The reality show Let's Go Kayaking!, in collaboration with Sanlih E-Television, Chinese Television System, Far Eastern TV Entertainment, and Taiwan Creative Content Agency, commenced filming today (18th) at the Central Taiwan Film Studios in Wufeng, Taichung. The cast includes George Hu, Kid, Emerson Tsai, Hong-Chih Kuo, Aviis Zhong, Emmie Ries, and Rima Zeidan. In today’s filming, participants got an exhilarating learning opportunity to deal with real waves in the wave pool. Deputy Secretary-General Chang Ta-chun of the Taichung City Government visited on behalf of Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen and offered Taichung’s local delicacies like suncakes and bubble tea, wishing for calm seas for the contestants, as they aim to complete the challenging journey from Taiwan to Okinawa, Japan after completing training in Taichung's wave pool.

Deputy Secretary-General Chang, accompanied by Deputy Director Chen Yu of the Information Bureau, made a visit tovisited the filming location today. They brought with them distinctive snacks from Wufeng, Taichung, to boost the morale of the contestants. Deputy Secretary-General Chang noted that the wave pool at the Central Taiwan Film Studios in Taichung, famously used by director Ang Lee for Life of Pi, can generate uniquely realistic ocean waves. Its enclosed water environment ensures a safe and optimal training setting. With its excellent weather and friendly support, Taichung welcomes all production crews to film in Taichung. Chang also extended best wishes for the success of the program!

Director Weica Wang noted that Let's Go Kayaking! centers around the idea of getting closer to the ocean, with kayaking as its main focus. In addition to combining the fearless spirit of adventure with entertainment elements featuring celebrities, this innovative reality show also aligns with the ESG concept, using visual content to ignite viewers' enthusiasm for the ocean, environmental protection, and social responsibility. The production of the show has been challenging, and the director expresses gratitude for the substantial support from the Taichung City Government. With favorable weather aiding the crew, everything has progressed smoothly, showcasing the versatility of film and television production.

Lin Kun-huang, President of Central Motion Picture Corporation, which manages the Central Taiwan Film Studios, commented that underwater filming poses one of the greatest challenges in the film and television production. He expressed pleasure in seeing reality shows being filmed in Taichung and highlighted that Central Motion Picture Corporation is dedicated to working with the Taichung City Government to support a variety of film and television projects and attract overseas investment, with the goal of encouraging more international production teams to choose Taiwan as their filming location.

Emerson Tsai, Kid, and others are excited about the chance to film in the wave pool. Despite being enthusiasts of water sports and having grown up by the sea, the two still felt anxious and tense about kayaking to Japan at first, as it will would be an unprecedented challenge. However, through training in Taichung's wave pool, they have gained confidence and believe that all team members will successfully complete this challenging task of reaching Ishigaki Island in Japan.

The Information Bureau noted that Let's Go Kayaking! marks a milestone in Taiwan's television history as the first international-level reality show that centers around oceanic adventures. Filming officially commenced in Taichung in April. Led by Sherry (Chen Wei-han), a kayak coach from Taichung, the celebrity contestants will undertake a challenging 260-kilometer sea crossing from Hualien in June after completing preliminary training. Additionally, a renowned Japanese special guest will join the team later on. The program is set to air during the summer holidays on Sanlih E-Television and Chinese Television System, offering the audience an exhilarating adventure experience.