Magna Sicilia | Presidio Slow Tourism

Surfing in Sicily? Trying is believing

Until a few years ago it was believed that the surfing  was an activity only for ocean spots. Probably because the Mediterranean does not offer the big-wave much-acclaimed tropics. But in a scenario like the one in Sicily, you can ride a smaller sized wave and still have fun?

Let’s find out together how the Sicily lends itself well to this action sport, therapeutic for people.

Surfing and the Sicilian coast: an ever-growing partnership

Many people wonder what spots Trinacria offers. Being an island, it is possible to find excellent conditions within a few hours’ drive. It is important To know how to recognize weather phenomena and wait for the most profitable time. In the presence of the Mistral, coming from the northwest, the Tyrrhenian slope is considered active. In contrast, with the Sirocco it will be possible to ride the waves on the southern coast. For this very reason, Sicily does not disappoint any surfer.. From amateurs to professionals, everyone appreciates its coastal variety, despite the smaller range waves.

The best stops on the northern coastline are Mondello, San Vito lo Capo, Macari e Isola delle Femmine, with crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery. Here, not only will you be able to ride the adrenaline rush of the “Sicilian waves,” but you will be able to enjoy such unique scenery as that between the coasts of Palermo and Trapani.

To the south, the beaches of San Leone e Menfi in Agrigento. With winds blowing from the southeast, it becomes one of the most active areas on the Island. In addition, a large number of Caretta caretta turtles
ready to lay their eggs.

Finally, on the Ragusa coast we find. Punta Braccetto, a piece of paradise for those who, in addition to having fun, want to relax and enjoy incredible golden hours. In the late afternoon the Rock of the Sunsets gives great emotions, a panacea to meditate and prepare for the next surf day!

The benefits of surfing after Covid

That of the board sports is a clearly growing trend. Some people even aspire to make surfing their life, starting to talk about surf life.

This strong demand probably stems from the extended 2020 lockdown period. Many people have felt locked in a cage, merely dreaming of freedom and destroying all psychophysical balance. Some of these wished for nothing more than a future always more in touch with nature.

Surfing was the answer to this problem. Contact with the sea and the energy given off by the sun help people get out of a stressful situation more easily. Facilitating psychophysical recovery are precisely the waves. The dangerous condition posed by the power of the sea requires the necessary effort of the individual in finding determination and adapting to the force of nature. Overcoming the obstacle creates self-esteem, caring for the person psychologically and socially. All this is only because of sports. Hence also the increase in demand for vacations and trips(SurfWeek) that put surfing at the center, also emphasizing the importance of sharing, exploring and being more in touch with one’s surroundings.

Delving deeper into the benefits of the sport is the Isola Surf team, with a new surf therapy project : more information here.

Where to go to surf school in Sicily

Swells come and go, alternating from southeast to northwest. But when the wind doesn’t blow what does the surfer do? Or, simply, when you are a novice and want to try the sport, who to turn to? Here are called into question the Sicilian surf schools, for both cases.

Knowing how to surf requires balance and concentration, all skills that only with perseverance will develop, including through “dry practices“. For those who have never surfed therefore, the advice is absolutely to turn to professionals, and not the ”do-it-yourselfer,” who can give the right tips both on land and in the water to best deal with the first wave.

But when the wind is not blowing, dry training is equally suitable for those who already know how to ride waves! Also included in the workout are some propaedeutic surfing sports, such as the surfskate, which uses different boards than most are familiar with and allows you to simulate the movements of surfing out of the water, strengthening your legs, arms and core. O the stand-up paddling.

In short, surfing is a discipline in its own right. And in Sicily there are special schools that with dedication strive to train anyone who wants to try their hand at the sport, professional or not.

We cite Island Surfing in Isola delle Femmine. A school that since 2011 has offered surf and sup courses
for beginners and experts. Danilo La Mantia (ISA-CONI instructor) takes care of his students by enhancing their performance and conveying his love for this wonderful activity.

On the southern side, right at Punta Braccetto in the province of Ragusa we find the surf school of
Serfatari. Born ten years ago from the idea of Emanuele Nicosia, three years ago with Gioele, Gianni, Marco and Antonio the headquarters on Hawk Street was established. Also recognized by the CONI offers classes in yoga, sup yoga and, of course, surfing. In addition, the school every year takes care of the spot where it works by gathering volunteers to practice beach cleaning, that is, litter picking on the beaches.

Serfatari is not the search for the perfect wave, but the perfect way to surf a wave. For more information and to try a unique experience, here is the contact: 349 140 6720.

 

by Luca Russo