Hualien's Must-Try Outdoor Adventure: Canoeing around Qingshui Cliff

Considering the fact that Taiwan is an island, it’s only fitting that fun in the water in Taiwan is a main source of entertainment. From gorgeous sandy beaches to exhilarating canoeing adventure, Hualien in Taiwan is awash in far-out ways to enjoy the water.

Hualien, Taiwan's biggest county which has become one of Taiwan's first-choice travel destinations for local and international visitors because of its natural beauty. Wherever you go in Hualien, the beauty of its nature is there to greet you.

The Qingshui Cliff stretches for 13 miles along the Pacific Coast and rise more than 800 meters (2,600 feet) in height hence forming this magnificent scenery. As one of the Eight Wonders in Taiwan, Qingshui Cliff allows you to witness different shades of blue ranging from navy blue to the lightest sky blue as well as the spectacular mountains rising vertically out of the ocean.

I booked my canoeing adventure with 好野人WILDS through Hualien WOW Youth Hostel, assisted by the friendly and helpful staff at the hostel.

There are 3 different time periods for the canoeing tour, which are:

• Sunrise Tour (0320-0830) -NT$1,800 per person

• Morning Tour (0700-1200) -NT$1,500 per person

• Afternoon Tour (1300-1730) -NT$1,500 per person

I would personally recommend the Sunrise Tour which is the best time and weather to go canoeing. Nothing beats the experience paddling along the Qingshui Cliff while watching the sun rising up from the sea-level!

At 3.15AM, the driver picked me up at WOW Youth Hostel and drive me to the meeting point around the Qingshui Cliff. There is a place where you can get change, save your belongings and prepare yourself for the great adventure. All the necessary equipment including helmet, waterproof bag, life jacket and waterproof shoes are all provided by the organizer.

A briefing and coaching session is conducted at the beach before our canoeing adventure in order to make sure all participants understand the basic canoeing skills and safety precaution. Do pay great attention to the instruction so you can learn all the practical skills.

What if I flip the canoe? Well it is very common to flip one. If your sense of balance is pretty good, you will probably be able to stay upright most of the time you are canoeing. Every time you get in a canoe, you should plan as if you are going to flip. With the life jacket and the coaches around you all the time, it is very safe even if you were to flip and fall into the sea. The coach will teach you how to right a flipped canoe properly and get back into the canoe by yourself (or assisted by the coach). That’s a valuable skill that I learned from this canoeing experience.

It was truly a magnificent experience to canoe along the Qingshui Cliff. Not everyone own a water-proof camera and it would be big regret not to capture this wonderful moment. You don’t have to worry as the coaches at WILDS will prepare water-proof cameras to help you take pictures. All you need to do is to have fun and to enjoy the summer of Hualien. The coaches will then upload all the pictures online for you to download.

After canoeing, the participants may take a shower and get change at the meeting point. We were then taken to a local eatery to have breakfast.

Canoeing at Qingshui Cliff is definitely a must-try outdoor adventure in Hualien. Other than canoeing, WILDS also organizes scuba diving, mountain hiking, river tracing, shrimp catching at night and other exciting activities.

Interested to visit Hualien? Just contact the experts at WILDS and they will offer you an unforgettable travel experience.

Tips:

1. It is recommended to wear T-shirts, shorts, beach pants, swim trunks or swim suits. Do not wear jeans or cotton clothing as it will become heavy after absorbing water.

2. Wear sport sandals or put on the non-slip shoes provided by the organizer.

3. Prepare glasses straps to avoid losing your glasses or sunglasses when falling into the water.

4. Put on sunscreen product to avoid getting sunburn.

5. Bring an extra set of clothing (including underwear).

6. If you wish to take photos with your mobile phone or camera, please equip it with waterproof case or bag.

7. Do not bring any valuables. You may pass your mobile phone or wallets to the coach.

8. For those who are prone to seasickness, please take the medicine half an hour before the trip to avoid discomfort.

9. Canoeing can be tiring and you need to get yourself replenished with water anytime. It is best to bring a bottle with a hook or keep it in the waterproof bag provided.

好野人WILDS

Tel： 03-8332472

Mobile： 0983-190-180

E-mail：love.wilds@msa.hinet.net

LINE ID：0983190180

WhatsApp：+886983190180

Wechat ID：lovewilds

Address: No.8, Ln. 79, Shuiyuan St., Hualien City, Hualien County 970, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

www.wilds.com.tw

All photos courtesy of WILDS