secret spots

I recently read the article you published about British reefs. I immediately noticed one of my local secret spots featured and was a little miffed by the publicity you guys gave the spot. This spot does not hold a crowd very well (as your article rightly pointed out) and it’s also a very heavy and dangerous wave.

I would urge anyone who’s lucky enough to find the location of this spot to think twice before surfing it. Consider your fitness and ability to surf heavy waves. I say this not because I’m a greedy local, but because I really do not want to see anyone seriously injured!
I have noticed a steady increase in the agitation of the locals here and at other spots in the area over the past few years, but as all visitors will testify, the vibe here is still very friendly and I for one hope it stays that way. I guess what I’m trying to say is RESPECT THE LOCALS, and for that matter everyone in the water with you. I know everyone has heard this a thousand times, but remember, it only takes a couple of pissed-off locals to ruin the atmosphere and hence your surf trip.
Ben, Wales.

The paradox here is that all surfers love to see photos of new spots and love travelling to find them...but no locals want people seeing or finding ‘their’ waves. The only way around it is to abide by the unwritten rules about not naming or revealing secret spots, and we here at CARVE always try to stick to those rules. The only geographical hints we gave in the article were that the reef is ‘in Wales’ and ‘is a mission to get to’. We even went so far as to position and crop the photos so no major landmarks were visible. Unfortunately certain other magazines and websites which have since featured similar photos may not have been so discreet. As for the danger factor, check the shot of Jamie Owen on the previous page. Enough said.

Back >>