DESPITE THE WEATHER AND YEARS AWAY FROM THE WAVES, REDISCOVERING THE RUSH OF SURFING ON MOROCCO’S ATLANTIC COAST IS THE EVENTUAL REWARD FOR A SURF SCHOOL NOVICE
Devil’s Rock, Draculas, Mysteries, Spiders, Unicorns. With their glam rock names, it’s somehow fitting that the local surf spots should fall victim to a rampaging Russian weather system sounding like a heavy metal band. Currently burying Europe in snow, the Beast from the East is also blowing out the waves here in Morocco.
“You’d have been better off staying at home,” Aelwyn chuckles, showing me photos on his phone of the pumping surf back in Swansea. It’s not what I want to hear at breakfast on my first day at surf school. Still, it’s good to see I’m not the only greying member of this fresh-faced, international group. Dave, a retired timber baron from Canada, is even older. “You’ve just missed a great week,” he tells me, taking a slice of the spinach omelette Moncef, Mint Surf ’s co-owner, is passing round. I’m impressed to hear he’s been surfing Anchor Point, the legendary local point break. “I could’ve chopped heads off,” he says, eyes glazing over. “I was so focused on getting up on my board and down the wave.”
It had been more than a decade since I’d felt that intoxicating rush; since the last of the crazy Friday-evening schleps down the M5 to Cornwall. An era that ended when my mates discovered donning wetsuits and downing pints wasn’t compatible with nappy changes and bedtime stories. My Tinder profile still said I was a surfer but, eventually, even I wasn’t buying that any more. I started to hear the waves calling me and I’d been unable to resist.
Outside in the sunshine, there’s an emotional reunion with my old surfing partner. Slender, with curves in all the right places and standing at a statuesque 7’ 9”, the board I’d requested is strapped to the minibus roof with the foam beginner boards the other ‘surf improvers’ are using.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2018-Ausgabe von National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2018-Ausgabe von National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
DIRECTORY
Lush Paul Valley, located at the foot of the COVA crater, is surrounded by rocky peaks, constituting one of the most spectacular landscapes of the island of Santo Antão.
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
To summit Kilimanjaro is an expedition of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a first-timer, there are key questions to consider before tackling the Tanzanian peak.
SEARCHING FOR BIGFOOT
TO VISIT OREGON IS TO EMBRACE THE ELEMENTAL POSSIBILITY OF BIGFOOT, THE HAIRY, HUMAN-LIKE MYTHICAL CREATURE. THE PROSPECT AND THRILL OF THE CHASE MAKES THE AREA'S THICK FORESTS, GURGLING CREEKS AND SCENIC HIKING TRAILS A TRUE WALK ON THE WILD SIDE.
FOR THE BIRDS
A visit to the Scottish Highlands offers one of the best bird- and wildlife-watching experiences in the UK, with the promise of rare encounters with unique species.
ON THE WATER
From swimming to standup paddleboarding, boating to biking, here's how to have the ultimate adventure on and around six of world's most beautiful lakes.
HOW I GOT THE SHOT
PHOTOGRAPHER MATT DUTILE ON SNAPPING THE FROZEN CONTINENT'S CHARISMATIC WILDLIFE FOR OUR MAY ISSUE
THE EVOLVING GAP YEAR
FROM ENHANCING A CV TO BENEFITTING A LOCAL COMMUNITY OR TRAVELLING WITH PURPOSE, THE MOTIVES FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE A GAP YEAR ARE INCREASINGLY NUANCED.
VALLETTA
In Malta’s harbour-framed capital, a rich and evolving art scene unfolds among honeyed baroque facades, echoing the global influences that have shaped the city over the centuries
A timeless city
Wander through artistic alleyways and along modern beachfronts in South Korea’s second city — a place where tradition and innovationgo hand in hand.
SANDS OF TIME
COVERING AROUND 800,000 SQUARE MILES, ALGERIA'S SHARE OF THE SAHARA TAKES UP OVER 80% OF THE COUNTRY - THE VOLCANIC PEAKS, CANYONS AND VAST SAND SEAS FORM A STRIKING BACKDROP TO OASIS CITIES AND UNIQUE NORTH AFRICAN CULTURES