In Peru, physical evidence of surfing has been found which pre-dates human colonisation of the Hawaiian Islands (300–750 AD) by at least 1500 years, and possibly by 2000 years. Modern scientific archaeology indicates, as many Peruvians have long claimed, that surfing may have been invented on their north Pacific coast by pre-Columbian cultures using reed boats to surf the waves. These boats are similar in shape to surfboards, but are made from the hollow, buoyant reeds of a plant. Peru has the oldest archaeological and cultural evidence of surfing in existence. Pottery from as early as 1000 BC unearthed in Peru shows people wave riding.
Western Head is minutes from the heart of Liverpool. The Atlantic Ocean offers surf that is challenging at any time of the year but most so after a hurricane has swept our shores. Surfers come from far and wide to meet the challenge of the sea at Western Head.
Western Head is minutes from the heart of Liverpool. The Atlantic Ocean offers surf that is challenging at any time of the year but most so after a hurricane has swept our shores. Surfers come from far and wide to meet the challenge of the sea at Western Head.
The best season is August to late November when numerous hurricanes and tropical storms pound the southern coast. Water temperatures can reach 20 degrees Celsius (low 70's Fahrenheit) and the air remain warm until early October. Wetsuits, 4/3 full suit is best, are suggested as water and air temperatures can fluctuate. Surfers are hard pressed to find any crowds, thus adding to the beauty of it all.
Nor'easters in winter and spring also bring excellent surf, however, the cold water and air temperatures threaten all but the few hardy, local, 'winter' surfers with their 6/5 suits, hoods, gloves and booties. Summer has occasional surf, but the prevailing southwest onshore winds create less than ideal conditions.
But remember that it is not all fun and games as there are many dangers associated with surfing:
- sea life (ie: sharks, sting rays)
- drowning (self explanatory)
- collisions (rocks, reefs, sandbars, even other surfers)
- rip currents (lurk in seemingly calm waters)
- sea bed (while riding the wave one can be tossed against the sea bed)
Western Head Surf Report and Forecast:http://magicseaweed.com/Western-Head-Surf-Report/343/
You Tube video on a calm summer day, Western Head:
When are you coming?
SAFE SURFING
