Most locals have partially experienced surfing through TV shows such as Baywatch and Blue Water High, but very few know that the sport is readily available on the island.
Professionally inducted to Malta in recent years by ISA certified surf instructor Valerio Cicconi, the sport has gradually generated momentum on Maltese shores and garnered many fans, consequently turning the stunning Ghajn Tuffieha Bay into a surfing haven.
The Ghajn Tuffieha area specifically creates the perfect surfing conditions, especially for those seeking to pick up the sport. “Since it’s a sandy beach, it is the ideal location to learn how to surf in a safe manner,” says Valerio. For the instructor, safety is high on the priority list: “It’s important to learn the right technique and know all the important steps,” he says, adding that it not only prevents injuries, but is also an essential part to further advancement in the sport.
Learning to weigh out weather forecasts accordingly is also an important skill to harvest if one is intent on going up the surfing ranks. “Through the experience gathered during my travels and surfing around the world, I know exactly when it’s the perfect time to hit the waves,” Valerio explains, adding that it’s always the safest bet to ask the surf school first before taking on the waves solo.
Surprisingly, winter marks a great time to take up the sport on local shores. “Malta is not in the middle of an ocean but in an enclosed sea, therefore surfing conditions are different,” explains Valerio. While the ocean has tides which generate big waves, the Mediterranean sea must rely on waves generated by wind. Although waves aren’t guaranteed on the daily, when they do crash on our shores they are gentler than the ocean’s, thus adding to the many benefits of testing the (surfing) waters in Malta!
Winter brings with it big waves, which are “very good to surf and have fun, especially if you’re surfing in Ghajn Tuffieha with a strong Majjistral wind.” Conversely, while windy summers aren’t really a thing in Malta and the waves are relatively small, the heat and the seasonal atmosphere make for an entirely different experience!
There are multiple benefits to surfing, and Valerio confirms its biggest impact is on one’s lifestyle: “It’s everything for me,” he says: “it’s travel, freedom, fun, good connections with a lot of people – it’s amazing!”
Luckily for most, there are no real requirements to picking up the sport other than determination and basic swimming skills. Age shouldn’t act as a detriment either, as Valerio himself enthusiastically confirms: “Everybody can try surfing – and it’s a great workout too!” Surfing requires full use of the body but is especially great for shoulders, abs and legs.
Anything we should be mindful of if we’re taking up surfing? Rip currents can prove a great difficulty to beginner surfers or weak swimmers, and Valerio stresses the importance of liasing with a surf school to pick out the best (and safest) spots. And could sharks be a treat to surfers? "You'd have to be really unlucky to get attacked by a shark in Malta!" Valerio says. Seems like this is the fitness ad we’ve all been waiting for this new year!
Is it surf o'clock yet?