When Surfing Is Not Enough-Top of the Wave Ep. 4

Reporter/Provider - TaiwanPlus
Publish Date -
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Athletes endure a lot of pressure to perform at the top of their game. For professional surfers in Taiwan, that burden is exacerbated by having to pay their way. This lack of systematic support raises the bar to entry for athletes, meaning they must find other ways to support their ambitions. From coaching and comprehensive surf businesses, Taiwan’s athletes are forging their paths in unique ways. Chung Yun-jung and Han Tsung-lin are two surfers from Taiwan who aspire to international success. These two athletes have diverse stories that converge with similar struggles. Chung Yun-jung, formerly a national Taekwondo athlete, switched to surfing, starting from zero. Not only must she face the challenges of being an older athlete, but she also has to pay her way. Han Tsung-lin’s success story is supported by the help of his father, who opened a surf shop. Taiwan’s surfers take on extra challenges to compete at an international level. Working as surf coaches and business owners, these athletes work hard to pursue their passions. Discover how athletes in Taiwan support their competitive aspirations and work to achieve their goals. Ocean Safety Notice Surfing involves inherent risks and should only be undertaken by individuals with adequate swimming ability and ocean awareness. Beginners are strongly encouraged to surf under the guidance of qualified instructors and within supervised or designated areas.

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Top of the Wave

Follow the lives of seven athletes from Taiwan as they work to achieve their dreams: a place on Taiwan’s national surf team. “Top of the Wave” is a six-part series that shows their lives, the challenges they face, and the ups and downs of surfing in Taiwan.