Jialeshui surf guide

Jialeshui, also known as Jia le Shui, is one of the prominent surf spots in southern Taiwan. It's a solid place for surfers looking to catch waves throughout the year due to its consistent surf. The location features a rocky reef and a sandy beach that come together nicely, making it accessible for surfers of different skill levels. With the backdrop of extensive headlands, the vibe here is quite relaxed, and you’ll often find several locals hanging out and enjoying the surf.

The surf at Jialeshui offers a mix of wave types, mostly rivermouths with both lefts and rights, making it a versatile spot. The optimal swell direction is from the Southeast, with swells coming in from both Northeast and Southeast directions. You'll find that it handles swell sizes around 1 ft (0.3 m) and can hold its own up to well overhead, but it can get pretty hefty during major typhoon swells. The waves break over boulders and sand, creating some fun, ripable rights and shorter, punchy lefts. It works best with a west wind and is enjoyable during low, mid, and high tide, but it's really suited for intermediate surfers.

While you're surfing, be mindful of the strong rips that can appear at the rivermouth, especially during certain tides. It’s also good to keep an eye out for jellyfish or sea lice in the water. The local surf community is friendly, and you’ll often see longboarders alongside beginners enjoying the waves. If you’re looking to explore more, there are additional beach and reef options further down the coast towards Fengchuisha.