The water is choppy and fairly clean. The tide has minimal influence and mostly the waves, that do roll into the bay, are small. Typhoons can cause HAVOCK and the waves can get big.
The beach is about 4km long and has plenty of sand. It runs next to a highway, which is about 300m away. Depending on the season, the beach can be filled with debris like oyster shells, bamboo, fire rockets, trees, wire, etc. Since it's a very long beach, you can just simply pick the spot that's clean/open. Watch for spikes left in the tidal zone, by fishermen.
Water is actually warm all year round. Winter makes it chilly and a shortie or full suit will do, depending on your tough guy status. Best times are November to May (winter).
The wind in winter is good. Use anything from a 9-18m, but mostly a 12m. Winter and most of the summer the wind comes from the North. Towards February and March we get the odd southern winds, which are normally good. Do get the odd windy weekend in the summer, but nothing major. Better to travel North during the summer months.
Hit Tainan Airport. Ask for the Gold Coast Highway, number 17. Stop at Seven Eleven and...go kite. From Kaohsiung, drive to Tainan City and again, ask for the Gold Coast Highway, number 17.(In chinese: Wang Jean Hi An). Golden Beach is located just south of Tainan's harbor, Amping. Can also rent scooters at the Tainan Train Station, for 250NT$ per day. Taxis are fairly cheap and will readily take you there.
