Pro: Manuel Vogel enjoys discovering new things
I, too, often stick to familiar routes, especially when I’ve only got a short window of time. If I manage to carve out some time for a day’s surfing in decent conditions, I don’t want to waste it searching for a supposedly better spot. I’d rather head to places I know well, where I know exactly what to expect.
Nevertheless, whenever possible, I try to make a conscious effort to stray from the beaten track. Of course, dream destinations like Australia, Chile or Maui are still on my bucket list. But I’ve realised time and again that there are spots closer to home that I’ve simply ignored or overlooked until now. Why did it take 15 years and what feels like 100 trips to Cold Hawaii before I ‘discovered’ alternatives like the beautiful Jammer Bay or Hirtshals? Why did I head out into Kiel Bay countless times in easterly winds, only to realise years later that with Møn or Grena, there are other gem-like spots ‘just around the corner’ that are absolutely stunning? There was rarely any real wasted effort on such exploratory trips; on the contrary: almost always afterwards I asked myself, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” And let’s be honest: it has never been easier or safer to try something new. The wind forecasts are more reliable than ever, and anyone who scours the internet (or old surf magazines) can find the right information for almost any spot worldwide. So adventurers are in for a soft landing.
On the downside: Tobi Frauen is looking forward to visiting his favourite spots
“When are we going back to Klitmøller?” That question inevitably comes up whenever we’re dreaming of potential holiday destinations. In Cold Hawaii, we know almost every dune, always bump into familiar faces, and have a range of top spots to choose from. After a session, a pancake at “Kesses Hus”, a detour to Thisted, relaxed evenings on the Surferwiese – every trip there is an all-round feel-good experience right in the heart of our comfort zone. It’s nothing like an adventure, but more like coming home. It’s much the same with various other spots we visit at least once a year: Hvide Sande, St. Peter-Ording, Altenteil, a spot on the north coast of Funen.
When my free time at the weekend or on public holidays is limited, I’m drawn to places where I can make the most of that time and really enjoy it. The waves might be better elsewhere, or the wind more consistent, but who knows if I’ll find that ‘elsewhere’ straight away? And unfortunately, the options for new discoveries within a weekend’s drive of Hamburg are limited. At one of the familiar spots, on the other hand, I can maximise my time on the water and the family can look forward to their own highlights too. We live out our thirst for adventure during the long holidays and discover new destinations for ourselves then. That said: we liked one of the last places we visited so much that we’re going back there this year – our comfort zone is expanding.
Are you more of an adventurer or a regular surfer? Drop us a line redaktion@surf-magazin.de or leave a comment below the article:
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
