SURFING
The Pacific Ocean gently caressing the shore at Battle Rock Beach can go
from dead calm to a surfer’s delight just about any time of the
year when, from up to 2,000 miles away, the south swells arrive. The
south swells produce head-high “face waves” that translated
from surfer language means rideable waves.
When those “sets” or series of waves, appear out of nowhere,
vehicles will fill the parking lot at Battle Rock Beach and Hubbard Creek.
The die-hard surfers have arrived. How do they know the waves are on their
way? They have been checking the weather reports, waiting to hear the combination
of north winds and south swells are on their way. Port Orford has waves
as good as any you’ll find on the coast. The ocean water is ice sold
so a wetsuit is necessary. Patience, waiting for the perfect wave is necessary
also.
Surfboards are a common site near Port Orford, but thanks to the wild coast
winds, windsurfing and kitesurfing are the happening events at Floras Lake.
Shallow, warm water encourages youngsters and beginners. Equipment, including
wetsuits with booties, can be rented at Floras Lake Windsurfing (348-9912).
If Mike Doyle, world-class waterman and author of “Morning Glass,” can
make the trip to Port Orford, then it is no wonder we can say “Surf’s
up! Come on, hang ten, and catch a wave!”
