Text and photos: Moonwalker/SurfTaiwan.com

When you first arrive in Taiwan it’s the warm weather and tropical smells that draw you in. After that, it’s the warm water, waves, food and a laid-back culture.

But everyone has their own take on Taiwan. Clients, Tim and Luke Boffa, when cruising past the numerous betelnut shops came up with the theory that the more intense the flashing lights, the more potent the nut. Not quite true, but a great idea. Though with how chaotic the Taiwanese roads are, anything’s plausible.

But we’re here for swell, and knowing when and where to go makes all the difference between a good surf, or no surf at all. And when you see lines of swell rolling in from a faraway system you know there’s going to be days of fun ahead.

And after the worst May, due to lack of swell, in many years, June and July are cracking along nicely and the normal summer swells are arriving on cue.

But aside from surfing there are plenty of other things to do here – visiting temples, markets, hot springs, waterfalls and hidden creeks plus plenty of restaurants and fresh sashimi. Never a dull moment in Taiwan! //MOONWALKER