In August 2006, our association, aiming to promote non-motorized leisure tourism on the Hengchun Peninsula, organized the “Kenting Cup 1st International Surfing Invitational.” The three-day event attracted nearly 10,000 visitors, with approximately 200 participants from both domestic and international backgrounds.
This event marked the first time we collaborated with the Japan Surfing Association (JASP), inviting four prominent Japanese judges to ensure objective scoring. The event was covered extensively by Japanese magazine SURFING, ETTV, Formosa TV, and other domestic and international media, creating a significant buzz about surfing in Taiwan. The event site drew large crowds, and the three-day event generated considerable impact, being the first large-scale surfing event in Taiwan. Not only did it make waves domestically, but the Kenting International Surfing Competition also gained attention in the Japanese surfing community through media coverage.
The Hengchun Peninsula is rich in natural resources, though most people are only familiar with South Bay and Kenting. Few realize that the best place for surfing in Taiwan is actually in Jialeshui, Manzhou. The 2006 Kenting Cup 1st International Surfing Invitational has elevated Jialeshui in Manzhou to the status of Taiwan’s premier surfing area, attracting numerous surfers daily. On weekends, the area is often crowded with tourists eager to watch surfers in action.
The 2007 surfing competition plan included collaboration with the Hawaiian Representative Office in Taiwan, introducing a tropical Hawaiian flavor to the event. The warm atmosphere of the Hengchun Peninsula was further enhanced by Hawaiian music and dance, attracting even more tourists and helping to establish the Hengchun Peninsula as a famous surfing destination, akin to Hawaii.
Every year, we plan to continue using surfing competitions as the main theme, in cooperation with Kenting National Park Administration, Manzhou Township Office, and Jialeshui Scenic Area Administration to promote eco-tourism. Beyond the surfing competition, we aim to promote non-motorized, nature-friendly activities such as guided bicycle tours. This allows visitors to enjoy the exciting competitions while also experiencing nature and exploring one of Taiwan’s Eight Wonders, the Jialeshui Scenic Area.
We will continue to work hard to combine more resources and partners, showcasing local characteristics and industries during the event. Our goal is to enhance public awareness of non-motorized leisure tourism and eco-tourism, fostering a travel style that embraces nature. Additionally, we aim to introduce Taiwan to the world once again, letting surfers from other countries know that Taiwan is also a great place for surfing!
The event aims to promote non-motorized marine leisure activities and expand the reach of Taiwan’s surfing scene by collaborating with domestic and international media. The goal is to raise awareness among international surfers about Taiwan as an ideal surfing destination. Through the event, we also hope to provide visitors to the Hengchun Peninsula with a deeper understanding of the local characteristics of Manzhou Township and the high-quality impression of the Jialeshui Scenic Area.
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