SURFING ALL'ITALIANO
When thinking of the best surfing destinations the world has to offer, Italy does not usually spring to the mind of the average surfer, but this country – world-renowned for its food and architecture – also boasts more than 325 surfing spots around the country. Granted, the waves can be fickle, and are more dependable during the winter, but nonetheless a surfing culture is real and present in Italy.
Surfing in Italy is still very much a young sport however. It was not until 1978 that the first surf shop opened, in Viareggio, just north of Pisa. These days there are around 50 shops nationwide, serving an estimated 20,000 surfers, while the Italian Surf Federation has 30 affiliated clubs and organizes 3-4 annual contests which lead up to an Italian National Championship. Surfing hasn’t developed widespread popularity though and this is mainly because, unlike the Pacific or the Atlantic oceans, the weather patterns in the Mediterranean are extremely unpredictable. An intricate knowledge of local weather patterns is required to take advantage of what surf Italy offers.
There are several Italian surfers who are charging through and making a name for themselves, including 16 year old “grom" [young surfer], Leo Fioravanti. Crowned the ASP European Junior Champion 2013 and ranked 29th in the world, this young Italian is giving the big guns a real run for their money. With sponsors such as Red Bull and Quiksilver, he’s living every surfer’s dream, riding the gnarliest sets around the world.
BY Olly Friend
SPORT
Photography: Andrea Santoni - Flickr.com