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Enjoy surfing at Tamarin
With its ever tranquil waters, Mauritius is not the favourite destination of the surfing lovers. However, there are two spots that give ones the opportunity to waddle in the waves. One of them, Tamarin, may please the water sports amateurs. Let yourself be carried away...
With its fine sand, Tamarin is one of the most popular beaches along the south west coast of the island. The stretch of the fresh water that is found behind the spot brings a unique touch to the landscape. But, the swimmers who stroll along with their surfing boards form part of the rare species that typify the spot.
Today, the sky is overcastted. It is more windy than usual. The sea is rough. Hence, a weather that is not advised to go out or at least, not to linger along the seaside for a few people.
But it's a windfall for the surfing lovers. At last, the wind and regular waves roll well enough to propel the surfboards.
Most of the surfers are from Tamarin itself. As soon as the weather conditions are favourable, they quickly appear from all regions. Some of them are equipped with their own materials whilst others rent their boards from potential swimmers.
A few shops in the surroundings also offer a comprehensive selection of surfboard, kite surfing board, and body board....
Although the waves are rather strong to glide, they are not spectacular. But the amateurs of this spot enjoy surfing there. Young people learn how to keep their balance on the boards, then let themselves get carried away by the waves up to the shore.
Bodyboarder aussi
Others more skilfully, criss-cross the breaker easily. Further away in the open sea, the foamy water pushed by heavy swells violently wind up whilst breaking against the reef. It's a true condition for surfing. However it's a dangerous hobby that tempts the most experienced ones. A few daring ones have joined this spot to tame the tube. They manage to do a few acrobatic representations.
It's also the joy for body boarding amateurs. This more relaxed discipline consists of roaming through the waves whilst remaining lying over an appropriate board.
The board is more or less the same length as a body and similarly wide. It's a sport that is especially popular amongst the youngest ones. Besides, body boarding does not require strong waves as for surfing.
And when the sea is calm, it's the whole beach that experiences a metamorphosis. The unbridled waves are only mere thick undulations which peacefully break against the shore. The boards are put away.
Only a few tenacious body boarding try to surf...without great success. Then, when the wind has calmed down, Tamarin is just a quiet beach. Whilst waiting for the next agitation of the ocean.
Textes et photos : William Rasoanaivo
Janvier 2008
The boards are over here!The surf boards from rudimentary materials are sold as from Rs 2000 in some supermarkets. In fact, it can cost over Rs 20 000 and much more in specialized shops, which offer as much branded products as quality ones. One can bargain up to Rs 10 000. Otherwise, a board can be rented at around Rs 1000 per day. The body board nearly costs Rs 350 in the shops and in some branded stores. These ones are made from polysterene. They easily break if the swimmer is not an experienced one. Other types are sold from Rs 500 to Rs 800 in supermarkets and are made from a more resistant material along with a more aerodynamics curve. |
