surf & service:
kaohsiung american school (KAS)
Senior trip
3 Days of adventure in taitung,taiwan
This year’s KAS Class of 2024 students took a 3-day trip to Taitung, Taiwan merging surf lessons with eco-conscious crafts and community service for their final trip of the school year. This trip, curated to enrich the students’ final year, combined fun physical & craft activities with serene glamping next to the pristine shores in Dulan, offering a unique blend of relaxation and educational experiences designed to foster a deeper connection with nature and local culture.
Day 1 & 3 - Surfing & Beach Cleanup / Coconut Workshop
The highlight for many was the comprehensive surf session provided by Wagaligong, a local surfing collective known for their commitment to safety and surfing education. Students received an in-depth briefing on water safety, learning crucial skills such as how to read ocean currents to avoid riptides and the best practices for surfing. Armed with new knowledge, they took to the waters with enthusiasm, the joy palpable as each student stood up on their boards, riding the waves back to shore. The sunny day coupled with perfect waves made for an unforgettable beach experience for students over the 3 days. This experience was complemented by a beach cleanup, where students collected everything from bottle caps to rubber tires, a sobering reminder of the environmental impact of ocean trash and the importance of ecological stewardship.
The seniors participated in a coconut bowl-making workshop led by local artisans in Dulan. This hands-on activity not only taught them how to select the perfect coconut but also the skills needed to husk, extract the coconut juice, and craft a smooth, usable bowl. Afterward, students tasted fresh coconut milk and water from the coconuts they picked. The workshop highlighted the labor-intensive process of transforming a simple coconut into a beautiful and functional item, providing students with a tangible connection to traditional craftsmanship and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Day 2 - Exploring the Natural Wonders of Sanxiantai
The adventure continued with a nature hike at Sanxiantai, an area renowned for its unique geological formations and ecological diversity. Walking across the iconic dragon-shaped bridge, students explored the rugged terrain and climbed to the lighthouse, where they were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Eastern Taiwanese coastline. This part of the trip not only highlighted the natural beauty of Taiwan but also allowed the students to reflect on the interconnectedness of the island’s cultural and environmental heritage.
As the trip concluded, the students left with not just fun memories but also valuable lessons in cultural appreciation, environmental responsibility, and personal growth. The blend of surfing in one of the best spots in Taiwan, giving back to the community, and immersive craft workshops provided a well-rounded experience that went beyond typical senior trips. For educators and schools looking to offer similar transformative experiences to their students, KAS surf and service trip serves as a prime example of how adventure and education can be seamlessly integrated.
We invite other schools and educational groups to reach out and explore the variety of trips we can organize, tailored to meet educational goals and provide students with a profound and enjoyable learning experience. Join us in creating journeys that students will remember for a lifetime!
