WWS

Taiwan · Taiwan

Songbo, Taiwan

13.7kts

NNE · Wind season

164 windy days yearly, but Taiwan Strait chop demands respect. Winter monsoons deliver consistent 13.7kt NNE/NE flow October–April. Currents run strong; shallow reef requires scouting.

IntermediateAdvancedFreerideFreestyleFoil
13.7kts
Average wind
164
Windy days / year
15:00–18:00
Peak wind hours
NNE
Primary direction

Location

Nearest airports
Airport - Makung
Coordinates
24.4268, 120.6146
Open full map ↗

Monthly wind profile (peak window)

18
Jan
18
Feb
18
Mar
15
Apr
16
May
14
Jun
16
Jul
14
Aug
18
Sep
23
Oct
20
Nov
19
Dec

Jan

69%

rideable

18.4 kts

Feb

58%

rideable

18.4 kts

Mar

52%

rideable

18.2 kts

Apr

33%

rideable

14.6 kts

May

24%

rideable

15.5 kts

Jun

32%

rideable

14 kts

Jul

31%

rideable

16 kts

Aug

15%

rideable

14.1 kts

Sep

7%

rideable

17.5 kts

Oct

55%

rideable

22.6 kts

Nov

83%

rideable

19.7 kts

Dec

81%

rideable

18.5 kts

Best wind directions

  • NNE
  • SW
  • NE
  • N
  • SSW

Water conditions

  • Ocean
  • Choppy

Best months

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Hazards

  • Choppy ocean conditions create unpredictable wave patterns and turbulence, especially during strong wind days
  • Seasonal typhoons and tropical storms can develop rapidly between May-September; check forecasts carefully
  • Shallow reef or rock formations may be present; scout the launch area before entering the water
  • Strong currents common in Taiwan strait waters; maintain awareness of drift and use landmarks for navigation

What that means for you

  • Reef booties recommended at low tide
  • Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
  • Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water

Amenities

  • Basic beach facilities and local food vendors near populated beach areas
  • Limited kitesurfing schools and equipment rental shops; bring your own gear when possible
  • Nearby coastal towns with accommodation and supplies within short distance

Local tips

The 164 windy days/year make this a reliable destination; October through April offers the most consistent conditions. Book travel during peak wind months and monitor typhoon season closures (Jun-Sep) before planning your trip.

Launch & beach

Beach launch is straightforward in NNE and NE wind directions (primary seasons). Choppy water conditions require careful staging and a strong launch technique; wade out deliberately to avoid being knocked over by waves.

Local etiquette

Respect other water users including fishermen and local swimmers. Stay aware of right-of-way rules and maintain safe distance from other kiters in the intermediate-level crowd.

What to wear

A 3/2mm wetsuit works year-round; upgrade to 5/3mm during winter months (Nov-Feb) when water temperatures drop. Water temps range 20-28°C depending on season.

What to pack

Kite sizes

  • 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
  • 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn

Boards

  • Twintip — universal, bring one
  • Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn

What to wear (by climate)

In the water
2 mm shorty or a rashguard.
On land
Light layers plus a windbreaker for the evening.

Derived from the spot's latitude (subtropical zone) and current season.

Right of way & manners

  1. 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
  2. 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
  3. 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
  4. 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
  5. 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.

Spot guide

Wind & Conditions

Songbo picks up winter monsoon flow October through April. NNE and NE winds average 13.7 knots—enough to stay powered when surrounding spots flatten. 164 windy days per year is real data, not marketing. June and July see thermal activity but sit dangerously close to typhoon season. Check forecasts every session during June–September.

Outside peak months, wind gets sparse. Plan trips around October–April.

The Water

Taiwan Strait pushes constant current. Pick landmarks before launch; know your drift. The chop here is texture, not whitewater—it catches transitions and demands edge control.

Shallow reef and rock exist in the launch zone. Scout before entering. Shallow bottom amplifies impact if you get knocked down.

Hazards

Strong currents require you to offset your angle upwind. Reef contact is a real injury risk. Typhoon systems develop fast June–September; don't ignore warnings.

Who Should Go

Intermediate riders with solid edge control and pop under pressure. Beginners will struggle. Self-sufficiency is mandatory—equipment rental is thin. Bring your own quiver and the ability to read current offsets into your approach.

The Scene

Working beach, minimal infrastructure. Local food vendors, not kite shops. No rental school culture. You're coming solo or with a crew for specific wind windows, not joining a scene.