Fulong Beach (Gongliao)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Swell, Small waves
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Fulong Beach (Gongliao) is a sandy, exposed beach break where surf is generally described as dependable and beginner-friendly, often producing soft, forgiving waves. Typical reported surf heights are in the knee-to-thigh range (about 0.3–0.6 m) with ride lengths commonly described around 30 to 60 meters. Wave character is described as mixed, with at least one report emphasizing mushy/soft conditions and a slow peel speed. Wind-wise, conditions are strongly shaped by the Northeast monsoon/gradient patterns, while southwest winds are repeatedly described as the preferred offshore direction for surf grooming. For wind sports, the spot is associated with a typical wind range around 10–25 knots, with winter monsoon conditions described as more consistent. Summer can include occasional light sea-breeze effects, but winter is generally the more reliable season for stronger wind potential. Safety is a major consideration: pollution is highlighted as a key hazard, and runoff from the river after heavy rain is specifically noted as something to check. Rip currents are also reported as possible near the river mouth (and during larger swells), and shallow sandbars can add risk. Lifeguards are described as seasonal with professional coverage in designated swimming zones during peak summer months, while broader rescue availability is described as limited. Seasonally, surfing best months are commonly described as January, February, and November to December (with winter monsoon bringing both better waves and cooler air). Water temperatures are warm year-round (winter around high teens °C; summer up to the high 20s °C), and wetsuit needs typically shift from thicker full suits in winter to light protection or minimal suits in summer. Crowd levels are described as rarely crowded in general, though festival periods in summer can increase crowding and trigger managed-zone restrictions.

  • Offshore-grooming southwest wind for surf
  • Beginner-friendly, soft beach-break surf character
  • Warm water year-round with seasonal wetsuit changes
  • Pollution risk—especially after heavy rain
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing waveWindsurfing foilWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyleWingfoil downwind
What's great
  • Beginner-friendly beach break characteristics are repeatedly described, with dependable surf.
  • Southwest wind is described as offshore and tends to groom waves.
  • Easy launch access with a wide sandy beach.
  • Warm to hot water temperatures across the year, supporting year-round recreation (with seasonal wetsuit changes).
  • Often described as rarely crowded outside peak festival periods.
Heads up
  • Pollution is a recurring hazard (especially relevant after heavy rain).
  • Rip currents can occur, particularly near the river mouth and during larger swells.
  • Water can be busy during peak summer festival periods.
  • Rescue availability is described as limited and lifeguards are only seasonal.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW
Offshore directions
SW
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Northeast monsoon/gradient patterns with offshore/gradient behavior depending on direction; summer can see occasional light sea breezes.
Reliability
High during the winter northeast monsoon season
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
January, February, March, October, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Small waves
Beach
Sand — Golden-sand beach character is referenced.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Reported around knee-to-thigh height (about 0.3–0.6 m).
Chop Level
Light chop
Launch
Big — Wide sandy beach provides ample space for launching and landing.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Apr: 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suitMay–Oct: rashguard or 1mm shorty
Crowds by Season

Quiet in winter; very crowded on summer weekends and during the Sand Sculpture Festival.

Storm/Rain Season

Typhoon season typically runs from July to September; spring plum rains in May; January/February described as rainy.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Beach offers space for kitesurfing but is described as more popular with windsurfers; winter monsoon provides consistent onshore wind.

FreerideWave
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Freeride and wave conditions are described for the ocean side, with beginner-friendly opportunities referenced via the inner lagoon conditions.

FreerideWaveFoil
Sail Sizes
5–7 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Learning-friendly when using the sheltered river/flat-water environment; open beach suitability noted for more advanced riders.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5m in the river channel
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Fairly exposed beach break with dependable surf for beginners; typical waves are described around knee-to-thigh height (about 0.3–0.6 m). Another description notes mushy, soft waves and beginner-friendly conditions.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
E, ENE
Swell Height
0.3–0.6 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Also reported as working across all tides in another dataset.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Southwest wind is offshore and grooms the waves; northeast is onshore.
Bigger Swell
Can close out when swell exceeds 2.5 meters.
Wave Quality
Average — Also described as poor in one dataset; overall characterization ranges from poor to average depending on report/source.
Wave Power
Soft
Wave Shape
Mixed — Reported as mixed; another description notes mushy/forgiving character.
Peel Speed
Slow — Soft and forgiving rides.
Ride Length
Medium — Rides are described as typically 30 to 60 meters in general conditions.
Typical Ride Length
30–60 m
Ride Length Details
Waves are typically soft and forgiving, with rides often described around 30–60 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Fulong Beach (Gongliao) in the full forecast view.

Fulong Beach (Gongliao) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–20 ktsGusts 37 kts
Direction
NNE13°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2420 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–3.5 m8s period
Temperature
22–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Fulong Beach (Gongliao) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 37 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.9–3.5 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Pollution
  • Rip currents
  • Shallow sandbars
  • Pollution after heavy rainfall
  • Crowds during summer festivals
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsLeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Professional lifeguards are stationed in designated swimming zones during peak season (May to October).
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical clinic in Gongliao; major hospitals in Keelung or Taipei. Emergency numbers: 119 (fire/medical) and 110 (police).

Rules of the spot

Avoid designated swimming areas during the peak summer season; entry to the main beach area typically requires a fee.

Restrictions
  • Launch fees for the managed beach area
  • Restricted zones during the Sand Sculpture Festival
Local Tips
  • Check the water quality after heavy rain as runoff from the river can be an issue.
  • Rarely crowded (general crowd note).
  • The winter monsoon brings the best waves but also cooler temperatures.
  • Avoid designated swimming areas during peak summer.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Gongliao
Nearest Town
Fulong
Parking
Large public parking lot available near the beach entrance.
Public Transport
Excellent rail access via Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) North-Link Line; Fulong Station serves as the regional transport hub.
Access
Easily accessible by train from Taipei to Fulong Station, followed by a short walk.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Mandarin Chinese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various guesthouses and a large resort hotel are located within walking distance.
Food & Drink
Famous for local Fulong lunch boxes; many small eateries near the train station.
Equipment Rental:
Multiple shops in the area offer surfboards and related basic gear.
Gear Storage
Available at some local surf shops and the beach club; also described through clubs for daily or monthly fees.
Gear Repair
Minor ding repairs available at local surf shops; basic sail/board repairs available through local schools/clubs.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival0 km

An annual summer event featuring massive, intricate sand sculptures created by international artists.

Old Caoling Tunnel2 km

A former railway tunnel converted into a popular cycling path that connects New Taipei and Yilan.

Dongxing Templeon-site

Dongxing Temple offering panoramic views of the Shuang River estuary.

Sandiaowan Rocky Formationsregion-wide

Mushroom and honeycomb rocks sculpted by northeasterly monsoon winds.

Nanya Rocksnearby

Unique Nanya Rocks shaped by weathering and erosion.

Northeast Coast National Scenic Area HQnear entrance

Red-roofed headquarters of Northeast Coast National Scenic Area.

Caoling Historic Trail3 km

A scenic hiking trail dating back to the Qing Dynasty, offering panoramic views of the Pacific coastline and Silver Grass in autumn.

Bitou Harbor Sunset Toursshort drive

Sunset boat tours along dramatic coastlines from Bitou Harbor.

Longdong Ocean Parknearby

Snorkeling and swimming with fish at Longdong Ocean Park.

Ho-Hai-Yan Gongliao Rock Festivalon-site

Ho-Hai-Yan Gongliao Rock Festival in July featuring indie bands.

Fulong Bento Shops0.5 km

The region is famous for its “Fulong Bento” lunch boxes, a staple for travelers and athletes.

Aodi Fishing Harbor Seafood Streetnearby

Seafood street at Aodi Fishing Harbor with local fresh seafood.

Fulong Beach Recreationon-site

Swimming, sun-bathing, and beach recreation on a 3 km golden sand beach.

Shuangxi River Kayaking0 km

Gentle paddling in the calm river estuary, suitable for children and beginners.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Fulong Beach (Gongliao)?

The best overall months at Fulong Beach (Gongliao) are January, February, November, December. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Fulong Beach (Gongliao)?

Fulong Beach (Gongliao) works with SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Fulong Beach (Gongliao)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Fulong Beach (Gongliao): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.

What skill level is Fulong Beach (Gongliao) suitable for?

Fulong Beach (Gongliao) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Beginner.