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I AVERAGE WAVE HEIGHT: 3 TO 10 FEET I australia: GGGG {} @@ 00 000 Often called the "Hawaii of Australia," the town of Margaret River is home to some of the premier surf spots in Western Australia -or the whole of Australia, for that matter. Among the most notable: The Point, Suicides, The Box, and, of course, Margaret River, a powerful left break that can hold waves up to 18 feet. The secret to this region's wave rich· es is the consistent west swells that roll in unencumbered across the Indian Ocean for up to 4,000 miles before landing on the surf spots that dot Margaret River's shores. The surf is best November through May, though there are plen- ty of waves to be had year-round. Expect to wear a wetsuit because the water temperature rarely gets above 70 degrees. Sharks are also common in Western Australia'S waters, so beware. Naturally, crowds can be a prob- lem at the main spots, which are recommended for advanced surfers only. For beginners and those who dislike crowds, you're almost guaranteed waves if you're willing to surf the unnamed beach breaks that border some of the most famous spots_ High cliffs and windswept beaches characterize the Margaret River coastline while inland you'll find dozens of wineries and deep forests of karri, one of the world's tallest trees. Although Margaret River is located in a relatively isolated region, some three hours south of Perth, the town's reputation has steadily attracted surfers from around the world, both to visit and to live. Today, Margaret River has grown into a full-fledged funky beach community and hub of surf culture in Western Australia. - Mark Anders IOUTFITTERS I SURF SHOPS AND ACCOMMODATION IN MARGARET RIVER Surf lessons ($52 per lesson) and board rentals ($25 per day) can be arranged at local surf shops such as Beach Life Surf Shop (61-8-9757-2888) and Margaret River Surf Co (61-8-9091-1467). If you stay at Surf Point Lodge, which is $21 to $73 a night, (61-8-9757-1777 www.surfpoint.com.au.office@surfpoint.com.au). they can arrange rentals at a nearby shop and lessons at the Josh Palmateers Surf Academy. @@ 00 GGG {} 000 Surfers have been drawn to the raggle-taggle island of Barbados since the mid-60s, and for good reason. Proximity to the US, superfriendly locals, gin-clear warm water and nonstop sunshine are only part of it. The most easterly Caribbean island, it receives an abundance of swell in an ocean known for its fickleness and, unlike its volcanic·based neighbors, it was created from a shifting of the continental shelves, which allows swells to arrive unimpeded by underwater shoals, giving the waves more punch than usual. Outside Puerto Rico, it's easily the most consistent island in the Caribbean for surf. Couple that with 30-plus named surf spots, from long right walls at Duppies, on the northwest coast, to the thick (though fickle) lefts of Brandons on the south coast, and you've got an experienced surfers Gilligan's Island. Bathsheba, on the central east coast, is as close to "Surf City" as this sleepy 21 by 16-mile-wide island gets. This funky, laid-back little town is home to a number of good to excellent reef breaks, including the infamous Soup Bowls, a steep, bowly, experts-only righthander, marred slightly by the prevailing northeast (onshore) trade wind. It's often said that Soup Bowls is ridable over 300 days a year, which is damn fine odds if you're the gambling sort (and what surfer isn't?) Don't expect an undis- covered paradise though-there are plenty of Bajan (local) surfers who're out there on all manner of equipment sporting dreadlocks and the biggest smiles you're likely to see in any lineup. The Barbados Surf Association formed in 1969 and has sent teams to international amateur events every year since '84 as well as hosting at least one international contest per year (usually in December). The best time to visit is between October and February, when Atlantic nor'easters are common; visiting outside these months is more of a gamble, as like anywhere in the Atlantic, it can go flat for weeks on end. There are numerous places to stay in Bathsheba, from somewhat inexpensive local rooms for approximately $40 a night at the laid back Bajan Surf Bungalows (246-433-9920, bsb@jorgen.com) to the only hotel in town, the Edgewater Inn (246-433-9900, edgewater@bellsouth.net). Barbados is a hardcore surfer's destination, attracting lots of do-it-your- seifers, and doesn't offer any surf schools or rentals. Flying Fish Surf Shop in Bridgetown stocks some essentials, but it's best to bring your own.-Mark Anders IOUTFITTERS TOUR OPERATORS AND PACKAGE DEALS US-based Surf Express (www.surfex.com. 321-779-2124) and Worldwide Adventures (www.worldwideadventures.com. 800-706-9110) offer customized land-based packages starting at 300 a week to all manner of accommodation. (Flight booking optional. Due to inconsistent carriers, it's recommended to organize air tickets separately-make sure to ask about the cost/availability of taking boards.) 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