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As
we endure the muggy days of summer, people
all over the island are looking for ways to
cool off. Swimming pools, mountain hikes, air-conditioned
coffee shops-- anything to find refuge from
the cripppling heat.
This summer season, as thousands flock to Fulong
Beach, Honeymoon Bay (Ilan County), and Kenting
national park to cool off, a lucky few will
take the opportunity to travel to Taiwan's
overlooked and underused West Coast Beaches.
The coastline stretching from Lugang in Taichung
County to the Tamsui Rivermouth in Taipei County
is home to some of the best wind-surfing in
all of Asia and, now, thanks to the enterprising
efforts of North Taiwan's small but committed
windsurfing community, there is a place you
can go and try this unique and thrilling watersport:
Jhunan(Zhunan).
At first glance, Jhunan(Zhunan) seems to be
just another train stop in Miaoli county, a
nondescript seaside town with nothing much
to offer the interested tourist, but head to
the beaches near the harbor, and you will find
a tree-lined sand-dune oasis, complete with
bike trails, food stands, park benches, showers,
a small restaurant and, most importantly, Tony's
Place, where you can buy delicious food and
get room for NT$300 a night. Tony also rents
top-quality equipment for unbeatable prices
and friendly and qualified instructors can
help you learn to stand on the board, hoist
the sail, and catch the wind.
The chance to try windsurfing in such friendly
and convenient conditions should really not
be missed. If you have any interest at all
in the sea, watersports, or the thrill of a
great surfing session, or just want to explore
a little of the Taiwanese West Coast, you should
visit Jhunan(Zhunan) at least once. The Taiwanese
and foreign windsurfers are all very friendly,
and if you are really interested in giving
it a try, you will feel welcome.
Jhunan(Zhunan) is not only a great spot for
beginning windsurfers, it is also one of the
premier spots in Asia for intermediate and
advanced surfers. The prime time for beginners
lasts from April to September when the sea
remains relatively calm. Winter is the season
for adrenaline junkies as the brisk winds blow
down from Korea and North China at speeds of
20 to 35 knots which combine with rough seas
to give experienced windsurfers an addictive
thrill. Winter is not the season for the faint
of heart, but you will find committed Taiwanese
and foreigners alike who wait in anxious anticipation
for the blustery winter months.
Many foreigners come to feel restless, claustrophobic
and exhausted after too many summer weekends
in the city. A cheap and convenient excursion
to Jhunan(Zhunan) may be the perfect remedy.
Who knows, this may be the beginning of a passion
that captivates you as much as it does the
hundreds of thousands of windsurfers around
the world.
Expenses:
One night Accomodation: NT$300
One Day Equipment rental: NT$1000
One Day Lesson: NT$500
Chicken Curry and a Beer at Tony: NT$200
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