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One for the surfers (Read 715680 times)

Adam Lincoln

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#3200 Re: One for the surfers
November 16, 2023, 11:56:01 am
Planning a trip to Tenerife in January for a bit of mid-winter surfing and sport climbing action (probably a just have couple of surf days, the rest climbing) - pretty much know what's going on re. climbing out there but have no real idea what the surfing is like - from the limited bit I've read there's a lot of reefs, rocks and angry locals - sounds err... Mint.

Thought I'd see if anyone here's been and has any recomendations for a surf punter? CBA to lug a board for just a couple of days but happy to sling a suit and boots in the bag - staying Arico way but will have a car.

Cheers...

I spent two winters in Tenerife on long trips.

Surfing wise, we mainly surfed PDLA . Unless you are half decent, avoid Spanish left, as it's very localised. Instead surf in front on the hotel where all the surf schools are. It's reef but not sharp and doesn't hurt if you hit it. It will be rammed when the schools are in. You can spread out a little bit but depends on your ability.

Saw a few other spots when we explored but lots of graffiti about localism so didn't risk it

BrutusTheBear

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#3201 Re: One for the surfers
November 16, 2023, 05:22:59 pm
Heard similar stories about localism in Lanzarote before going there and saw graffiti saying locals only etc... here and there. 
My experience in the water was pleasant enough though.
Probably helps to be on your own and not turn up to the line up with a crowd.
On point breaks/ reefs sit wide and respectfully wait in line/ tolerate being snaked by the locals.
Be polite, smile, say 'ola', give a 'whoop' when someone catches a good one etc..
Had some great surfs at well known breaks and got called into waves at some spots. 
Caveat being - it was 15ish years ago and things may have changed but surely if it's just you, you are being respectful and you don't drop in or snake anyone, there's nothing for the locals to get agitated about. If you get the vibe that you're not welcome paddle in and go elsewhere.

spidermonkey09

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#3202 Re: One for the surfers
November 16, 2023, 06:00:14 pm
What's the deal with surfing localism? It sounds like people are complete arseholes. Can anyone point to an article explaining the phenomenon?

Duncan Disorderly

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#3203 Re: One for the surfers
November 16, 2023, 06:14:24 pm
Thanks guys - sounds like it should be fun. El Medano could be a good shout - I'll need to hire a Minimal or similar. I'll do some Googling and it'll probably be a good idea to get a copy of the Stormrider Europe guide and have a peruse when I next get paid... It'll just be me and tbh I'm such a punter I'll probably just avoid anywhere too tricky so doubt I'll be taking waves off snarky locals...

A Jooser

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#3204 Re: One for the surfers
November 16, 2023, 06:30:37 pm
What's the deal with surfing localism? It sounds like people are complete arseholes. Can anyone point to an article explaining the phenomenon?

Sometimes the 'locals only', 'surf wars' stories...
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/local-beaches-for-local-folk-surf-guerrillas-fight-the-outoftowners-5350836.html

Quote
One gang member said yesterday: "I think there are too many floaters in the water. They have got no respect..."

...are just a bit of p!$$ taking...
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/nov/23/pressandpublishing.students

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demands including one that no pasties be sold throughout the world with carrots in them


SA Chris

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#3205 Re: One for the surfers
November 16, 2023, 11:41:52 pm
Don't know origins, guess it stems back to native Hawaiians getting pissed off with hoards of "haoles" descending on their breaks when surfing took off, and suddenly everyone wanted to try and be like them and claim some "turf".

TBF you can see why tempers can get a bit frayed sometimes. A bit like turning up to a crag with one route on it that is just right for you, and there are a queue of people waiting to do it. And a lot of them who are not up to it are going to dog it and then toprope it. The let their pals...

SA Chris

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#3206 Re: One for the surfers
November 16, 2023, 11:44:56 pm
it'll probably be a good idea to get a copy of the Stormrider Europe

Annoyingly they split it into 2 editions now, and all the info is on surfline (RIP MSW :( ) or better online.

 

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