If there is any kind of extreme sport whose name is shrouded in a huge number of legendary stories. And which, like no other, has influenced culture and art like no other, then it is certainly surfing. The ancient Hawaiian and Polynesian skill of conquering waves on huge and heavy boards is firmly rooted in modern culture. Having migrated to the shores of other islands and continents.
Over time, surfing has modernized – today’s surfboards are quite light. And comfortable boards of various types: 3-meter longboards suitable for beginners. Shortboards popular among advanced surfers, small and thin skimboards. For riding in the shallowest waters, egs and fishes for experienced athletes and a number of others.
However, the features of surfboards, as well as the basic tricks. That are necessary in order to get on the board. And ride the wave, will not be discussed here. The purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of the most popular. Surf spots in different regions of the planet. And at the same time talk about their characteristics, in particular. How they suit “dummies”( after all, there are much fewer surfers than skiers or snowboarders).
Europe
Despite the fact that the Pacific region is the birthplace of surfing, in the 50s of the XX century. This sport began to spread actively in European territory. First establishing itself in the south-west of France and Cornwall, and then continuing its victorious campaign. Across the Old World up to the Atlantic. the beaches of Portugal and Spain. Which today boast a huge number of excellent and sometimes extremely difficult surf spots.
Portugal
Portugal can be called the center of European surfing without exaggeration. The entire coast of the country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, so the beaches of Portugal are great for surfing. And you can find spots for both beginners and professionals, where waves reach more than 10 meters in height. For beginners, sandy beaches with beach breaks are perfect (one of the types of waves – along with reef and point breaks). The southern coast of the country is famous for rather weak waves. While the western coast, open to the ocean, often pleases with large swells.
Peniche and Baleal
These two small peninsulas are located about 90 kilometers north of Lisbon. And due to the fact that the coast is directed in different directions. They are open to winds of different directions. Due to the presence of sandy beaches in Peniche, beginners can try their hand, but also here is the legendary Supertubos spot. Which hosts the international surfing championship for real pros every year, so Peniche can be called the place that epitomizes surfing in Portugal. The coastline of this area has a length of 15 kilometers, and good conditions for skiing are observed almost every day. You can get to Peniche and Baleal by car. The only unpleasant moment is related to the water temperature. The maximum marks, even in summer, do not exceed 20-22 degrees.
On the other hand, the local spots have many advantages. The absence of sharks, a safe and fairly developed European country, low prices and tourist attraction. In addition, Peniche has a developed system of schools that teach surfing at several spots at once – there are about 15 surf schools and camps in total.
Algarve
This is a region in the very south of Portugal, washed by the waters of the Atlantic, which is why its coast is also famous for its excellent surf spots – to the west of the region there is an excellent northwestern swell (an array of waves coming to the coast, created as a result of the action of air masses), and on in the south, large waves appear mainly in winter. Thanks to such a difference in coastlines, you can always find good waves in the Algarve, and many spots and a more or less developed infrastructure of the region will surely please surfers. The main spot of the region is Sagreshu. Waves can also be caught on the spots to the north of it. The best time to surf in the Algarve is spring and autumn, when you can avoid the crowds and high prices.
Spain
The coast of Spain in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the Canary Islands (primarily the island of Lanzarote ) are considered quite interesting places for surfers of varying degrees of preparedness.
Basque country
San Sebastian and the beaches around it traditionally attract many surfers, not only for its waves, but also for its active nightlife – there are many excellent bars and restaurants famous for their drinks and food. In total, the Basque Country boasts about three dozen excellent surf spots, perhaps not as famous as the French Biarritz, but more than worthy – with different types of breaks and swell heights. Some spots (Mundaka, Playa Salvaje, etc.) are designed for advanced surfers, and some, like Aiskorri (with a beach break but with stones) and El Sitio with a point break, are quite accessible for beginners.
