| The Other Kind of Surfing
I think it started a few months ago when I saw a brief clip of the IMAX film Extreme. There it was, a huge 40-foot wave and a teeny-tiny person rippin' shit up like nobody's business. I felt giddy, drawn into the barrel of the wave.
And then the poster for Blue Crush came along and I rolled my eyes until I saw the trailer and thought, "Hmmm, I could do this. A girl born on the prairies, I crave danger." Then, the clincher, the trailer for Step Into Liquid, the newest surf documentary from the same people who worked on The Endless Summer. Now I was ready for surfing that didn't involve my computer.
An excellent introduction to the Canadian world of cold water surfing can be found at surfingvancouverisland.com. The site offers tips on getting started in addition to wave terminology and surfer etiquette.
Of course, if you're looking for big wave surfing you'll want to go to the source at maverickssurf.com. Mavericks is a big wave surf spot located in Half Moon Bay, California. The site provides a history of Mavericks' surf activity since the ’70s, with surf reports and current surf competition information to motivate you.
Looking for a little surf ’n' turf? Try a surf lesson holiday in Australia. Details can be found at surfingaustralia.com.au. With more than 30 surf schools listed by region there's bound to be one to catch your eye in a country that offers surfing year-round. You'll also find an extensive listing of surf clubs, branches and calenders so you can better plan your wetsuit holiday.
Driver's license at 26. Next stop: extreme big wave surfer by 30. Well, at least a lesson or two.... |
