Overview
The capital of Taiwan, Taipei, and its suburbs offer an “urban-based” kitesurfing trip experience, where riders can stay in the city and choose a beach depending on the daily wind direction and conditions. Utilizing rental cars, riders can enjoy hardcore riding at various spots during the day, and fully experience Taipei’s night markets and exquisite gourmet food at night. This contrasting lifestyle of on and off the water is its greatest appeal.
Wind Seasons and Conditions
The main wind season is the “Northeast Monsoon,” which blows from autumn to spring (roughly October to April). During this period, northern Taiwan is blessed with consistent, strong winds almost daily, making it an excellent training ground for attackers in the Asian region.
Main Kite Spots (Around Taipei)
Depending on the wind direction, riders mainly move between the following spots by car:
- Baisha (Baishawan): Located on the north coast of Taipei. It is a beautiful beach with white sand that works well with northerly winds.
- Guanyin: Located in the Taoyuan area, west of Taipei. It features a dynamic landscape with huge wind turbines lined up along the coastline, where strong northeasterly winds blow directly through.
- Dingliao: A kite spot located in New Taipei City (Northeast). In Taiwan, where the northeast monsoon is dominant, this spot is known as a rare beach with limited wind directions, functioning only when easterly or southeasterly winds blow.
Hsinchu Area and “Kite Village”
Located about an hour to an hour and a half drive south from Taipei, “Hsinchu” is nicknamed the “Windy City” due to its strong winds year-round. Around the beaches of Zhunan in Hsinchu (such as Spot Taiwan / Chunan Beach), there are facilities and communities where kitesurfers gather and set up their base. Affectionately called the “Kite Village” by Japanese riders, it is highly valued as a serious training environment not only by Taiwanese locals but also by international riders.
Search Aliases: Asia, Taiwan, Taipei / Hsinchu, TaipeiHsinchu