The Most Dangerous Places to Surf on the Planet: 3 Destinations You'll Never Get to Surf
Um, the water looks warm?
Surfing often offers a unique glimpse into unknown environments. The search for waves can take you to places you wouldn’t normally venture and allows you to experience cultures that would otherwise remain undiscovered. In places where surfing is uncommon, the locals’ attitude to these mysterious and unfamiliar travellers is usually one of intrigue. Hospitality is warmly extended and memorable new relationships forged. Positive experiences all round. But unfortunately, the world in which we live isn’t an entirely harmonious place. While the majority of communities will gladly welcome guests, there are still volatile pockets of the globe that are definitely best avoided.
Here are the best places in the world that regrettably, you’ll probably never get to surf:
Somalia
The primary activity along Somalia’s massive Indian Ocean shoreline certainly doesn’t involve a 6-foot chunk of finned Californian fibreglass. Notorious for its piracy, instability, and general unrest, Somalia is not a place to consider when planning any upcoming surf trips, which is a shame as there are some epic waves waiting to be discovered along its 3000 km of coastline.
Few spots have even been graced with a name, although there is one point break that has ironically been named ‘Pirights’ that is known to offer good quality rides. The beach breaks of Mogadishu are rumoured to offer rideable waves, but for obvious reasons reliable information is sketchy. War-Lords roam unchallenged through Somalia’s unpredictable population, and although the country is reportedly heading towards a slightly more stable climate, the threat of terrorism, kidnap, and piracy, will certainly keep this country from the radar of the travelling surfer for the foreseeable future.
Libya
The Mediterranean is a fickle spot for waves. Its location ensures that there aren’t vast enough stretches of water for swells to generate waves bigger than a couple of foot. At least, that’s what you may be led to believe. If the conditions are right, the Mediterranean can in fact provide waves of genuine class. The Libyan coastline is home to what is known as the ‘longest left in the Med’. A break called Wada Naga lies 130 kilometres east of the Libyan capital of Tripoli sending empty Indonesian-esque barrels firing towards the North African shore. Libya, however, is another of the world’s current no-go-zones. The UK foreign office advises against all travel to the country due to ongoing fighting, regular terrorist activity and fear of kidnapping. And with tension in the region escalating, this remains another beautiful spot that will remain unridden for a little while longer.
Gaza
While the waves in Somalia and Libya remain largely untouched, even by the locals, the same cannot be said for swell arriving into the Gaza Strip. A prominent surf scene has led to the formation of The Gaza Surf Club. Consisting largely of local lifeguards, these surfers rise early to beat the crowds in what is one of the most densely populated areas of land in the world. As with Libya, if the conditions are favourable, the waves get good. Young surfers riding modern boards donated to them by western charities are commonly seen tagging the warm waters of the Western Mediterranean with their own unique style. And they’ll have no concerns about sharing their line-ups with unwanted tourists. Airstrikes, Molotov cocktails and a largely unpredictable security situation mean that for the time being, The Gaza Surf Club will remain exclusively ‘locals-only.’
So, just how much do you want to score empty waves?
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