SURF

G-day Mate!
Australia is the obvious place to get some water time in during our winter, with everything from world class points to fun beach breaks, there’s plenty of variety and surfing’s pretty much the national sport over there. Most Brit surfers head straight to the Goldie, but it’s a big country and if you want to find an empty peak then head out of town. North of the Gold Coast the mid coast is a bit more laid back and rural, in the west around Margret River it’s a bit wilder with heavier surf and, if you head further north, you can have a proper uncrowded desert surfing adventure. So, decide what kind of trip you want and go for it!
www.surfing-waves.com

Island Style
Barbados is one of the coolest winter destinations. It’s got a laid back vibe, has turquoise water and empty white sand beaches. And from October to January there’s consistently good weather and waves. The south coast offers fun, rolling waves; the east coast has some heavier stuff but is pretty uncrowded, whereas the west coast, although busier, has picture perfect scenery. Head for post-surf grub at Oistins fish market for their amazing open air grills.
www.zedsurftravel.com

Lavaland
For a cheap, warm water trip during our winter head to Lanzarote. On this Canarian Island you can go from the disco paradise or hell (depending on your outlook) of Puerto Del Carmen to the more remote surfing haven of Famara in under an hour. Waves can be found on the NE, N and W coasts and vary from the super-heavy at La Santa, to the more intermediate friendly at Famara. Or if you want a bit of adventure, then catch a boat to the neighbouring island of Grasciosa. Expect fun times and good surf.
www.lanzarote.com/surf

Portugal
A classic winter getaway for Brits – although most are heading for the package tour horrors of the Algarve. For surfers, Portugal’s south-western corner lets you eke out the warmest weather that mainland Europe has to offer through the winter months. Hot spots to stay include Sagres (perfect location) and Lagos (party town), and there are plenty of options for surfing – including smaller sheltered spots on the south coast if the Atlantic facing west coast is too big. And with plenty of cheap flights to Faro, which is only a couple of hours from surfing nirvana, there really isn’t any excuse…
www.surf-experience.com

California Dreamin
Combine surfing with fun in California. When you’re in LA, it’s simple: just do everything! Check out Hollywood, take in a movie, go to a diner, and surf Malibu. If cities aren’t your thing then go south to San Clemente, it’s a charming town with good waves like Trestles and San Onofre and a great atmosphere. Or head north towards San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway, here the coastline becomes more rugged and the waves heavier. Camp out amongst the redwoods and then get in for a dawnie for a real back-to-nature experience.
www.surfingcal.com

Mellow Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is beautifully chilled out and has great waves, scrumptious food, lovely scenery and it’s very cheap. Sri Lanka gets the same swells as Indo and from November to March the southwest side of the coast is the most consistent which means heading to breaks like Hikkaduwa and Midigama. There’s a variety of mellow reefs and beach breaks along all along the coast which are good for intermediates. And you’re never sure what wildlife you’re going to bump into next – from elephants to crocodiles – it’s the full David Attenborough surf experience!
www.surfinginsrilanka.com

SNOW

For post-Olympic perfection…
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
After last year’s Winter Olympics, Whistler comes back for the 2010/11 season with all new facilities, lifts, the “Peak 2 Peak” gondola, and trails – but without the crowds and stress. Located on Canada’s northwest coast, Whistler is a snow trap with stunning trees, high class parks, an Olympic size Superpipe and long, snow-heavy seasons (it’s already been dumping since October!). If you’re brave, then venture further into British Columbia for incredible, easy access backcountry. And, if you fly into Vancouver, you can bookend your trip with a visit to Vancouver Island and immerse yourself in the high quality, but cold, breaks of Tofino, Long Beach or Jordan River.
www.whistlerblackcomb.com

For more than just snow…
La Plagne, France
La Plagne is at the heart of the Paradaski area which lives up to its name: surrounded by beautiful, chocolate box villages, La Plagne is perfect for beginners and intermediates, with mellow slopes and miles of easily accessible off piste. It’s an all round alpine heaven, with delicious local food, plus there’s the option of bobsleighing or ice climbing, or you can sleepover in an igloo, or even learn to drive your own husky driven sled.
www.La-plagne.com

Endless Powder…
Niseko, Japan
A Mecca for anyone with an addiction to freshies, the Niseko area is renowned for being drenched in the deepest ‘white gold’ you’ll ever experience. From December to May across all five resorts (Annupuri, Higashiyama, Hirafu, Hanazono and Moiwa) you can ride untracked powder until it’s all too much, and you’re crying out for a nice icy red run. Favourites include magical tree runs like Strawberry Fields and Miharashi. So, that inimitable powder-riding feeling of flying, topped off with an incredible culture fix, sushi and, of course, karaoke for afters!
www.niseko.ne.jp

Mellow park, parties & powder…
North Lake Tahoe, US
For chilled out Californian cruising you can’t beat North Lake Tahoe where there are a cluster of resorts around the stunning lake. Head to North Star to perfect your park skills on immaculately built features that grow gradually from baby sized to pro, or, on a powder day, sink into fairy like, mellow tree runs. For something more challenging you can explore the cliffs and chutes of Sugar Bowl or the steeps, trees, and natural halfpipes of Squaw.  Want more? Boreal is one big, nocturnal park for jibbers and jumpers.
www.northstarattahoe.com
www.sugarbowl.com
www.squaw.com

Cowboy bars & amazing backcountry…
Jackson Hole, US
If natural features are your forte, then J’Hole is heaven. Home to the likes of Travis Rice and Bryan Iguchi, the Teton Mountains erupt suddenly from Wyoming like a mini Chamonix, bang on the border of the beautiful Yellowstone National Park. With gondolas taking you from base to peak, and an infinite amount of routes through powder fields like Casper Bowl, natural halfpipes like Dick’s Ditch, and easy trees back to base, you can lap all day but still find something new every run. Then grab a beer and ride a bucking bronco with a cowboy after dark: in the summer many of the local ‘pros’ double up as cattle ranchers.
www.jacksonhole.com

Ride with pros and party…
Mayrhofen, Austria
Just an hour from Innsbruck by train, Mayrhofen has become the base of choice for European pros. At the bottom of the Zillertal valley (a brilliant thread of resorts), the Hof’s high altitude guarantees great snow, matched by massive open fields, intimidating steeps and pretty forests. The park is one of Europe’s best – sprinkled with fun rails and kicker lines. But be warned: they’re massive, so expect to share a chair with one of many pros practising for films or comps. It’s also a big party town, with a renowned Jager fuelled full-on après scene, and the home to Snowbombing. Good times guaranteed…
www.mayrhofen.at

Armed with surfboards and beer we followed the Pacific Highway North and peeled off at Myall Lakes National Park to spend the night. A quick surf was in order to wash away the day’s driving and we found perfect peeling waves on Boomerang Beach, Pacific Palms. Once we’d tired ourselves out enough to sleep, we parked up on a quiet road and hoped that we’d make it through the night without being moved on. Thankfully the night passed with only the occasional possum to disturb us and we made a small detour to have breakfast on the beach. Eating bread and Nutella whilst watching whales cannot be beaten and we had to force ourselves to drive away.

We continued our trip North to a place called Yamba which is known for it’s prawns and surfing, close to the World famous Angourie headland. Having lived there last year for 6 months I was eager to return to perfect breaks and seafood! We wasted no time in hitting the water and paddled out at Turner’s Beach, where the Clarence River meets the sea. The waves were only a couple of feet high but the water was glassy, and we had the whole beach to ourselves with only a dolphin for company! We caught wave after wave, with both lefts and rights consistently coming through.

We spent the night at the Yamba YHA Backpackers, owned and run by a local family who are more than happy to tell you where the best waves are for your level. The evening was spent drinking beers and sharing surfing stories with other backpackers.

The next day we went out early for a surf at a beach called Pippi’s. The sandbanks couldn’t have been better and again we got perfect clean waves, great fun for longboards and mals! The afternoon was spent sailing on a yacht in the sunshine which is owned by a local who is always happy to take backpackers out for a spin.

Next stop was Byron Bay, a lively little town full of shall we say ‘interesting’ folk! The local population is made up of hippies and the smell of incense follows you around. We parked up in a camp site and went for a surf at Belongil Beach. Unfortunately our spell of good waves had come to an end and the beach was pretty much flat. We went out for a paddle but it was in vain as we decided to head back after half an hour of nothing. Drowning our sorrows in pasta, beans and yet more beers we called it a night.

As morning came we were up and ready to check the surf, hoping there would be more than the day before. Having checked Tallow’s, Main Beach and The Pass in Byron Bay and found nothing, we bought pies and headed for the Gold Coast. We took a detour into Coollangatta but again the waves were messy and not worth pulling on a wet wetsuit for.

Tweed Heads and Surfer’s Paradise offered us no more than Byron and so we continue North….

For our latest cover and to tie in with this issue’s I Surf article we’ve covered Laura Crane in writing,  with pretty impressive results!

With autumn approaching we’ve travel in mind with an eye on escaping to somewhere warmer or a nice weekend break away before the cold sets in. So we look at some pretty cool places to hang out whether it’s a weekend break in the UK or a surf camp in Europe and a bit beyond. Plus we’ve tips and inspiring stories from surf girls at amazing surf destinations around the world.

We report on behind the scenes at last month’s Roxy Pro, catch up with cool surf chica and longboard ace Jen Smith (who’s just won the Tuaca Longboard Pro at Boardmasters). Check out the latest looks for autumn and have a gander at the amazing new wetsuits on the market this winter. And we meet the whale people! Totally inspiring folk who are Surfers for Cetaceans and talk to them about their crusade to save whales and dolphins as custodians of the ocean.
Plus SurfGirl 34 is stacked full of the tips, advice and the latest news from the surfing world. So get a copy in the newsagent or surf shop while stocks last! (Subscription copies have sold out, but you can subscribe from the next issue and get a lovely warm Ignite beanie!)

Ahh Bali life! Indonesia is made up of approximately 18,000 islands of which Bali being one of them, which is also known as the island of the gods and a thousand temples. Bali’s completely in harmony with nature with it’s  unique colourful culture and a fascinatingly scented way of life. The only Hindu island in Indo is enriched with world class waves and plenty of them which makes Bali a top surfing destination to thousands around the world. Including myself!

The people of Bali depending on how well you get to know them, almost always remember your name. You would think with only four first names traditionally used in Bali that this would make it easier to remember theirs, But in a way it makes it harder, with so many Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut’s (in that order from 1st to last child) it can get a little confusing. But even when you get it wrong its no big deal, they just correct you and have a laugh about it! Not like western culture where if the same happened it would most likely be taken as an insult.  Some locals can tend to hassle a lot, especially if your green to Bali, I just try and be patient, after all it is the western influence which has made it this way! I find it funny that when you say to the guy with the huge smile selling CD’s that your machine is broken, he’ll say ” No problem I fix, Now buy CD! Good price for you ya” haha sometimes you just cant resist

The time and precision they put in to making the offerings and going through the very special ritual of praying for the earth everyday shows a different kind of dedication, a beautiful kind which i both love and admire. Hindu Bali celebrates through ceremony and traditional festivals.  A  performance of widely dramatised art, music and dance, an enchanting, captivating sight which must be seen!

Obviously I come to Bali primely for surfing, and any one that has been will know why. With world renowned beach, reef and point breaks; soft waves for beginners, slightly bigger challenging waves for intimidate and full on barrelling shacks for advanced surfers. This makes it the perfect place, whether your there just having a laugh with mates or a dedicated surfer there’s epic waves to be had for all.

I continue to return each year to improve my surfing and reunite with friends I have made over the years, both westerners and locals. The surfing world is surprisingly small and you always bump into someone you now on Jalan Benasari, most likely outside Suka Beach Inn or Naruki surf shop.

So how do I manage to live in Bali all winter? And the answer to that is: ‘on a budget’!! It all depends on your lifestyle, if you’re going to live like a westerner then you will most likely be paying western prices! Bali is getting more and more international now and you can pretty much get anything you like, from imported vegiemite to organic milk, but this all comes at a price. You’re in Indo why not mingle into local life and truly get to see the real Bali.  Learn how to haggle right and a little bit of Indo Lingo goes a long way!

Now I’ve returned to the UK for the summer, these are the sights, smells and sounds I have etched in my mind from Bali themscent of a cove cigarette, incense burning, fire smoke when your surfing at dawn, frangipani’s , coconut oil, sea breeze scented with spices cooking. The delicious smell of satay on the side of the road when I pass on my bike.
The sound of rain drops on the bamboo roof, the familiar “Hallo Mrs” from smiling kind faces, the happy laughter from kids playing in the street, the bark of a stray dog. The croaking of frogs and crickets in the night, the honks and beeps from the insane suicidal drivers!  All of this I will miss. I understand why some people don’t leave, I know I didn’t want to!

Sampai waktu berikutnya, until next time!

SAS reps Alice Middleton and her boyfriend Ross are hosting a European film premier of 180� South in The Refectory in St Davids next weekend presented by TYF Adventure. Saturday 23rd October will see the first screening of Chris Malloy’s new film as a fundraiser for Surfers Against Sewage. After the success of previous film nights,�we expect next Saturday to be a sell out raising around �600 for Surfers Against Sewage. The film is about an adventure from California to Patagonia, the mountains they climb, the waves they surf and the lessons they learn along the way. Patagonia have sponsored the event and have some great prizes which will be raffled off on the night.

Tickets are �5 on the door but there’s only 100 seats so come early! Doors open at 7pm and film will be on for 8pm. To reserve tickets or find out more call TYF on 01437 721611 or pop into our high street office in St Davids if you’re up this way!

The film’s great, see a snippet of it here.

A surf camp trip can be a bit daunting if it�s your first time, but fear not: here�s SurfGirl�s guide to get you hooked up with friendly guys who will take the hassle out of your trip, make sure you score some decent waves, and ensure that you have a fantastic time to boot…

Morocco Morocco is one of very few destinations where advanced, intermediate and beginner surfers can all find something to get stuck in to. Most people head to Taghazout, just north of Agadir. If you want good surf, plenty of culture and adventure – all within a few hours of Baltic Britain – then this is your place.

Surf Maroc, Morocco
Roxy and SurfGirl have joined forces with Surf Maroc for an exclusive Roxy Surf Maroc Girls Week at their amazing beach side villa in Taghazout, Morocco, renowned as one of the finest surf destinations in the world. It’s an indulgent week of radiant sunshine, perfect warm water waves, bespoke all girls surf coaching by BSA instructors and Roxy team riders, there will also be a invigorating and revitalizing yoga session each day, tranquil massage available and delicious, healthy food. The Roxy Surf Maroc Girls Weeks are aimed at developing your surfing and confidence in the water and open to any level from beginner to advanced.

www.surfmaroc.co.uk

Portugal – The Algarve Forget the rep of the ‘Brits Abroad’ Algarve � you’re further West than that golf-holiday-hell… Sure, it’s not tropical, but it is warm year round and the surfs great. The best thing about the Algarve is that it effectively has two coasts to choose from: the west which is open to the Atlantic swells, and the south which offers some classic sheltered spots if winter-swell-double-overhead isn’t your bag.

The Surf Experience, Portugal
The Surf Experience Portugal has been groundbreaking since it was conceived 18 years ago, it continues to be so with its ‘Boot Camp’ concept. Is your surfing stuck in a rut? Well, we now provide pro level coaching for anyone who aims to get a few levels above where they are. Due to the huge success of the gents weeks, we’re having our first girls only ‘boot week’ this November. These weeks are limited to six or seven people, enabling your development to go through the roof, plus there’s spa, massage, video analysis, training techniques, earlies and your own DVD of you surfing at the end! Change ya life – swear to god..!

www.surf-experience.com

Lanzarote Historically an A1 fave with Brits escaping our isles’ dank and dreary months, Lanzo has become a tad unfashionable of late… Which is great, as it means fewer crowds! It is an awesome spot, with a good variety of waves and as a Brits-abroad winter classic, Lanzo is one of the easiest surf-retreats to get to.

Surf School, Lanzarote
We have always coached women to surf to their full potential and count one European Champion and four National Champions in our past surfers that have gone through our system. But no matter your abilities or aspirations, or style of surfing our coaching method offers improvement and enjoyment for everyone. We know there is an important difference in the way that women learn � they’re smarter about technique then men, more aware of safety and leave their egos behind when on courses! We use women instructors as well as men and have always done so. “Definitely the best surf school in Europe with coaching that suits all levels and abilities.” Sarah Whiteley (British Squad member for the World Championships, English Champion, Junior European Champion and British Cup winner)�www.surfschoolanzarote.com

Bali Bali has been a surfers’ paradise since the ’80s, when it was an underdeveloped tropical island. Since then tourism has boomed. The names of Padang Padang, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua and Sanur conjour up images of perfection, but there are many more breaks for all abilities. Bali gets swell from southern ocean swells direct from the Antarctic, so it’s rarely flat. Plus you can experience plenty of culture as well as great scenery. And if it’s nightlife you’re after then there’s plenty on the mayhem of the Kuta strip!

Surf Sistas, Bali
Why not surf your first perfect reef break in a tropical paradise under the guiding eye of our Surf Sistas team? Our Surf Sistas Bali camp moves between three locations, giving you the opportunity to really explore the incredible islands of Bali and Nusa Lembongan as well as improve your surfing. Alongside daily surf tuition and free surfs you’ll have the opportunity to visit Ubud, enjoy Yoga and Pilates, indulge in spa treatments and massage, relax in our beautiful accommodations, or even take a local cookery course. Come and join us in paradise for the surf adventure of a lifetime!
May 2011 (7, 10 or 14 day camps) www.surfsistas.com/love/bali

Sayulita, Mexico Sayulita is a casual, mellow surfbreak which is perfect for all skill levels. Surfers were some of the first foreigners to visit Sayulita in the late 1960′s where they found warm water and consistent waves all year-round. Nowadays the town has a nice ambiance and fulfils the tropical surf dreams of surfers from all over the world making it the perfect destination for relaxed Mexican holiday.

GirlieCamps, Europe and Mexico
GirlieCamps offer skate, surf and snow camps throughout Europe. GirlieCamps is the original camp for girls and have been around for eight years. GirlieCamps offer lots of fun and the chance to connect with like-minded girls from all around the globe. This season we organize surf camps in Biarritz, France, September 4-11, and Sayulita, Mexico, November 13-20. We will offer surf and kite surf camps in Fuerteventura in June 2011. New destinations this season include Newquay and Morocco. Check out the website for more information, or why not try out one of our snow camps! Every season, all the fun, just the girls! www.girliecamps.com

France The deep water trench located off the Landes coast sucks every bit of life from the Atlantic Ocean and focuses it on the hard shallow sands so finding the waves is easy! If the weather and swell patterns are in place, you won’t be dispatched home disappointed. If you do fail in your mission to find waves, then venture forth to the legendary night spots like the Rock Food!

Surf Sistas, France – Surf and Pilates Camp
Surf Sistas head to Hossegor in southwest France every September for our week long Surf and Pilates Camp. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your surfing to the next level, the Surf Sistas team are here to help you to make the most of your water time. �Our beautiful modern surf villa nestled in the shade of Hossegor’s pine forests is the perfect place to relax after a day’s surfing. Healthy and delicious meals are lovingly prepared each day by Suzanne, our Surf Sistas chef, and Amy Swanson’s daily Pilates classes will be keeping you all fired up for the waves.
11-18 September 2010 (2011 dates TBC) www.surfsistas.com/love/france

Cilling with the girls in Sri Lanka

The UK Pro Surf Tour returned to Sri Lanka in July this year for the �Sri Lanka Champion of Champions Surf Contest� at Arugam Bay. All of the best surfers on the UK Pro Surf Tour get invited to compete on a right hand point break and this year the girls get to go!!!

It wasn�t until the week before that anyone knew the competition was on, so it was all last minute. I was really excited and couldn�t believe that I would be going on a trip with rippers like Alan Stokes, Oli Adams, Matt Capel and Reubyn Ash. After the gruelling plane, bus journey and an overnight stay we arrived to warm water and pumping surf. However you do get to see some wildlife through the nature reserve.

We had a few days to surf and get used to the waves. I must thank my room mate Nicole Morgan for giving me a kick in the morning for those dawny seasons. It was so cool free surfing with everyone standouts for me were�Stuart Campbell and Toby Donachie – ones to watch in the future.

I also did a day trip with Johnny Fryer, Alan Stokes, Nicole Morgan, Sarah Bentley, and Celine Gehret. It was great to see a bit of Sri Lanka and ended up in a remote little village. We rocked up at this spot, all the local villagers came to say hello and we surfed a spot empty line up that reminded me of Morocco!! Epic day surfing watched Alan pull into a mantle barrel and make it and Johnny smacking it on his back hand.

The comp didn�t go so well for me, I ended up joint 3rd with Raine Jackson. It was great to see two Welsh girls in the final Beth claiming The title despite Gwen�s efforts. The highest scoring wave of the day was from Alan Stokes, which got a 9.50 point wave in the semi�s and then lead him into the man on man final against Reubin Pearce.� Alan went onto to win this year�s Open! I can�t wait to go on the next one.

Have a look at free surfing shots on my blog… http://www.jodennison.com/

I have 15 days left until I start the very long road trip to battle it out in a six star WQS Estoril Surf Billabong Girls (Portugal). Nicole Morgan from Ireland is picking me up in her new camper, where we will travel Lisbon for the first of our WQS May 7-9. With either tears or glory we will then have the long journey to get to Hossegor,Landes-France for the Swatch Girls Pro also 6star WQS.

I can���t speak for Nicole but these will be my first ASP events. I am very excited and can���t wait to put my surfing to the test with the girls on tour. Wish us Luck!!

A small wave at home befor it went flaaaat!!

Every winter you hear about the travels of the top British male surfers training for the next years competitions and trying to escape the ever colder winters. This year after finishing work with the Billabong International Surfing Centre , and the schools programs had wrapped up for the winter. I was lucky enough to plan a big trip in preparation for my determination to take some big names down in some World Qualifying events in 2010.

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Pembrokshire schools loving surf club

The first place on my list was the south of France so I could visit one of Europe���s best shapers, Robert Vaughn, and pick up some new surf boards. I ordered three new boards; a 5���11 small wave board, a 6���1 for the good days and a 6���3 for when it���s a little bigger. Once the hype of the ASP in France had died down, it was easy to find a quality sand bank to season. I spent most of my time in Les Estagnots and some of the busiest waters that I have ever experienced in Capbreton.

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woohoo new boards

As the winter swells pick up and the golden sand banks starts to get washed away I cruised down to northern Spain. Here there are some reef breaks or bigger wave spots, which hold the swell better. One of which being Mundaka. Being a goofy footer, I was very excited about testing this spot out that is deemed to be ���one of the heaviest waves in Europe���. I was not disappointed! Rumour was in France that it was going to be really good, so lots of surfers headed down.

Highly excited, I woke up really early to check it all out. I knew there where waves; I could hear them, but thick fog covered the whole sea. As I stared into the mist I could finally see what I thought was a five foot wave, as I looked closer I saw someone being towed into a very sizable wave. That day turned out to be one of the best days they had seen all year. I saw some of the biggest barrels and the most broken boards that I have ever seen. The next day was far more fun and I meet up with Sarah Beardmore and Rebecca Woods for surf before she headed down to Peniche in Portugal for an ASP event.

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Pumping Mundaka

Nearing the end of November, by which point I had lived in a van for too long, it was time to head somewhere warmer. The Canneries have been described as the ���Hawaii of Europe��� and situated close to the continent of Africa, this seems like a good place to go and check out. I spent 6 weeks on the island of Fuerteventura. It���s a volcanic island so there where reef breaks everywhere. I don���t think I have ever surfed so much in my life.

The waves where really consistent and we only had a couple of small and on sure days. I had some video coaching from Outerreef Surf School; Jo Dennison surfing. I think that my surfing defiantly improved from this, it helps to fine tune your surfing. I not only worked on my improving surfing, but I also concentrated on my diet and fitness. This was my favourite spot a right hand point break, Los Lobos.

Sometimes I could spend six or seven hours in the water with no break, just because the waves where so much fun. The last few days I was physically exhausted, the forecast was looking a little dull so I could not have timed it any better. Time to go Home to chilly Wales for a well earned rest and a cooked dinner.

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