the Adventure Lifestyle magazine

Bruce Brown's 1966 film turned an entire generation of surfers on to the seemingly limitless possibilities of wave hunting. Filmed in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Hawaii and California, Endless Summer opened up a whole new universe of swells. Since then, surfers have laid claim to beaches from Bali to Ghana. Your destination depends on what type of waves, back- drop cultu re and comfort level you're looking for. If you're new to the sport, pick a destination with mellow beach breaks and soft rolling waves. Once you've mastered those, try reeling point breaks. Surfers with plenty of experience opt for the challenge of barreling reef breaks or pounding beach breaks. The mellow peeling waves of San Onofre beach in southern California are a great destination for beginning surfers and soul longboarders alike. Intermed- you'll have another session before the sun goes down. After that, it's eat, drink, sleep. The next day, you get up and do it again. Remember that you're visiting a surf spot that is proba- bly someone's home break. So be considerate of local surfers. Don't drop in on anyone, ever. "Spend a little time studying the hierarchy of the surfers. Dip your toe in the water and try to work your way into the line- up," suggests Scott Hulet, editor of The Surfer's Journal. If you find yourself getting vibed or feeling uncomfortable, find another spot. It's not worth ruining your vacation over a little localism. Let us not forget surf travel's biggest risk: You could travel halfway around the globe to get skunked. Even the best surf spots in the world are flat from time to time. If you research a destination's peak swell sea- cranking points of places like Panama WITH A SURF CAMP OR SOLO, and Baja, Mexico. Expert surfers will be TH E GOAL REMAI NS TH E SAME: happiest challenging themselves in a dredging reef break somewhere like Tahiti or Samoa. And, of course, every NON STO P 5 U R FIN G. iate and advanced surfers should WH ETH ER YOU CHOOSE TO GO sons, you'll likely get what you explore the powerful beach breaks and want; but remember, traveling in the peak season can also mean higher rates and crowd- ed surf. If you're willing to gamble a little and travel in the off-season, you might score surf traveler needs to make the pilgrim- ..... ------------------------' waves without the crowds. age to Oahu, Hawaii. Surfing was born on Oahu's North Shore and today the massive waves at Waimea and Sunset Beach are leg- endary in the surf world. Head to a place like Costa Rica and you'll have your hands full with a variety of classic waves and the option to choose between going frugal in a little bungalow or dropping some serious cash at a luxury resort. Take off on an exploration deep in Baja, Mexico, and you'll be in for some killer surf-but be prepared to rough it, camping on the beach most of the time. The nature of surfing lends itself well to solo trips, but surfers who are wallet-rich and time-poor should consider a surf camp (see Adventure Index, page 72) or any organized surf boat trip. These all-inclusive trips are popping up in some of the most popular as well as the more unknown surf destinations. Most camps house you, feed you and provide guides who know all the breaks and their nuances-the kind of information that takes years of riding to acquire. Many camps also offer instruction. Whether you choose to go with a camp or solo, the goal remains the same: nonstop surfing. Tide permitting, a typical day starts at 6AM with a two- to three-hour dawn-patrol session when the winds are offshore and the surf clean. Then you crawl ashore, inhale breakfast and take a nap. If the winds and tides allow, "There's a lot to be said for going to these places in the off-season, when the rates are lower and the spots are almost empty," says Hulet. "For instance, go to Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa, in December or January and you could be surfing two- to three- foot perfect waves without a crowd." There's no question that the best way to get condi- tioned for surfing is to surf. But if you don't have the time or access to waves, try to hit the pool and swim laps several times a week to get in paddling shape. If that's not possible, a workout routine that combines cardio work like jogging with strengthening exercises such as push-ups is something everyone can do. It's a good idea to build the shoulder muscles you use when you pop up to your feet on the board. Practicing yoga will not only increase your strength and flexibility, but also your balance and coordination. No matter what the destination, when it comes to pack- in g, there's good news for surfers: A board, wax, bathing suit are really all you'll need. "Most pro surfers I've traveled with use those big cof- fi n-style board bags," says Hulet. "They pack two or three boards and stuff it with everything they own, plus some T-shirts to trade with the locals."-Mark Anders 33

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