Hawaii has been known for surfing for decades; however, most of the focus is generally on Oahu. But there is an awesome spot in Maui that offers some of the best surfing in the world. Known as "Jaws" and located off the far north shore of Maui, surfers go to this spot to find the best surfing in the world. The surf spot known as Jaws was made famous by Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama and other surfers whom developed tow surfing in order to take on Jaws.

There is a phenomenon behind the famous Jaws surfing location and what is now known as one of the spots offering some of the best surfing in the world. Known as Peahi by locals, incredible walls of water are created in this specific location in Maui as a result of storm swells that originate as far away as the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. These walls of water are beautifully and artistically shaped by a barrier reef. Surfers are towed into the area and literally dropped into the waves. Jaws barrier reef is most definitely for expert and kamikaze surfers. Beginners and mediocre surfers are strongly advised not to attempt Jaws. Even expert surfers have taken the time to meditate, study and contemplate the fearful waves before finding just the right method to ride these monster waves.

Surfers planning to attempt jaws will have to contract drivers with watercrafts to tow them out to the wave, generally on special short boards with straps or 10 to 12 foot rhino guns. Again, it is suggested that visiting surfers not take Jaws lightly, and that they seriously consider the ferocious waves as deadly. Generally, the waves are about thirty miles an hour or more with a total surf time of approximately a minute on waves that are up to approximately 70 feet. The swell direction is generally north, and the wind direction is south. Seldom crowded, the dangers at Jaws include a steep, rocky trail that requires trainers. As far as the actual surf, beware of rips, rocks, undertow and severely, dangerously fierce waves.

Morocco is an interesting, exotic place to visit, but imagine the best surfing in the world being in Morocco. There is an incredible place to surf in Morocco that offers surfers awesome waves and offers the best surfing in the world. Surfing Anchor Point in Morocco is a great choice of spots for surfers looking for unique surfing adventures regardless of the time zone.

Anchor Point in Morocco, also known as "Anka Point," is known for its world-class waves. Anchor Point for experienced to kamikaze surfers. On average, the swells start working at 3 feet up to 5 feet and hold up to approximately 12 feet. The swell direction is north to northwest, with the wind direction southeast to east. Surfers should be aware the bottom is sandy, with rocks and no mention of sea life issues. In terms of access, Anchor Point is situated north of Taghazout, which is a small surf village just north of Agadir, Morocco. Surfers can rent a car or take public transportation to the bus stop near Taghazout and walk to the point break, which takes about five minutes. During the week, the beach is fairly empty, and on the weekend, it's only slightly crowded.

For surfers visiting Morocco to experience the best surfing in the world, visit Surf Maroc. Surf Maroc provides a guided tour, surf camp and a variety of accommodations based on one's preference and need. Their surf camp is ideal for beginners or experts. Accommodations include Tigger's Bay Luxury Apartments, which were just completed in July of 2008. Surfers staying at Tigger's have access to the world-famous surf break Draculas, as well as Boilers.

Killers Bay Apartments, which is also part of Surf Maroc, offers surfers access to the right and left reef break of la Source, the point break Killers to the right and the long waves of Mysteries to the left. Two minutes down the beach from Mysteries is the famous Anchor Point. Surfers headed to Morocco can fly RyanAir into Agadir from the UK or France.

Without Andy Irons, pro surfing's nine-time world champ, Kelly Slater would not be such a legend. But then, Andy Irons is a legend of his own with three world titles in the Association of Surfing Professionals.

Andy Irons won a string of three world crowns in 2002, 2003 and 2004. For the final pair, Irons bested the come-back king Kelly Slater. Since 2005, Slater has regained dominance, but Irons has remained to nip at his heels.

Their rivalry is similar to the historic Bill Russell versus Wilt Chamberlain in basketball or Jack Nicklaus versus Arnold Palmer in golf. When Surf Magazine rated pro surfing's all-time rivalries, Andy Irons versus Kelly Slater earned the top spot, even ahead of East Coast versus West Coast and U.S.A. versus Australia.

Andy Irons, at the age of 30, already has gained a place in the Surfing Hall of Fame.

Andy Irons is bigger than the average surfer and in competition sometimes displays a competitive football spirit that caused one analyst to remark, "You might think he's an intense frothing madman." However, his fellow pro surfers say he's really a friendly and fun guy. Andy Irons is even making peace with Kelly Slater after all these years, according to reports.

The size of Andy Irons should not belie his finesse. He grew up on the shores of Kauai, where waves are not always at their peaks. Therefore, he learned to rip and scoot on the two-footers, as well as showcasing on the 12-footers.

Andy Irons is the first to admit that he sold himself short early in his pro career, as a young adult, with too much partying. He was in his early 20s before he finally came into his own.

Big, "frothing" Andy Irons is actually a gentle do-gooder. He joins his surfing brother Bruce Irons each year to throw a free surfing contest for the kids on Kauai called the Irons Brothers Pinetrees Classic.

Still, entering 2009, Andy Irons would like nothing better than to achieve another takedown of Kelly Slater.

Sources:
http://www.redbullsurfing.com/riders/andy-irons/
http://www.lat34.com/surf/andy_irons.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Irons
http://www.worldprosurfers.com/andy-irons/index.htm
http://blogs.zappos.com/blogs/rideshop/2009/01/09/surfer-of-the-week-kelly-slater

Persistence paid off for surfboarder Nathaniel Curran, 24, who will join the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour during 2009.

The ASP annually operates the World Qualifying Series, with the top 15 qualifying to join pro surfing's Dream Tour during the following season. This is similar to minor league baseball or golf's Nationwide Tour. Nathaniel Curran is the top qualifier, running up one of the most consistent seasons in the history of the ASP's World Qualifying Series.

Nathaniel Curran faced added pressure, to measure up to accomplishments of two older siblings. Tim Curran, now retired, was among the top performers on pro surfing's Dream Tour, best known for performing a full flip in two-foot surf in 2005, who is now a successful musician. Josh Curran has made some sensational surfing videos, although he is better known for ranking among world leaders in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques.

"Both of my brothers, Josh and Tim, have been a big help, from helping picking contests to videotaping my heats online," Nathaniel Curran says. "They helped me see how bad I was blowing it in heats."

The Currans hail from Oxnard in California's Ventura Beach area. Nathaniel Curran started surfing when he was 5 years old, and turned pro when he was 18. Injuries contributed to his slow development to qualify for the ASP's World Tour. He says he feels "revenge" in overcoming those injuries.

It was a matter of "determination, staying focused and trying to make enough money to keep my house," Curran says.

His success has been hard won.

"I can't wait for all of them," Curran said, referring to events on the ASP's World Tour for 2008. "Surfing at the best spots in the world ... I really just can't wait for the first comp."

Surfers who qualified behind Curran are Chris Davidson of Australia, Michel Bourez of French Polynesia, Gabe Kling of the United States, Jihan Khodr of Brazil, David Weare of South Africa, Josh Kerr of Australia, Nic Muscroft of Australia, Kekoa Bacolso of the United States, Greg Emslie of South Africa, Tim Boal of France, Dustin Barca of the United States, Tiago Pires of Portugal, Phillip MacDonald of Australia and Drew Courtney of Australia.

Sources:
http://www-pulse/catching-up-with-nathaniel-curran-interview-101408/
http://surfactants-up-with-future-asp-world-tour-rookie-nathaniel-curran/
http://ones-curran/
http://denitrified

The great northwest in the United States is beautiful country and also one of the many places offering some of the best surfing in the world. There are a wide variety of beautiful surf spots along the Oregon coastline including the central and south regions; however, some of the most popular surf spots are located in the northwest area of Oregon, which offers the best surfing in the world.

Located near Portland, Oregon, Cannon Beach is beautiful and has easily accessible surf breaks that appeal to surfers of all skill levels. Some of the top surf spots include Oceanside, Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, Short Sands located in Oswald West State Park, Indian Beach and Seaside Cove. Short Sands, located off of Highway 101, is the ideal surf spot for beginners. Generally crowded, Short Sands has three parking lots, a campground and public restrooms. This is one of the top spots for beginners to practice. For intermediate to advanced surfers, Seaside Cove is highly recommended. This particular location has a north to southwest swell and is a favorite of long boarders. Surfers to Seaside Cove should take care of boulders and closeout sets.

For beginning surfers, there is a surf camp that provides a well organized and structured but fun curriculum for visitors or locals wanting to take professional surf lessons. One of the top surf camps in the northwest, Oregon Surf Adventures sponsored by Roxy and Quiksilver, offers a Learn to Surf Program. This program is ideal for kids and teens interested in learning to surf as well as amateur surfers looking to hone their skills. Oregon Surf Adventures offers one-day and two-day classes with a well-trained, experienced staff that is trained in CPR and first aid. Oregon Surf Adventures also offers private and custom surf lessons as well as surf groups.

For surfers headed to Oregon to enjoy some of the best surfing in the world, come geared up for the chilled water, swells generated by storms and white sharks. Surfers should also be prepared for some of the most accessible surfing spots and the beauty of Oregon.

Pro surfer Kelly Slater, who won his ninth world title in 2008, is often described as "the Michael Jordan of surfing." This is not just a simple comparison. The comparison goes far beyond both being known as the all-time bests in their respective sports.

Kelly Slater and Michael Jordan both took breaks in the middle of their careers and then surprised fans when they returned at even higher levels of excellence. But in the comeback department, Slater has been even more amazing than Jordan. The time gap for Michael Jordan was less than two years. For Kelly Slater, it was five years.

Both Kelly Slater and Michael Jordan coped, at mid-career, with the loss of their fathers. James Jordan was murdered in 1993, and Steve Slater died of cancer in 2002.

Another common factor is that Michael Jordan (2-17-63) and Kelly Slater (2-11-72) both are Aquarians, for what that may or may not be worth.

Despite the nine-year age difference, they became champions only one year apart. Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls won the first of their six championships in 1991, when Jordan was 28. Kelly Slater captured the first of his nine titles during 1992, when Slater was a mere 20.

Jordan "retired" after winning his third consecutive NBA (National Basketball Association) title in 1993. Slater stopped competing after he captured his sixth crown, including five in a row, in 1998.

Jordan's absence ended when he rejoined the Chicago Bulls near the end of the 1995 season. The Bulls were defeated that year, as Jordan fought to rediscover his game, but they won another three in a row in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

Slater came back for the 2003 season of the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) but barely lost the season championship to Andy Irons. He says his frustration with the defeat caused him to slump during 2004, but he won championships in 2005 and 2006, and again in 2008. Slater says he remains undecided regarding the 2009 season, but competitors such as 2007 champ Mick Fanning have encouraged him to stay on tour.

Michael Jordan adjusted during his comeback career by shooting more jump shots, rather than driving so often for dazzling dunks. Kelly Slater has shifted to a smaller board, more than a foot shorter than his foes.

Kelly Slater says that 2008 was his best season ever. The surfer once was a mate of celebrities such as Pamela Anderson and Cameron Diaz, but he keeps private the name of his current significant other.

Kelly Slater explains: "It's probably my personal life. That's the biggest change in my life. I'm happy and settled, and I've got the support there that just feels amazing."

Sources:
http://www.aspworldtour.com/2008/news_show.asp?rEvent=aspwct&rcode=11547
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1860698,00.html?xid=rss-nation
http://surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/slater05/index1.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Slater

El Salvador, a unique and exotic country, is home to some of the best surfing in the world. El Salvador is located in Central America along the west coast in a beautiful, yet challenging geographical area that offers a great number of spots to surf. The country is quite versatile and is comprised of three different types of topography including the central area, which is made up of valleys, volcanoes, and mountains; the southern area, which is made up of a flat coastal plain; and the Sierra Madre and the Lempa River, which makes up the northern area.

The surf spots in El Salvador range anywhere from beginner to advanced with a variety of point and beach breaks to enjoy. Surfers will not have to fight for breaks in El Salvador, because many of the popular spots are not crowded. There are also several secluded beaches that surfers flock to particularly from May to September. Wake surfing is popular in the months of October to April in areas that have sheltered lagoons.

One of El Salvador's attractions that make it one of the spots offering the best surfing in the world is the tropical climate and warm water. Beginners generally do well surfing along the beaches of Costa del Sol; whereas experienced surfers choose to surf the areas accessible by boat such as those along the east coast beaches. Other great surf spots for all levels include El Sunzal, Las Flores, Punta Roca, Zunsal, Bocana, Conchalio, Cocal, Punta Mango, Flor, La Ventana and K59, to name a few. El Salvador is also famous for its right point breaks and awesome waves that break up to 6.5 feet, though certain areas offer gentler breaks that are perfect for beginners just learning to surf.

Surfers planning to enjoy the best surfing in the world should come prepared with board shorts, dry wet bags, boards and other necessary surfing equipment to jump right into form and enjoy the fabulous breaks of El Salvador. Surfers looking for adventure, natural beauty and the versatility of El Salvador will find the country a great choice.

Pro surfer Bobby Martinez, 26, has sort of double life in Santa Barbara. He comes from a neighborhood that he describes as "100-percent Mexican," with many peers who don't see much of a future, much less a chance to take the time to see the nearby ocean. But Bobby Martinez has always seen the water, which is why he is one of the best pro surfers in the world.

"I think that where I come from definitely helps keep me humble," Martinez says.

Pro surfers, by and large, are good people with open minds. Still, there is not a whole lot of ethnicity in pro surfing. While Bobby Martinez was taking to the water on a boogie board, his Mexican-American peers were not doing the same. In that part of his life along Santa Barbara's Pacific Ocean shoreline, Martinez was a loner. He would hang out with his friends in his neighborhood. Then, when he went to the surf, he would encounter mostly white or Hawaiian kids.

Bobby Martinez is sometimes portrayed as a "gangsta" in the pro surfing world.

"Maybe it's because I'm Mexican, and I've got tattoos, and I listen to hip-hop," he says. "I don't know. I just trip out on it."

Born in 1982, Bobby Martinez was a hot pro surfing prospect at the turn of the millennium. Still, he did not truly emerge until the past three years.

Bobby Martinez says he started taking surfing seriously in 2003, when he was 21, but he still needed a couple years of hard practice before he emerged in the pro surfing tour.

Martinez got married a year ago to Cleo Neuman from the Australian Gold Coast. They have a new house in Santa Barbara that's one block from the beach.

"That's the best thing," Bobby Martinez told a reporter. "I have dreams in terms of surfing, but more than that, I've got dreams as a person. I've always wanted to own a home, and now I can do that because of surfing, and I realize that it's a gift."

Sources:
http://surfermag.com/magazine/archivedissues/almost-not-famous-july-2007/index4.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Martinez

Samoa is a beautiful, unspoiled island that offers the best surfing in the world. Located in the South Pacific Ocean northeast of the beautiful island of Fiji, Samoa is a tropical paradise and greatly immersed in the Polynesian culture and traditional Samoan life. Surfers to Samoa can expect warm waters, consistent and superior waves and multi-direction swell practically year round, although most of the surf spots in Samoa must be accessed by boat.

If planning to travel to Samoa, the best time of year to go is from April to October because of the incredible waves due to Antarctica influences. There are several great surf spots in Samoa that offer the best surfing in the world including: Fagaloa Bay, Falea' puna, Hollow Tree, A'ufaga Village, Salani, Coconuts, Laulii, Boulders and Tiavea. With Samoa being relatively unspoiled, visiting geared-up surfers can expect to dominate the awesome waves of the island. Salani is a great choice for surfers looking for powerful waves, which have been reported to range from 4 feet up to 8 feet.

The south shore of Samoa, such as Upolu Island, is one of the most popular surf spots with surf on the south, north and east along with world class reef breaks. Surfers planning to take on Upolu Island need to have surfing skills of at least intermediate to advanced level, because of the powerful breaks.

Surfers to Samoa can expect warm water year round with temperatures ranging from 80 to 87 degrees. A great rule of thumb to follow if planning to visit Samoa is to visit the south shore sometime from February to April or in October to take advantage of the glassy, clean conditions and the swells. Otherwise the north shore is the place to surf if traveling November to January thanks to north swells that travel from as far away as Alaska.

For surfers planning to surf the north shore, keep in mind that the breaks can be accessed by vehicles. Most resorts have hired professionals to ensure visiting surfers have safe access to the reefs.

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Known for its beauty and isolated location, New Zealand is one of the top spots for surfers to visit to truly take advantage of some of the best surfing in the world. With many unspoiled surf spots offered between the North Island and the South Island, the beautiful island country of New Zealand located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean is the ideal place to plan a surf trip. The versatility of surfing this location makes New Zealand unique. Its diverse coastline and the low-pressure system that allows swells to pick up from any direction are one of a kind.

There are many different spots to surf in New Zealand to truly experience the best surfing in the world, depending upon preferences and skill levels. A few great choices for surfers of all levels include places such as Papatowi, Shipwrecks, the Spit, Seconds, Stent Road, Kaikoura, Piha, Northland, Punakaiki, Waikato and others. The South Island is relatively unspoiled with the Catlins on the southeast coast offering a number of great surf breaks. Surfers visiting the Catlins can expect constant swell running in this area. One of the main things surfers should be aware of when surfing this area is the weather pattern, which is constantly changing, so consider the skill level and the appropriate surf gear necessary. Additionally, Waikato is another popular location to consider for surfers of all levels to experience the best surfing in the world.

For experienced surfers brave enough to explore area that is, in general, not regularly surfed, keep in mind there are a lot of private properties for which permission must be asked from the landowner prior to attempting to access the surf location.

Beginning surfers visiting the North Island fare well at surf locations such as Long Bay, Milford Beach and Takapuna, whereas experts head toward Anawhata, Greenbay and Karekare. Options are endless, simply depending on the skill level of the surfer and which island the surfer chooses to explore. Overall, New Zealand offers a temperate climate, a number of uncrowded beaches and a plethora of surf spots.

Living in a beautiful city like San Diego and being near the best surfing in the world is a blessing to avid surfers. One of the top spots to surf in San Diego is Sunset Cliffs National Park. The end of the day at sundown has got to be one of the prettiest things in the world to see, but experienced surfers at Sunset Cliffs know that surfing the area is not for the faint of heart.

Visitors to Sunset Cliffs National Park bent on experiencing the best surfing in the world need to be aware of the soft, eroding conditions of the cliffs in the area. The area is very popular and is usually occupied by bikers, surfers, hikers and more. Geared up surfers rant about Sunset Cliffs offering the best surfing in the world.

Sunset Cliffs National Park may not be ideal for beginners, but there are several surfing spots, which offer a somewhat mellow break, including Garbage Beach. There are other places to surf at Sunset Cliffs where the locals hang out like Newbreak. If you visit the area, expect to be challenged as surfers are definitely territorial in this area.

Surfers to Sunset Cliffs can expect west to northwest swells with waves as high as waist to shoulder, depending on the time of year. The average temperature is usually around 60 degrees with a water temperature of 65 degrees.

Because of the topography of the area, paddling out can be a challenge. Surfers should be careful around the jagged cliffs and the rocky bottom in the area. Additionally, there are no lifeguards or public restrooms at Sunset Cliffs. Street parking is available on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, and there are four public parking areas along the Cliffs area, although they are small. The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is a great place to stay during a visit.

On a good day, depending on the time of year, surfers might just see the California Gray Whale migrating to Baja. Then again, when is there a bad day in beautiful San Diego?

Surfer videos often feature the pros making heart-stopping rides on tremendous waves, but there's more to "Sofia: A Documentary."

This video is the life story of Sofia Mulanovich of Peru, who took an unlikely path to top rankings on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Women's World Tour.

Sofia, 25, is a child of Croatian ancestry who grew up in Lima, Peru. In terms of economics, her family was more fortunate than most, but that's not saying much in a nation as poor as Peru.

Sofia Mulanovich grew up along the South Pacific Ocean and took to the water almost immediately, learning to swim at the age of three. She was so little that she began riding waves on a Morey Boogie Bodyboard before advancing to a surfboard, but by her mid-teen years she had advanced to world competitions as a young phenomenon.

These childhood events are captured on "Sofia: A Documentary." Most biographies of athletes focus only a tiny amount of time on childhood, but for Sofia Mulanovich, that's the heart of the story.

Sofia's childhood was a time of horrific political upheaval in Peru. While terrorists fought in the city, she would escape to the beach. Others would do the same, but Sofia took her surfing seriously. Therefore, she ranks as the best competitive surfer ever to come out of South America, male or female. She is a national hero in Peru, where citizens are looking for role models after so many years of political corruption.

Sofia Mulanovich lacked confidence in her surfing, as shown on "Sofia: A Documentary." She figured that she could not be as good as the established surfers from Australia and the United States. Instead, Sophia Mulanovich proved she was the best in 2004 when she won the ASP Women's World Title. She captured second place in 2005, fifth place in 2006 and second place again a year ago. This year, Sofia is in second place behind Stephanie Gilmore of Australia with two ASP events remaining.

"Sofia: A Documentary" also is a winner, with a first place victory in the 2006 Surfer Poll Awards, and beyond the surfing world, the film took first place at the prestigious Newport Beach Film Festival. It's an hour-long flick in Spanish with some English. To learn more, see sofiadoco.com

Already, Sofia Mulanovich is in the Association of Surfing Professionals Hall of Fame. She's a Cinderella story, but she goes far beyond ballroom dancing. Sofia Mulanovich rocks on her surfboard!

Sources:
http://sofiadoco.com
http://www.lat34.com/surf/sofia_mulanovich
http://www.surfline.com/womens/story_bamp.cfm?id=3728
www.aspworldtour.com

There are many great places to surf in the world, including those that provide a retreat from the daily grind of life and others that offer an edge and excitement with just a hint of danger. Such is the case with surfing Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. There are many excellent spots to surf in the area that have breaks that are awesome enough to handle swell from all directions and all sizes, but there are also a few spots that are famous for forceful, challenging waves.

Located midway along the East Coast is a strip of beach that extends into the Atlantic Ocean and into some of the most incredible waves is the world. This is known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," due to the unpredictable currents and full-force swells. It is these same characteristics that draw surfers from all over the world. The area of Cape Hatteras is one of the main attractions for East Coast surfers.

Cape Hatteras consists of approximately 70 miles of barrier islands, which are positioned perfectly to receive swells from the north and south. North swells on Cape Hatteras provide surfers in wetsuits fast and powerful long lefts, where the south swells generate beach break rights, which are somewhat hollow along the north side. Avon and Buxton, located off Highway 12, are particularly popular surfing spots along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Those seeking the best surfing in the world will find solid swells and empty, yet hollow peaks along the stretch of island.

Hatteras Lighthouse, the world's largest brick lighthouse, overlooks the surf and is the destination for surfers descending upon Cape Hatteras. Summer months are the busiest. The rest of the year Cape Hatteras is fairly isolated. Housing accommodations for surfers headed to Cape Hatteras include vacation homes, condos and hotels. To get to Cape Hatteras, fly into either Raleigh-Durham or Charlotte, North Carolina and drive to Cape Hatteras. Other options include flying into Virginia Beach or Norfolk and driving from there.

Pancho Sullivan of Hawaii's North Shore is possibly the best-known pro surfer that doesn't have any big-time trophies. He hasn't even come close to winning one. Pancho Sullivan is a pro surfer who doesn't like competition.

In baseball, Pancho Sullivan would be a home-run hitter who also strikes out a lot. In football, he would catch the long passes but not be good on the short routes.

Still, fans are crazy about him, and so are his fellow pro surfers. He's known as one of the friendliest and most pleasant guys in the sport, especially among his teammates on the Rip Curl International Surf Team. Pancho Sullivan simply whistles to his own tune.

Pancho Sullivan grew up with some of the world's biggest waves on the North Shore, and he's a big guy at more than 200 pounds. Therefore, he doesn't want to deal with some of the smaller tides that spill forth at various competitive venues.

"I'm turned off by the type of surfing they're promoting, the contradiction of it," Pancho Sullivan explained a year ago. "I don't want to devote three or four years of my life to surf two-foot waves."

This was after he finally broke down in 2006, trying a one-year gig on the Foster's ASP Men's World Tour. He never finished higher than ninth, nor worse than 17th.

Pancho Sullivan is not a competitive animal when it comes to his fellow pro surfers. Instead, he prefers to stay with his family on the North Shore and compete against the biggest waves. When his pro surfing buddies come to visit each winter, his light shines the brightest. His fame has come, not from winning trophies, but from appearing in some of the most fantastic big wave photographs ever to appear in surfing magazines.

A writer for Surf Magazine provides an apt summary: "Always a big guy, Pancho struggles in small gutless waves. But in waves that required guts, he excels."

Sources:
www.ripcurl.com/index.php?panchosullivan
www.lat34.com/surf/pancho_sullivan
www.surfline.com/surfaz/surfaz.cfm?id=912
www.worldprosurfers.com/panch-sullivan/index.htm
www.zappos.com

Offering powerful waves from October to March and located in one of the most romantic countries in the world, Lanzarote, Spain offers the best surfing in the world and has earned its moniker of "the Hawaii of Europe." Located north of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is an ideal environment to learn to surf and enjoy challenging surfing.

Lanzarote, Spain is one of the most versatile surfing spots in the world with the island picking up swells on the west, east and north coasts, which are enhanced by perfect weather. Known for the best surfing in the world, Lanzarote boasts a variety of surf spots and is an ideal spot for surfers of all levels. For beginning surfers, there are a couple of great surf schools as well as excellent beach breaks. The more experienced surfers tend to head toward the Slab and El Quemao. Punta de Las Mujeres is another great place to surf and offers reef breaks and excellent waves.

Lanzarote gets crowded, and locals are rather protective of the turf. Sea urchins are also a concern in Lanzarote, so proceed with care. Also waves get pretty big, so surfers will want to gauge whether or not their skills are sufficient for certain surf spots.

For surfers seeking surfing lessons, Surf School Lanzarote is popular in the Canary Islands. The school has instructors from levels 1 to 4, all of which are extremely qualified, professional beach lifeguards. Surf School Lanzarote is one of the few surfing schools in Europe registered with the British Surfing Association. The primary focus, in addition to students learning to surf well and having fun, is safety and coaching. Classes are on beautiful Famara Beach in the warm waters of the Canary Islands. Light weight wetsuits are used in addition to basic surf gear. Beginners start with soft boards and generally progress to fiberglass surfboards. The first days of classes include learning to catch the white wave and progressing to the first, almost unbroken waves. Visit the Web site for Surf School Lanzarote for more information.

Sources:

www.surfing-waves.com
www.surfschoollanzarote.com