When we think of surfing in England, most people think of the sandy shores to be found in Cornwall. For as long as anyone can remember, surfers have hit the waves in the south west - but not many of us associate surfing with the east coast, until now.
The North Sea is fast becoming a haven for die-hard surfers. The waves are less frequent than in Cornwall, but when they come the car parks around the good breaks in Norfolk soon fill up and the dedicated surfing fraternity hits the water.
Since presenting and producing the piece on surfing for Inside Out, I’ve become hooked. I am absolutely dreadful in the film, but have since had lessons in France and I’m now out surfing at every opportunity I get.
It is addictive, but not easy. As one surfer said to me, "If it was easy you wouldn't get the buzz of catching a wave." And how right he was. There's nothing like it.
Just getting out beyond the breaking waves can take all of your energy and then there are the strong currents to take into account too. But once you're 'out back', sitting on your board and scanning the horizon for the perfect wave, there’s nothing like it.
People have been surfing in Norfolk since the '70s and some even before then. Now the sport in the county is getting bigger. There are websites dedicated to the east coast surf scene and one that'll tell you when the swell (which creates waves) is coming, so there are less wasted trips to the beach. (Source-BBC) |
