3 Key Takeaways
- Donghe and Jinzun have waves year-round, with the best conditions occurring during the fall and winter when the northeasterly monsoon blows; the land breeze in the early morning helps form well-defined waves.
- The Taiwan Open of Surfing runs November 6–22 this year at Jinzun: national divisions on November 6–8 and the international WSL QS 6,000 event on November 14–22. Jinzun serves as the final stop of the year among the four global venues.
- Donghe offers 3-hour beginner lessons in a waist-deep safe zone with an instructor by your side. Before paddling out, be sure to learn the lineup etiquette and take your trash with you.
2026 Taiwan Open of Surfing · Jinzun Harbor
Catch the contest at Jinzun Harbor
Skateboarding, a Pacific Fitness Challenge, a dance contest, an ocean market, a surf photo contest, and surf mini-trips. Schedules can change, so check the organizer’s latest announcement.
At five or six in the morning, when the sky is still slate gray, about 20 surfers are already sitting on their boards at the mouth of the Mawuku River, waiting for a set. It isn’t a contest day—just an ordinary autumn morning in Donghe. Once the northeast monsoon starts to blow, Taitung’s east coast enters its best surf season of the year. Follow this season’s swell here, and you may find yourself slowly falling for surfing, too.
When Are the Waves Best in Donghe and Jinzun?
The answer is autumn and winter—and early in the morning. Jinzun’s 3-kilometer beach has waves year-round, but once autumn arrives, the monsoon builds the swell, sending in wave after clean, well-formed wave that rarely crumbles. Even professional surfers favor the shape of the waves here. At first light, the wind blows offshore, from the mountains toward the sea, holding up each wave face and shaping it at its best. That’s why surfers here are early risers.
Why Do World-Class Surfers Come to Jinzun to Compete?
Great waves naturally draw international competition. Since 2011, the Taitung County Government has hosted the Taiwan Open of Surfing at Jinzun Harbor in partnership with the World Surf League (WSL). Over the years, the event has welcomed a total of 960 athletes and hundreds of thousands of spectators. This year’s event has three highlights:
- The event runs from November 6 to 22: national divisions on November 6–8, then the international competition, a WSL QS 6,000-level event, on November 14–22.
- There are only four events at this level worldwide, and Jinzun is the final stop of the year.
- For the first time, the event will feature a skateboarding contest and a Pacific Fitness Challenge, and from the beach you can watch the world’s best surfers up close.
How Did Donghe Become a Surf Town?
It’s hard to imagine now, but this surf town once had just a baozi (steamed bun) shop and a fishing-tackle store. As surfers from around the world came to travel and stay longer, a surf community gradually took shape. By 2022, there were already about ten businesses combining surf shops and guesthouses.
The community’s origins are often traced back to Jun Shimizu, a former professional surfer from Japan. He came to Taitung in 2005 and settled in Donghe with his Bunun wife, Ibu. The following year, he opened Low Pressure, a guesthouse, restaurant, and surf school in one, and in 2008 he helped establish the Taitung County Surfing Association. Since many local children are cared for by their grandparents—who, fearing danger, keep them away from the ocean—the couple began teaching the children to swim and surf for free.
By 2017, this group of former non-swimmers had produced three competitive surfers.
Where should you start if it’s your first time learning to surf in Donghe?
A beginner lesson on Donghe Beach is the best place to begin. The waves here are gentler with moderate push, making them ideal for practicing paddling and standing on the board. Local surf shops operate on a small-group, reservation-based system. The 3-hour lesson is split into one session on land and one in the water, and students practice in a waist-deep safe zone with an instructor alongside them the whole time, so even those nervous about the water can give it a try.
Back on shore, slip into the regulars’ rhythm: surf for two or three hours at dawn, return to your guesthouse for breakfast and a replay of the morning’s session, then pick up a Donghe baozi and enjoy it slowly in the shade of a banyan tree.
What should you keep in mind before hitting the water?
4 Ways to show your love for the ocean
- Respect surf spot etiquette: The break beside Jinzun Fishing Harbor is also a fishing-boat channel, so give way when boats come and go.
- Listen to your instructor’s assessment of ocean conditions: When waves break at Jinzun, they can be large and the currents strong. Beginners should ask an instructor to explain the seabed and rip currents before going in.
- Use ocean-friendly sunscreen: The sun on the east coast is intense. Choose an ocean-friendly sunscreen that protects both your skin and the sea.
- Take your trash with you: Before leaving the beach, pack out your own trash and help keep this coastline unspoiled.
The autumn–winter swell returns every year. Watch an international contest, then sign up for a lesson—and perhaps one morning, you’ll be among the early risers at the river mouth, waiting for waves.
Plan your visit
Watch the contest
Check the schedule, athlete lists, and results with the organizers.
Learn to surf in Donghe
Beginner lessons run about 3 hours in small groups and need a reservation. Ask a local surf shop to book ahead.
Find the places
Open each spot from this story in Google Maps.
FAQ
Where can I surf in Taitung?
Donghe and Jinzun are the signature surf spots on Taitung’s east coast. Donghe Beach has gentler waves suited to beginners, while Jinzun’s bigger waves and strong currents are better for experienced surfers.
When is the 2026 Taiwan Open of Surfing?
The event runs from November 6 to 22 at Jinzun Harbor. National divisions compete on November 6–8, and the international WSL QS 6,000 event runs November 14–22.
Can I try surfing if I’ve never surfed before?
Yes. Donghe’s beginner lessons run about 3 hours in a waist-deep safe zone, with an instructor by your side throughout. Advance booking is required.
