NEWS FOR WAVE RIDERS

The pandemic sadly put

paid to the Tokyo Olympics, where surfing was to be included for the first time, but there is still

plenty to get excited about in the world of surf.

Playa Hermosa beach, on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, has just been named the next “World Surfing Reserve” for its

perfect waves, rich biodiversity and vision for conservation and

the community.

From Costa Rica to… Queens, which has a new boutique surfing hotel:

The Rockaway. The property, with an outdoor pool, an infrared sauna

and 50 pastel-toned bedrooms, is steps away from the only designated surfing beach within New York City limits, so expect

year-round lessons.

If the Americas seem too difficult to contemplate at

the moment, there are easier places to reach for those hoping for some wave action (after the

lockdown, that is). Surf Maroc, a surfing outfit with a boutique hotel and a couple of villas

in Taghazout, has just reopened to international

guests – once we can travel again, Britons are required to present a negative PCR test on arrival in Morocco. Alongside empty line-ups, you can expect 15 per cent off all room types plus

special packages.

Since the Maldives was added to the UK’s air corridor list, surfers might consider the island nation for some offshore action this winter, and many of its greatest hotels offer coaching. The newly reopened Anantara Resort, home to a Tropicsurf school, lays

claim to Veli Left, a high-quality wave located on the hotel’s house reef which breaks just by the

poolside bar. Less qualified surfers can book the COMO Maalifushi Surf

Pass, giving access to three secluded spots plus tuition, or – for kooks – Cheval Blanc Randheli has opened the only surf simulator in the Maldives.