Swiss kitesurfer Geza Scholtz made history by completing the first Taiwan Strait kitesurf crossing. On Wednesday morning, he launched from Matsu’s Dongju Island at 5 a.m., aiming to cover the long stretch of water to Taiwan’s main island. After an exhausting 10-hour journey, he finally reached the coastline near Taoyuan’s Yongan Fishing Port.
Scholtz prepared extensively for this feat, spending two years training for the grueling challenge. His support team also played a critical role, following him in a boat and coordinating logistics to ensure his safety. Despite the harsh conditions, Scholtz managed to control his kite and maintain forward momentum.
Shortly after he began, Scholtz experienced nausea and vomited, which made the start tough. However, the wind conditions initially worked in his favor, allowing him to make steady progress across the strait. By midday, the wind speed rose to 28 knots (52 kph), and the waves became larger and more difficult to navigate. These tougher elements slowed his speed to roughly 15 kph.
The worsening weather forced Scholtz to adjust his planned route. Originally, he expected to cover 150 kilometers, but strong winds pushed him off course, extending the journey to 165 kilometers. This detour also increased his travel time from nine hours to 10 hours, testing his endurance further.
During the strongest winds, Scholtz admitted that he considered giving up. On top of that, pain in his legs grew intense during the last two hours, threatening to end his attempt early. Despite these challenges, the desire to complete the Taiwan Strait kitesurf crossing gave him the strength to push on. When he finally arrived ashore near Taoyuan, he felt exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. Soon after, he contacted his family in Zurich to share his success.
Looking forward, Scholtz plans more daring expeditions. He hopes his achievement inspires young people to leave their computer screens and explore the world beyond. Above all, he wants to encourage others to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.
Geza Scholtz’s Taiwan Strait kitesurf crossing marks a significant milestone in extreme sports. His journey shows what dedication and resilience can achieve, setting a new standard for kitesurfers everywhere.
