Taiwan Host First Surfing Event Asia Surfing Championship

Taiwan have hosted its first surfing competition in the form of Asia’s Surfing Championship (ASC), earning its status as one of Asia’s best surfing spots, and building Taiwan’s repertoire.

The Taitung County 2011 International Surf Challenge, the first ASC sanctioned event held in Taiwan, attracted contestants from around a hundred different countries, including Japan, the U.S., Indonesia, Australia, France, and Canada. Also included was this year’s Australian surfing champion Jackson Close, who has helped transform Taitung into Asia’s Hawaii. The competition, took place on the 26th and 27th of November at Taitung’s Donghe Village, separated into different categories with five different judges from countries such as Australia and Indonesia. The environment of Taitung, including geography, waves, and climate, has been recognized by the ASC as “four-star” out of a maximum rating of six stars.

The Taitung County Government has been working in tandem with the Department of Tourism, the Department of Education, the East Coast National Scenic Administration, and other government departments to make the 2011 Asian Surfing Championships happen. Taitung County Governor Justin Chang expressed his affirmation that the selection of Taitung as the location for this competition, earning recognition from competitors all over the world for its geography, waves, and scenic value, solidifies the county’s reputation as one of Asia’s top surfing spots.

Aside from the competition on the 26th and 27th, there was a welcome night party on the night of the 26th, which was open to participants and guests alike for a night of song and dance. The awards ceremony took place from 16:00 to 17:30 on the 27th. The organizers also offered transportation service that took commuters back and forth to ensure maximum convenience throughout the day at the event.