"There are so many amazing runs for kayakers within an hour's drive of Taipei," said Lee Schondorf, founder of Adventure Kayaking. He estimates that Taiwan has over 200 runs ranging from class II (easy) to V (very difficult). "There is even a class V run near the National Palace Museum," said Schondorf.

For couch potatoes, kayaking conjures up images of a ride on an amusement park water-chute, where you sit helplessly along your chute like a bobbing cork, get drenched and ruin your camera. But the two activities are in no way comparable. The amusement ride demands only a minimal amount of intellect. It is a sensation devoid of context. Do it once and you've exhausted its potential -- whereas every run down the river is unique.

"It's hard to explain the thrill of kayaking," said John Chang of the Adventure Kayaking Club. "We don't try to speed down rivers; we navigate our way around boulders, play in the ebbs and test our skill against the gravity of the currents." 

The club promotes kayaking in Taiwan, and anyone wishing to get involved in the sport are welcome to join members' trips. Adventure Kayaking provides transportation and the loan of a kayak to practice in, as well as tuition. "We don't charge people anything," said Schondorf. "The only thing we ask is that kayakers enjoy themselves."
 People new to kayaking are given instruction by the club's old hands in calm pools along rivers, or in lakes. Strong currents only cause fledgling kayakers to capsize, so lakes are ideal places to practice in. Pools are class I (very easy) and students progress up the ladder of difficulty depending on their dexterity. 

Besides pitting your wits against the forces of nature, kayaking gives access to countless virgin retreats along river banks. "We not only kayak for the challenge and excitement; we also come to enjoy the superb scenery," said Chang.

Besides river kayaking, the club also sea kayaks along the island's coastal spots. Sea kayaking is much easier for beginners as they do not have to contend with currents. The coast has countless beaches that are inaccessible to the general public. Consequently, kayakers can discover untouched beaches. 

Kayaking is an all-season, all-weather sport. In winter, kayakers wear a wet- or dry-suit to keep warm. A well equipped kayaker needs to spend around NT$10,000 for a wet-suit, boots, helmet and a life jacket. While these accessories are easily bought, the club is the only importer of kayaks, as the government has stringent import laws for reasons of national security. Kayak prices vary depending on a number of factors. Professional kayaks are made of fiberglass, and are easily damaged. The latest kayaks for recreation are made of plastic and are indestructible. They cost around NT$30,000 and last a lifetime. 

Kayaking in Taiwan was unheard of until four years ago, when the Hualien International Rafting competition included a kayaking event for the first time. The event was won by Hong Kong's kayak champion. Next year promises to attract more international kayakers to compete on some of the best runs in the world.