Fulong Beach (Gongliao)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Quiet in winter; very crowded on summer weekends and during the Sand Sculpture Festival.
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.
Beach offers space for kitesurfing but is described as more popular with windsurfers; winter monsoon provides consistent onshore wind.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Freeride and wave conditions are described for the ocean side, with beginner-friendly opportunities referenced via the inner lagoon conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
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
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.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- Launch fees for the managed beach area
- Restricted zones during the Sand Sculpture Festival
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An annual summer event featuring massive, intricate sand sculptures created by international artists.
A former railway tunnel converted into a popular cycling path that connects New Taipei and Yilan.
Dongxing Temple offering panoramic views of the Shuang River estuary.
Mushroom and honeycomb rocks sculpted by northeasterly monsoon winds.
Unique Nanya Rocks shaped by weathering and erosion.
Red-roofed headquarters of Northeast Coast National Scenic Area.
A scenic hiking trail dating back to the Qing Dynasty, offering panoramic views of the Pacific coastline and Silver Grass in autumn.
Sunset boat tours along dramatic coastlines from Bitou Harbor.
Snorkeling and swimming with fish at Longdong Ocean Park.
Ho-Hai-Yan Gongliao Rock Festival in July featuring indie bands.
The region is famous for its “Fulong Bento” lunch boxes, a staple for travelers and athletes.
Seafood street at Aodi Fishing Harbor with local fresh seafood.
Swimming, sun-bathing, and beach recreation on a 3 km golden sand beach.
Gentle paddling in the calm river estuary, suitable for children and beginners.
From riders who've been here
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.