The amazing surroundings of Jinzun Harbor - WSL
The rippable cobblestone peaks of Jinzun Harbor on Taiwan's South East Coast will see the return of nearly 200 of the world's best surfers in late November for the 2016 World Surf League (WSL) Taiwan Open of Surfing hosted by Taitung County.
For the 4th year in a row the event will comprise of a WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 1,500 Men's event and a Longboard QS1,000 (LQS) Men's and Women's event to run from November 23 - 27.
Competing in both the QS and LQS events in previous years is the multitalented two-times World Longboard Champion, Taylor Jensen. The San Diegan has been travelling to Taiwan for the past 6 years and can't wait to get back.
Jensen is just as crafty on a shortboard as he is on a long one. - WSL / Will H-S
"I have a lot of friends there and I'm really familiar with the area," Jensen said. "We know where all the best waves that are close by are which is a help not to mention all the amazing places to eat. It's one of the trips I look forward to every year and this year is no different. I haven't decided if I'll surf both LQS and QS this year as it is hard to focus on both but I'd like to as it's a great wave that suits all types of boards."
One thing that Jensen loves most about coming back to Taiwan is the consistency of surf. Its position in the pacific makes it a magnet for typhoon swells particularly at this time of year. This consistency puts Jinzun Harbour as the perfect spot to hold surfing contests.
Jensen on the craft he is more known for dominating; The longboard. - WSL
"The wave gets compared to Lowers Trestles in California a lot with the cobblestone point and A-frame peak feel," Jensen continued. "The best thing is it seems like there is always waves. I think this will make my 4th year at the event; I have yet to see it under waist high."
The WSL appreciate the quality of surf on offer at the event site and look forward to bringing the high performance surfing to the world through a live webcast; one of the only events of this rating to have a full webcast of anywhere in the world. WSL Australasia Regional Manager Will Hayden-Smith is proud of how far the event has come.
2015 QS1,500 winner Perth Standlick throwing some serious heat in the Jinzun pocket - WSL
"The Taiwan Open of Surfing is one of my favourite events," Hayden-Smith said. "We always get great waves and Taiwan itself is a beautiful place to visit. The event has developed a lot over the years with the Men's QS being upgraded last year to a 1,500 and the event being webcast live this year for the second year running. This is really exciting for us at WSL and the surfers competing not to mention surf fans around the world."
Taitung County Governor Justin Huang has been a huge supporter of the event ever since he helped to bring the WSL on board 4 years ago. He has seen it continue to grow and develop into what it is today and loves what it has done to the local economy and surf scene.
Garrett Parkes was a huge standout in 2015 with air-reverses like this in almost every heat. - WSL
"Over the years it has been great to see an increase in the number of competitors we attract to this event," Governor Huang said. "The Taiwan Open of Surfing is a tremendous help in developing the surf industry in Taiwan. It's an exciting time in the sport of surfing as we look towards the 2020 Olympics. We are excited to work with WSL in building up the young talented surfers from Taiwan as we look toward the future of the sport."
The Taiwan Open of Surfing Hosted by Taitung County will run from November 23-27 and will be webcast live www.world surfleague.com and on the WSL App. Check these location for more information in the lead up to the event.
The contest site from above - WSL
Taiwan Open of Surfing Hosted by Taitung County Returns in 2016
WSL
The rippable cobblestone peaks of Jinzun Harbor on Taiwan's South East Coast will see the return of nearly 200 of the world's best surfers in late November for the 2016 World Surf League (WSL) Taiwan Open of Surfing hosted by Taitung County.
For the 4th year in a row the event will comprise of a WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 1,500 Men's event and a Longboard QS1,000 (LQS) Men's and Women's event to run from November 23 - 27.
Competing in both the QS and LQS events in previous years is the multitalented two-times World Longboard Champion, Taylor Jensen. The San Diegan has been travelling to Taiwan for the past 6 years and can't wait to get back.
"I have a lot of friends there and I'm really familiar with the area," Jensen said. "We know where all the best waves that are close by are which is a help not to mention all the amazing places to eat. It's one of the trips I look forward to every year and this year is no different. I haven't decided if I'll surf both LQS and QS this year as it is hard to focus on both but I'd like to as it's a great wave that suits all types of boards."
One thing that Jensen loves most about coming back to Taiwan is the consistency of surf. Its position in the pacific makes it a magnet for typhoon swells particularly at this time of year. This consistency puts Jinzun Harbour as the perfect spot to hold surfing contests.
"The wave gets compared to Lowers Trestles in California a lot with the cobblestone point and A-frame peak feel," Jensen continued. "The best thing is it seems like there is always waves. I think this will make my 4th year at the event; I have yet to see it under waist high."
The WSL appreciate the quality of surf on offer at the event site and look forward to bringing the high performance surfing to the world through a live webcast; one of the only events of this rating to have a full webcast of anywhere in the world. WSL Australasia Regional Manager Will Hayden-Smith is proud of how far the event has come.
"The Taiwan Open of Surfing is one of my favourite events," Hayden-Smith said. "We always get great waves and Taiwan itself is a beautiful place to visit. The event has developed a lot over the years with the Men's QS being upgraded last year to a 1,500 and the event being webcast live this year for the second year running. This is really exciting for us at WSL and the surfers competing not to mention surf fans around the world."
Taitung County Governor Justin Huang has been a huge supporter of the event ever since he helped to bring the WSL on board 4 years ago. He has seen it continue to grow and develop into what it is today and loves what it has done to the local economy and surf scene.
"Over the years it has been great to see an increase in the number of competitors we attract to this event," Governor Huang said. "The Taiwan Open of Surfing is a tremendous help in developing the surf industry in Taiwan. It's an exciting time in the sport of surfing as we look towards the 2020 Olympics. We are excited to work with WSL in building up the young talented surfers from Taiwan as we look toward the future of the sport."
The Taiwan Open of Surfing Hosted by Taitung County will run from November 23-27 and will be webcast live www.world surfleague.com and on the WSL App. Check these location for more information in the lead up to the event.
Taylor Jensen
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Three-time WSL Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen enters the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented by Tractor Beverage Co.
With an Opening Round victory, Taylor Jensen officially secured his place into the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Championships Presented
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Taiwan Open of Surfing
Oney Anwar, Edouard Delpero and Honolua Blomfield victorious across QS and LQS events at Jinzun Harbor.
Despite strong winds, there were solid performances across both longboard and shortboard disciplines.
The wind and the waves showed up for Day 1 of the last QS for WSL Japan and Australasia regions.
QS and LQS hit the water as Jinzun Harbour turns on for Day 2 of the Taiwan Open of Surfing Hosted by Taitung County.