- WSL / Matt Dunbar

The World Surf League (WSL) Asia Pacific is excited to return to Jinzun Harbor in Taitung County this November for the 13th annual Taiwan Open of Surfing. The WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 5000 event will be co-sanctioned between the Australia / Oceania and Asia Regions and is expected to attract over 120 up-and-comers, all vying for a spot on the 2024 WSL Challenger Series.

Jinzun Harbour home of the Taiwan Open World Longboard Championship The playful peaks of Jinzun Harbour will once again host the Taiwan Open of Surfing. - WSL / Tom Bennett

"The Taiwan Open of Surfing is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar, and the competitors can't wait to get back to the playful peaks of Jinzun Harbor for what is one of the most high-performance events on the QS," said WSL APAC Tour Manager Ty Sorati. "This is now one of the longest-running WSL events in Asia, which is a testament to the fantastic relationship we have built with the Taitung County Government. We'd like to thank them for their continued support of professional surfing."

Once again, the major partner of the Taiwan Open of Surfing is the Taitung County government, with Governor April Yao continuing the government's strong support of the country's biggest annual surfing festival.

"Over the last 13 years, the Taiwan Open of Surfing has put Taitung on the global surfing radar, and we're so proud to continue to host the event in 2023," said Taitung County Governor April Yao. "Once again, the event will attract competitors from the Asia and Australia / Oceania regions and offer 5000 QS points to the winners, which is an honour to see an event of this level continue in Taiwan. There will be a number of Taiwanese surfers competing, and we love to see them competing against the world's best."

"We'd like to thank the WSL for the continued partnership and for recognising Taitung County as a ‘world-class' surfing location. The knowledge and skills this partnership has gifted the local people is endless, and the tourism created by the event continues to build yearly," Governor Yao Continued.

Taiwan Open of Surfing Jinzun Harbour. - WSL / Tom Bennett

Taiwan Open of Surfing Director Kathy Tang has seen the event evolve from a national event to an international World Surf League event and can't wait to see what the 2023 instalment brings.

"This is the biggest annual surfing event in Taiwan, and we're so glad to see it continue in 2023," Tang said. "It's an amazing chance for competitors and surf fans to discover the beautiful coastline in Taitung and everything it has to offer. The seven-day event will feature a full calendar of engaging creative activities for the entire family to enjoy. All festivities throughout the window are free and open to the public."

Competing in Taiwan for the first time this year is New Zealand Olympic Team member Saffi Vette who will be looking for a big result in Taitung as she returns from a knee injury sh sustained whilst training for the Olympics in Tahiti.

"I'm super thrilled to be travelling to Taiwan for the first time," Vette said. "I've heard really amazing things about Taiwan and how the food, people and culture is unreal! The waves look super fun and playful. It will be great to get the ball rolling again after 3 months out due to an Mcl tear. I'm excited to get some points on the board and give myself a leg up into the Australian leg next year. It's not going to be an easy task as all the girls are stepping up! Looking forward to seeing a different side of the world and exploring what Taitung has to offer."

Saffi Vette Saffi Vette will travel to Taiwan for the first time this November. - WSL / Natalie Meredith

The 2023 Taiwan Open of Surfing QS 5000 will run at Jinzun Harbor from November 6 - 12. For more information or to watch the event LIVE, head to www.worldsurfleague.com or download the free WSL App.

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