who joins the outdoor activities, with chances to win great prizes such as Pioneer headphones, Timex watches, and 720 SHARK sunglasses.
● Related Reading: Sky Lanterns, King of the Pole, Hot Air Balloons – Taiwan Tourism Calendar Voting Now Open
http://goo.gl/5c70a