Open Water Training Venues: Lakes, Reservoirs, and Coastal Areas in Taiwan Suitable for Practice

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges of open-water swimming is the lack of stable practice venues. While pools are convenient, they cannot simulate the waves, currents, poor visibility, and psychological pressure of open water. Surrounded by sea on all sides, and with abundant inland reservoirs and lakes, Taiwan actually offers a highly diverse range of open-water training venues. However, each location has different entry regulations and safety conditions. Doing your homework in advance is essential to training effectively in the right place.

Northern Taiwan: Reservoirs and Nearshore Waters

The most frequently used open-water venues by triathletes in northern Taiwan are Bitan and Dahsihti (Shihmen Reservoir). Located in Xindian, New Taipei City, Bitan offers calm water and convenient access, making it the top choice for many Taipei-based athletes. However, be aware that weekends bring large crowds, so early mornings on weekdays are the best time to train. Shihmen Reservoir is vast with relatively clear water, but it is a drinking-water source protection area; entry requires applying to the reservoir management authority in accordance with regulations.

Along the northern coast, the waters near Feitsui Bay and Wanli Yehliu are relatively stable, and during low tide they are suitable for swimming parallel to the shore. However, northern waters are significantly affected by the northeast monsoon, with unstable wave conditions from October through March. It is recommended to focus training during the spring and summer seasons.

Central and Eastern Taiwan: Lakes and Pacific Waters

Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s most famous inland open-water venue, attracting tens of thousands of registrants for its annual cross-lake swimming event. Under normal circumstances, Sun Moon Lake is strictly managed and does not permit free swimming of any kind, but some swimming clubs can enter for practice through legal application channels. If you intend to target Sun Moon Lake as a race goal, it is best to familiarize yourself with the water during the officially announced practice days published by the county government several weeks before the event.

In eastern Taiwan, Hualien Jici Beach and Taitung Living Lake are the primary training grounds for athletes in the east. Living Lake is a man-made freshwater lake with stable conditions, dedicated specifically to triathlon training, and the annual Taitung Star Triathlon is held there. The waters at Jici have high visibility, but the currents are relatively strong, so beginners should not practice alone.

Southern Taiwan: Ocean Culture and Training Resources

Kenting, Xiao Liuqiu, and Penghu in southern Taiwan are the regions with the richest open-water swimming resources in the country. The waters of Nanwan in Kenting’s core scenic area have small waves in summer, making them suitable for straight-line swimming training; beyond Nanwan toward Dawan on the eastern side, conditions become more open and closer to the challenge level of actual races.

Having hosted multiple international marathon swimming events, Penghu has a mature local swimming community, and some operators offer guided open-water training services. The waters around Penghu have extremely high visibility, but strong northeast trade winds often arrive in summer afternoons, so judging the right time to set out is crucial.

Practical Advice

• Check the regulations before entering the water: Most reservoirs in Taiwan are water-source protection areas, and swimming without permission may result in fines. Be sure to confirm in advance.
• Practice with a buddy and share your itinerary: Open water is not a pool. Swim with at least one other person, and inform others of your planned location and return time beforehand.
• Observe the water conditions for at least 15 minutes: Before each entry, watch from shore to assess wave direction, current direction, and the drift of buoys to understand the day’s conditions before getting in.
• Carry an inflatable buoy: Whether training or racing, an inflatable safety buoy increases your visibility and provides a brief resting point when fatigued.
• Start with a guided session: If it is your first time in a particular body of water, taking a course through a local swimming club or certified coach is the fastest way to learn the characteristics of that water and its safe exit points.

Conclusion

Taiwan is a natural treasure island for open-water training, offering venues of every difficulty level from north to south, from freshwater to the open sea. However, the trade-off between “convenience” and “safety” is always a serious consideration for every open-water swimmer. Choosing the right venue, following the rules, and making thorough safety preparations will allow every session to be fully effective, steadily building the capability to take on real race conditions.

Related Reading

• Taiwan’s Open-Water Swimming Destinations: A Complete Guide to Chengcing Lake, Sun Moon Lake, and Coastal Waters
• Open-Water Swimming Safety Guidelines: A List of Legal Swimming Waters in Taiwan
• Open-Water Training Plans: Progressive Adaptation with One Outdoor Swim Per Week
• Taitung Living Lake Open-Water Training Guide: Training Tips from the Triathlon Holy Land