Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township) is an exposed point break on Taiwan’s Yilan Coast that works best when the wind is from the southwest, with May listed as the top month for conditions. The spot is characterized by a rocky bottom and a challenging, open setup where both wind and sea state can significantly influence ride quality. Surf conditions are described as having fairly consistent surf, but wave quality is reported as poor overall (with a low clean percentage of 13%) and there is a high “blown” percentage (40%). The spot also tends to produce small waves frequently (47% small), meaning conditions may be punchy or frustrating depending on the day. Because the environment is rocky and exposed, the main safety focus is careful water entry and exit. Sources consistently flag rocks as the key hazard at Sunrise 1, and reported skill level is advanced/expert—appropriate for experienced surfers who can manage the risks of a point break over rock. Local operational context suggests a quiet, lower-profile feel and generally uncrowded conditions compared to busier options in northern Yilan. Rescue availability is noted as limited in general, so riders should plan to be self-sufficient and prepared for on-site challenges.
- Exposed point break with fairly consistent surf.
- Best wind direction: southwest.
- Top month: May.
- Rock hazards are the defining risk at the waterline.
- Best wind direction is southwest and May is the top month.
- Exposed point break with fairly consistent surf patterns.
- Rock hazards (exposed and submerged rocks).
- Limited clean/wave quality; frequently small and often blown out.
- Self-sufficient mindset needed due to limited rescue support.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Type
- Trade
- Best Months
- May
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Beach composition reported as rocks.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size reported as medium.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty reported as moderate.
- Shore Break
- Moderate — Moderate shore break reported.
Through the year
Usually uncrowded compared to northern Yilan spots
Typhoon season typically occurs from July to September
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed point break with a rocky bottom. Best wind comes from the southwest and the spot is most favorable in May. Reported wave quality is generally poor to average with frequent small waves.
- Optimal Swell
- E, ENE, NNE
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed environment.
- Wind Effect
- Best from southwest winds; the spot is exposed to wind effects.
- Wave Quality
- Poor — Wave quality described as poor overall; clean time can be limited (13% clean reported).
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power (regionally consistent but varies by day).
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed wave character reported.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township) in the full forecast view.
Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- N2°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–3.6 m8s period
- Temperature
- 21–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 1.0–3.6 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
- Rocks
- Exposed and submerged rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Dedicated water-sports rescue services are limited; riders should be self-sufficient.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services: 119 (fire/ambulance) or 110 (police). Medical care is available via Taipei Veterans General Hospital Su'ao Branch.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Generally quieter/less crowded than major Yilan surfing areas.
Rules of the spot
- Use extra care for entry and exit due to the rocky bottom.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Yilan City
- Nearest Town
- Su'ao
- Public Transport
- Accessible via Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) Su'ao Line and several inter-city bus routes from Taipei and Luodong.
- Access
- Accessible via local roads in Su'ao Township
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Chinese (Mandarin)
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Nearby accommodation in Su'ao/Nanfang'ao area; regional option availability noted.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
One of Taiwan's largest fishing ports, known for seafood markets and vibrant maritime culture.
A temple dedicated to Mazu, including a large golden statue of the sea goddess.
A distinctive coastal area popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, shaped like tofu blocks.
A cluster of restaurants serving fresh local Pacific catches and traditional Taiwanese dishes.
Rare carbonated cold springs that stay at a constant 22 degrees Celsius year-round.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township)?
The best overall months at Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township) are May.
Which wind directions work at Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township)?
Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township) works with SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What skill level is Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township) suitable for?
Sunrise 1 (Su'ao Township) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.