While the waters by Wushi Harbor (烏石港) was once home to pirates and tradesmen during the late Qing Dynasty, it is now dominated by surfers and beach bums. In fact, the stunning black sand beaches of Taiwan’s east coast have increasingly appeared on the radar of local and international surfers. Last November saw the Taiwan Open of Surfing in Taitung (台灣國際衝浪公開賽) and today marks day one of the three-day Yilan Surf Competition (宜蘭國際衝浪大賽) in Wushi Harbor after it was postponed due to last week’s typhoon.
The yearly event sees surfers from around the world compete for various awards. The competition is free and open for all to watch so beach-goers are welcome to drop by. Also nearby are seafood restaurants, fish markets and surf shops that offer board rentals and lessons. There will be an “after party” at Drifters Pizza Pub by Waiao Train Station (外澳火車站) tomorrow at 7pm, and the awards ceremony is Sunday from 4:30pm to 5:30pm, back at Wushi Harbor.
■ The 2016 Yilan Surf Competition (2016宜蘭國際衝浪大賽) is today from 12:30pm to 5:30pm, tomorrow from 8am to 10pm and Sunday from 8am to 5:30pm
Photo courtesy of Anita Surfer Girl
■ Venue is Wushi Harbor (烏石港), by Blue Ocean Surf Shop (藍洋衝浪店), 385-1, Binhai Rd Sec 1, Toucheng Township, Yilan County (宜蘭縣頭城鎮濱海路一段385之1號), a 10-minute walk from Waiao Train Station (外澳火車站).
■ Admission is free. For more information, including competition schedule, visit www.facebook.com/BlueOceanSurfClub
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