56 Base ReviewHualien's Secret Outdoor Activity Hub: SUP with Expert Coaches

The owner places a high value on developing his coaches. They're all people he met through water sports, and they share a deep passion for these activities. Having worked together for a long time, their chemistry and professionalism are exceptional.

56 Base aims to combine a passion for outdoor activities with professional expertise, transforming the owner's childhood home into a "secret base" that offers a wealth of experiences for visitors to Hualien.

56 Base truly lives up to its name, feeling like a secret hideout. The entrance sign is quite subtle; it was so easy to miss on my first visit!

When you spot the "Lin Mama Peeled Chili Peppers" sign, you know you're close. Turn in at the entrance, and look for house number 56 or the blue and white container house. That's the Hualien SUP venue, where coaches will guide you to parking, changing rooms, and a rest area.

While the facilities at 56 Base are simple, they have everything you need, including a changing room with hot water for a quick rinse, and lockers with combination locks for valuables.

The blue and white container houses are still under construction, but they’re slated to become a guest lounge. The owner also mentioned plans to reconfigure other spaces and traffic flow to create an even more comfortable environment for visitors.

The sunrise tour is the most popular, offering the most dramatic light and comfortable weather, though it also attracts the largest crowds. Morning tours provide excellent lighting for photos with fewer people. Afternoon tours allow you to sleep in, and with fewer crowds, you can capture unobstructed views. Each of these tours has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the difficulty of standing on the board will depend on the ocean conditions that day.

56 Base specifically offers wider SUP boards for guests, which are stable enough for two people and ideal for beginners to stand up on.

I hear they plan to acquire more boards with unique designs in the future, which will make for even more distinctive photos. Wendy is already looking forward to her next visit!

The owner plans to further reduce group sizes in the future, focusing on a refined, small-group approach to enhance existing experiences and services. The goal is to establish 56 Base as Hualien's "secret base," a known destination for friends and visitors to Hualien.

Beyond Hualien SUP, you can also choose easy-to-learn kayaking. For those who prefer not to get wet, ATV rides or whale watching tours are available. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or with elders, you'll find suitable activities here.

Before you get in the water, the instructor will give a detailed introduction to the SUP board and demonstrate the movements on the board itself. This prepares you for how to get on and off, navigate waves, and what to do if you fall in.

Finally, with the instructor's help, everyone gets on their boards and heads out to sea, gradually paddling further out before trying to sit up on their own. The instructor always demonstrates the movements first and gives clear instructions, making it easy for even beginners to pick up quickly.

The basic way to enjoy Hualien SUP is to paddle in different positions—sitting, kneeling, or standing—to experience various paddling techniques and see the scenery from different angles.

When the waves aren't too big, even beginners can successfully stand and paddle by following the instructions from the 56 Base coach. You'll need to keep your knees slightly bent and engage your muscles a bit to help with balance.

It's perfectly normal to fall into the water, so don't worry! Just remember you're safe in your life vest, relax, and enjoy. The coach will patiently guide you on how to get back on the board, making it a fun experience for everyone, including Wendy Hsieh.

Once you've mastered the basics, the 56 Base coach will design various small games on the water, like simple yoga poses or water fights, depending on the conditions and group size. Essentially, for the entire Hualien SUP experience, all you need to do is relax and enjoy; the coach will take care of the rest!

For larger groups, the boards can be joined together, forming a line or a circle for games, which is how even solo travelers like Wendy quickly become part of the fun. If you're with a group of friends, family, or colleagues, it's even more enjoyable.

If you prefer not to join group activities, you can let your instructor know in advance or politely decline on the spot. They won't pressure you; the most important thing is that you have a great time!

During this experience, one person felt unwell, and the instructor immediately suggested she look at the distant mountain scenery or try getting in the water to clear her head, constantly reassuring her that they were almost at their destination. The instructor prioritized "encouragement" and "guiding guests to resolve the situation," and if the discomfort truly couldn't be alleviated, the itinerary would be adjusted as needed.

The entire Hualien SUP trip is customized on the fly according to the guests' condition, so there's no need to push yourself. If there are many people, there's usually more than one instructor, allowing for flexible, separate handling of different situations.

Beyond the meticulous care, what Wendy Hsieh praised most about 56 Base was the coaches' knack for candid photography, capturing the most natural moments. Even those uncomfortable in front of a camera are guaranteed to get great shots.

Of course, the coaches also arrange dedicated photo stops. They are experienced at framing shots and provide posing guidance, so you'll end up with a wealth of beautiful photos without spending excessive time on them.

On the water, they primarily use GoPros for photos and videos, while on land they'll also snap casual shots and help guests pose with their SUP boards. Sometimes, they even deploy DSLRs and drones, showing their commitment to top-notch photography equipment.

Throughout the experience, it was clear that 56 Base puts a lot of effort into enhancing the customer experience. This includes providing excellent photography equipment, professional photo editing, and a sufficient number of instructors. They are also preparing a lounge area to create a comfortable space for guests to chat, fostering interaction between the venue and its customers, as well as among customers themselves.

From interacting with the instructors and the venue, our mystery shopper Wendy Hsieh particularly noted the instructors' dedication to each guest. Whether dealing with different personalities, solo travelers, or groups, the instructors made every effort to meet diverse needs. The owner, Xiao Gu, is also very proud of 56 Base's high rate of repeat customers, with many guests returning or recommending friends to visit.

56 Base specifically advises comfortable, relaxed attire for photos, noting that when you feel at ease, your pictures will naturally turn out beautiful.

If you're concerned about color coordination, avoid bright or neon colors, as well as earthy yellows or grass greens that might blend too much with the background. With the mountains and ocean as your backdrop, every shot will be stunning! 56 Base also provides basic post-production to enhance your photos, and Wendy Xie was very pleased with the results!