In the first stage of the council on physical fitness and sports' program, the government bought 426 windsurfing boards and sails this year and distributed them to sailing and surfing clubs all around Taiwan. It then paid for professional windsurfing training for the military service recruits like Hsu , who were then dispatched to train other potential instructors at the various clubs.
The government calculated that the three-day course would cost about NT$3,200 and has agreed to subsidize NT$2,000 of the cost, bringing the grand total for three days of instruction, board rental, food, insurance and even a graduation certificate to NT$1,200.
The sea-kayaking element of the plan is partially underway, with the military service recruits visiting pools to teach children for free how to paddle a kayak. Sea kayaks can also be rented at Dapeng Bay, where the recruits are based and can offer instruction.
For the time being, the sailing part of the plan is not yet on offer, as the recruits are still undergoing training in the sport under the guidance of foreign professional sailors.
People interested in learning windsurfing can check http://service.chc.edu.tw/oceansports for an application to sign up for courses or contact the clubs directly.Commission (07) 335 3683.
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