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 In 1961, 16-year-old Daniel Francisco Gil, the son of Mr. Daniel José Manuel Gil, president and later vice-president of Boca Juniors Club, accompanied the club delegation on a trip to Europe. On his way back, in a stop made in the United States, Daniel went for a stroll with his father, and he was amazed by an image he came across round the corner: a huge picture of Greg Noll riding the waves in Hawaii. It was displayed in the first surf shop he had seen in his life. Daniel, who belonged to a well-off family, had a lot of experience about journeys and long holidays in Mar del Plata. Yet, at that time, surfing did not exist in Argentina and nothing was known about it.
In 1962, Daniel traveled to Brazil in search of music for a disco he had in Buenos Aires. To his surprise, when he was on the beach, he saw people surfing on a turquoise long board, the only one in that place, and lots of people were lining up to ride on it. He was mad about it and patiently waited for his turn for 20 days. In the meantime, he took advantage and, standing on a rock, he watched and tried to learn the secrets of a good ride. When his turn finally came, he stood on the first wave and was able to surf it up to the shore (an extraordinary accomplishment, as surfing is an extreme sport and it is supposed to be one of the most difficult in the world; indeed, very few people can stand quickly). Then, he realized which his destiny would be.
 On May 3, 1963, Daniel surfed the first local waves on Waikiki Beach, accompanied by his friends Luis De Ridder, Cachito León, Richard Podestá and Tite Elizalde. The first people from Mar del Plata to do surfing were Luis Ventura, “Tano” Antífora, Tiribelli and Carlos Seligman. Luis De Ridder started to make huge surfboards, thus giving rise to the local surf industry. Hence, we can say that surfing made history in Argentina.
Back on land, the world was revolutionized in the 70´s: Apollo XIII was launched, Bill Gates created Microsoft, Lennon, AC/DC and Pink Floyd had an important influence on the youngsters´ way of thinking. The waters were also revolted, and a name resounded: Nat Young. This leading surfer came up with a new surf style: avant-garde maneuvers, direction changes and turns, among other contributions, thanks to a shorter surfboard. Surfers and shapers (surfboard makers) found a new obsession: now the challenge was not to ride long distances, but to remain on the wave doing as many maneuvers as possible.
Surfing evolution depended mainly on its protagonist - the surfboard. From the longboard, one of the oldest boards, to the shortboard, there is a wide variety of models such as: funboard, Evolution and the so-called “chanchita”. Below, there is a short description of each type of surfboards.
| Longboard |
The longboard, as its name shows, is recognized for its great size: it is long and it can reach 12 feet (3 meters and a half). It has a round nose. They were the first boards with which surfing became known. It is the most expensive surfboard due to the number of elements and the long time required when manufacturing it.
Its advantage is that it can be used in smaller waves and standing on it is easy. They are ideal to surf on waves with certain type of break, like the point breaks in Rincon or Malibu (California) or Waikiki (Mar del Plata). |
| Evolution (up to 6'10'') and "Chanchita" (up to 6'6'') |
Within the hybrid boards, there is an alternative shorter than the funboard. It is usually 6 ½ feet long and it has a better volume than a shortboard, both in the nose and in the tail. Having good floatability and stability, it is a suitable board for somebody beginning to surf. Its main advantage is that it is easily driven in all types of waves. Compared to a longer funboard, it has greater maneuverability, once you have improved. |
| Funboard |
This board combines the longboard floatability and stability with the maneuvering ability of a shortboard. It is a good board for somebody beginning to surf, both for men and for women. Its greater advantage is that it can fit different environments, such as big or small waves. They have a good nose volume and, contrary to the shortboards, they are not very pointed. They are usually over 7 feet long and their surface is good for rowing, helping to catch the wave.
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| Shortboard |
This is the most common surfboard among young people. It has three keels and it is usually 6 to 7 feet long (1 foot=0.33 m). It has a pointed nose and the tail shape may vary. This type of board allows for great maneuverability on the wave.
Yet, although it is the most common one, it is not suitable for learning to surf. It is not stable, it tends to sink and it is fast on the waves. For beginners, it is recommendable to use a board with a greater volume and floatability, good stability and allowing for rowing and catching the waves. It can be either a longboard, or a funboard, or even a medium hybrid board about 6 ½ feet long. After mastering these types of surfboards, you are able to try the shortboard according to your taste and style. |
Source: Tres Quillas Surf
One of the most successful projects carried out by the Mar del Plata Surf Association (AMS) (e-mail: escuela@amsurf.com.ar) is the Escuelas Argentinas de Surfistas Profesionales RIP CURL, located on Playa Grande, in the public area of the Argentine Yacht Club in Mar del Plata.
It is worth pointing out that this surf school is organized in three different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.
The only requirement to start taking lessons is to be enthusiastic about learning and enjoying this sport in a familiar atmosphere. All surfers willing to polish their technique will also be able to take lessons, while having the chance to search waves according to their level.
This school is in charge of Mr. Ricardo Saracino. (President of the AMS and Vice president of the Federación Argentina de Surf, [surf federation] ).
Asociación Marplatense de Surf
Contact: Ricardo Saracino |
e-mail: escuela@amsurf.com.ar
Telephone: (5411) 0223-154002072 (175*1399) |
| Estrada |
Location: Av. Félix U Camet al 2200
Type of wave: beach break. Bottom: sand and stones.
Wave direction and tides: south and southeast. Mean tide and low tide.
Ideal winds: northwest and west.
Best wave size: 4-6 feet
Best season: all year round.
Further details: Excellent waves for surfing, bodyboarding and longboarding. d |
| Sun Rider |
Location: Junction at Av. Félix U Camet 2500.
Type of wave: beach break. Bottom: sand and stones.
Wave direction and tides: south and southeast. Mean tide and low tide.
Ideal winds: northwest and west.
Best wave size: 4-6 feet
Best season: all year round.
Further details: Excellent waves for surfing, bodyboarding and longboarding. |
| Cardiel |
Location: Junction at Av. Félix U Camet al 400.
Type of wave: right, breaking on the stony pier. Sandy bottom.
Wave direction and tides: northeast, east, or south, southeast. Mean to low tide
Ideal winds: northwest, west, southwest and south.
Best wave size: 2-6 feet.
Best season: all year round.
Further details: Excellent waves for surfing and long boarding; it has several long sections. |
| Perla Norte |
Location: Boulevard Marítimo P. Peralta Ramos al 100.
Type of wave: break on the beach with stony pier. Sandy bottom.
Wave direction and tides: northeast, east, and south, southeast. All types of tides.
Ideal winds: northwest, west, southwest and south.
Best wave size: 1-6 feet
Best season: all year round.
Further details: waves with tubular rebound, ideal for air maneuvers. |
| "La Pepita" Punta Iglesia |
Location: Bv. Marítimo Patricio P. Ramos and the extension of 9 de Julio Street, on Paseo Dávila without number.
Type of wave: right. Pier point. Sandy bottom
Wave direction and tides: northeast, east, and south, southeast.
Ideal winds: northwest, west, southwest and south.
Best wave size: 2-10 feet.
Best season: all year round.
Further details: tubular with several sections, ideal for bodyboarding practice. |
| Varese |
Location: Bv. Marítimo Patricio P. Ramos 3400. Paseo Jesús de Galíndez without number.
Type of wave: right and left. Beach break and pier break. Sandy bottom.
Wave direction and tides: northeast, east and southeast.
Ideal winds: southwest, south and southeast.
Best wave size: 1-5 feet.
Best season: all year round.
Further details: long, soft waves, perfect for longboarding. |
| Cabo Corrientes |
Location: Bv. Marítimo Patricio P. Ramos 4200.
Type of wave: right point break. Bottom: stones and sand
Wave direction and tides: northeast, east and southeast.
Ideal winds: southwest, south and southeast.
Best wave size: 5-8 feet.
Best season: autumn, winter and spring.
Further details: Long ago, it was regarded as one of the best city points until the sea defense wall was built in 1977. When the sea builds up, it breaks at the bottom, like in old times. |
| Biología |
Location: Av. Patricio P. Ramos al 5300
Type of wave: beach and pier point. Sandy bottom.
Wave direction and tides: northeast, north, and east, southeast and south. Low tide and mean tide.
Ideal winds: northwest, west, southwest.
Best wave size: 1-6 feet.
Best season: all year round.
Further details: since the 1998 coastal erosion, on the right side of the pier there are tubular waves. The left side has softer waves with multiple peaks, ideal for all types of surfing. |
| Yacht |
Location: Av. Patricio P. Ramos al 5700, between Matheu St. and Formosa St., with access by Paseo Celso Aldao.
Type of wave: right. Next to the northern sea defense wall. Sandy bottom.
Wave direction and tides: east, southeast and south. Mean tide and low tide.
Ideal winds: west, southwest, south.
Best wave size: 2-8 feet.
Best season: all year round.
Further details: long waves, not so tubular with several sections. Perfect for surfing and longboarding. |
| Waikiki |
Location: Av. Martínez de Hoz al 4300, Punta Cantera
Type of wave: natural point. Right. Bottom: stones and sand.
Wave direction and tides: northeast, east, southeast and south. Low tide.
Ideal winds: west, southwest and south.
Best wave size: 1-3 feet.
Best season: all year round.
Localism: intense
Further details: large and easy waves, excellent for learning. Ideal for longboarding. |
| Mariano |
Location: Av. Martínez de Hoz 4500
Type of wave: reef break. Bottom: stones and sand
Wave direction and tides: northeast, east, southeast and south. All types of tide
Ideal winds: west, northwest.
Best wave size: 1-10 feet
Best season: all year round.
Further details: left, with tubular reef. At low tide, the wave becomes dangerous and radical. Only for experts. |
| El Faro |
Location: Paseo Costanero Sur PTE Illía 5700.
Type of wave: natural point break. Right. Bottom: stones and sand.
Wave direction and tides: northeast, east. Mean tide and low tide.
Ideal winds: west, southwest and northwest.
Best wave size: 6-10 feet
Best season: autumn, spring and summer.
Further details: right and tubular. For experts. |
| La Serena |
Location: Paseo Costanero Sur Presidente Illía, about 3 km from the roundabout of Punta Mogotes Lighthouse.
Type of wave: beach break. Sandy bottom.
Wave direction and tides: south, southeast. Mean tide and low tide.
Ideal winds: northeast, north, northwest and west
Best wave size: 1-7 feet
Best season: all year round
Further details: ideal for learning, excellent for longboarding. |
| La Paloma |
Location: Paseo Costanero Sur Presidente Illía, about 4 km from the roundabout of Punta Mogotes Lighthouse.
Type of wave: right. Bottom: stones and sand.
Wave direction and tides: south, southeast and east. Mean tide and low tide.
Ideal winds: west, northwest.
Best wave size: 3-10 feet.
Best season: all year round.
Further details: high- quality waves. Good tubes. They support big sizes. Difficult access.
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| Luna Roja |
Location: Paseo Costanero Sur Presidente Illía, about 13 km from the roundabout of Punta Mogotes Lighthouse.
Type of wave: point break and shore. Bottom: stones and sand.
Wave direction and tides: south, southeast. All types of tide.
Ideal winds: west, northwest.
Best wave size: 1-6 feet.
Best season: all year round.
Further details: left point, long and easy. Good for learning, ideal for longboarding. Very strong edge, only for bodyboarding. |
| Chapadmalal |
Location: Paseo Costanero Sur Presidente Illía, about 20 km from the roundabout of Punta Mogotes Lighthouse.
Type of wave: reef break and beach break. Bottom: rock and sand.
Wave direction and tides: east, southeast and south. Mean tide and low tide.
Ideal winds: northwest and west.
Best wave size: 6-10 feet
Best season: all year round.
Further details: Excellent waves for surfing and body boarding. The waves break left, long and tubular; there are also very good peaks in the middle of the beach. In addition, there are right points in little water. Only for experts.
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Foot note: 1 foot equals 0.33 meters. / 1 inch equals 0.0254 meters.
Sources:
El surfero.com / Tresquillas.com / Federación Dominicana de surf / Asociación argentina de surf
Federación Argentina de surf / www.aventura.com.ar
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