Surfing in Turkey

Turkey offers warm and crystal clear waves of Mediterranean on the south as well as wind swells of Black Sea on the north. The wave period is shorter than the ocean waves but can reach up to periods of 11-12 second swells although the average swell period is 6–7 seconds.[1]

Southern Turkey, the Mediterranean side, is a better surf destination for winter months with its warm blue waters, versatile waves, historical seaside towns and traditional Turkish cuisine with inexpensive accommodation. Winter season is the high season for waves and low season for tourist activity lowering the accommodation prices.

Alanya a tourist town located on southern Turkey, produces surprisingly high quality waves for Mediterranean with consistency reaching 20 surf-able days a month in the winter/spring time (December, January, February, March, April). During these months climate in this town is averaging 65 F with water temperatures averaging 65 F to 70 F. Ideal swells for this region accumulates from south, southeast or east-south-east directions with southeast swells producing longer period, higher quality waves.

In Alanya; Damlatas beach offers hollow tubing waves where Keykubat beach offers longer mellower waves suitable both for long and short-board surfing. These waves are suitable for both beginners and experts alike. It is possible to find waves in this part of Mediterranean ranging anywhere from two to 12 feet.[2] North of Turkey; Black Sea also offers rideable waves of different range from one to 12 feet. Nowadays you can find a handful of local surfers surfing the region on a regular basis.[3]

History

With great efforts of Tunc Ucyildiz and Turkish American Sports Club; formal modern surfing history in [Turkey] started with the 1st National Surfing Championship held in Istanbul.[4] Tunc Ucyildiz not only won the first national title but also brought first organized surfing event to Turkey.[5] In 2013, he represented Turkey for the first time in ISA World Surfing Games where national athletes compete.[6][7]

The culture of surfing in Turkey dates back to Ottoman Empire time where locals used to body surf in Black Sea region. This particular body surf activity is called "viya". This tradition is still in place where many locals are performing "viya" in Black Sea and Mediterranean region to this day.

References
  1. "In Turkey to Catch the Wind". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  2. "Alanya'da dev dalgalar". Sabah. 19 April 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  3. "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  4. "Bu yazı Türkiye'de dalga sörfü olmaz' diyenler içindir". Posta. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  5. "GENÇLİK SPOR - Kasım 2012 (Sayı 11)". Dergi.gsb.gov.tr. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  6. "Pre-Event Free Surf- 2013 Reef ISA World Surfing Games". YouTube. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  7. "ISA Welcomes its 72nd Member Nation, Turkey". Surf.transworld.net. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
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