Finding surf in Sicily

Finding surf in Sicily is not easy. Being that it is an island in the middle of the Mediterranean, I had this preconception that as soon as our train hit the coast I would be seeing some evidence of surf. Alas, there was nothing. Much like the rest of Italy (I traveled from the coast of Tuscany, south to the Amalfi region, and now into Sicily), the region is unpredictable surf wise. I was told Levanto had surf 140 days of the year, and Palermo (capital of Sicily) had surf some 200 days of the year. However, unlike here in Los Angeles, one can't just roll up to a local spot and expect their to be waves, because it actually requires a bit of hunting. Storm patterns are random and short lived, giving only a small window for potentially surf-able waves. In other words, if you are like myself, and have little knowledge of the local beaches, weather patterns, and above all the language, finding any rideable waves within Italy or Sicily is no walk in the park.

However, it was an interesting experience wave hunting in Sicily, mainly because telling people I was "surfer" and not a "windsurfer" caused quite a bit of confusion. For you see, Palermo and the majority of Sicily is well known as a prime spot for windsurfing. Strong onshore/offshore winds are a relative constant factor, and because of that, the sport of windsurfing is immensely popular.

Yet, aside from a couple of locals wearing "Bear" surf shirts and Quiksilver boardshorts (thank god Quiksilver does not make speedos), surf culture in northern Sicily is not as strong as it was in beautiful Levanto.

Hopefully, when I return to Italy in the future, I will be able to score a few waves. For now though, I will have to make do with my waveless memories of delicious spaghetti with tuna eggs , topless beaches (no joke!), and the bluest ocean water I have ever seen.