Surfing, hot springs, hotpot
“It’s hard anywhere in the world to find a place that has both strong winds and big waves,” says Nick. He usually surfs in Biarritz or Hossegor, both of which have well-developed surfing cultures, but in winter they are too cold. For him, Taiwan has great “consistency” in its waves from October to February, so he can expect to enjoy surfing every day, which is “very nice.”
Nick first came across Taiwan in 2022 while searching online for surfing venues. He found an appealing video posted by a surf shop in Dulan, and after doing his homework, he decided to come to Taiwan to surf.
Nick, who shipped two windsurfing boards and a surfboard from France to Taiwan by air, has high praise for the wind and waves in Taitung: “The waves in Dulan are very consistent, and they are very powerful without being dangerous, so it’s a good place for me to improve my technique.”
After getting out of bed each morning Nick starts his day by going to the 7-Eleven for a cup of coffee, after which he goes to check out the day’s waves. “If there are big waves, I surf. If the wind is strong, I windsurf.” He says with a smile: “Windsurfing is the cousin of surfing.”
He explains that surfing is an extreme sport that is physically exhausting. “The best recipe for recovering my strength is a soak in a hot spring plus hotpot, especially hotpot flavored with Chinese medicinal herbs, which is very healthy….” As Nick speaks, his expression reveals a deep sense of contentment, and he smiles happily. “If I didn’t have to work, I’d like to live in Taiwan all the time.”
Nick avers that surfing clears the mind and brings a sense of satisfaction, which helps you to enjoy your life in general. The most important thing is that he has met many friends in Taiwan who share his love of surfing. Having come to Taitung for a second three-month stay during the 2023 surfing season, he says, “In the future I want to come to Taiwan every year in the surfing season.”
WaGaLiGong Dulan Surf and SUP House & Bar holds the Taitung Wave Classic every year, drawing surfers from around the world to gather in Taiwan. (courtesy of Taitung Wave Classic)