Surfs pumping in Taiwan as the Chinese surf Noosa style
SURFING is taking off in Taiwan and Noosa's Peter White is hanging five with a whole new movement.
Peter, Noosa Classic Malibu surfboard manufacturer, has been a key figure in the development of surfing on the small island with big waves.
On Saturday, he is returning to Taiwan as a guest of the Taitung County Governor, Justin Huang. The invitation came after a relationship was formed about five years ago when an independent Taiwanese surf shop owner visited the Noosa store and asked about importing Classic Malibu Surfboards.
Peter fostered the relationship with a trip to Taiwan and has gone on to advise and support the fledgling industry.
He describes the area he visits as a great place to surf in a beautiful environment.
"The jungle goes right down to the beach," Peter said.
"It's got a great tropical climate in summer and the waves are as good as anywhere."
"And it's very affordable."
Peter's latest trip is focused on the upcoming Taiwan Open of Surfing 2012, staged at Taitung County.
"This is the largest leg of the Asian Surfing Circuit, which takes in eight countries," he said.
Peter said Taiwanese local authorities were keen to see the area develop as a surfing destination and to that end were engaging surfing professionals in a variety of roles.
Besides surfing lessons, they are taking on water safety classes and swim schools.
Peter's son Bryce is following in his father's footsteps and will be training surf coaches.
"A sort of training the trainer coaching," Peter said.
Over the years Taiwanese surfers have visited Noosa to participate in the annual surfing festival and this year Sunshine Coast surfers are travelling to Taiwan for their festival.
"Dean Brady, Harry Bryant and Nick Jones will be coming over with me," Peter said.
The group is also in the process of organising gifts for a Taiwanese orphanage.
