Road to the Waves
Episode 1 - From the Alps to the Basque Country
Setting off from Digne-les-Bains, I’m crossing France from east to west to hit the road in search of waves. My Mash 400 Scrambler is loaded down like a pack mule. I’m heading to the Basque Country in search of the first waves of this journey. Over the course of 69 days, I’ll cover more than 11,000 kilometers across four countries and two continents.
Episode 2 - Spanish Waves & Peaks of Europe
As I ride along the Spanish coast, I stop in Zarautz to watch the many surfers in the water. Staying at surf camps, I’ll be surfing at three spots: Laga, Los Locos, and San Antolin. Crossing a national park, I head up into the hills before heading to Galicia to ride along the Costa da Morte.
Episode 3 - Portuguese Waves & Saudade
After exploring Porto, I’m riding through the heart of the Serra da Estrela. Next up are the “monsters” of Nazaré, the Peniche motorcycle club, Lisbon’s yellow tram, the stunning waves of Ericeira, the wonders of the Algarve, and countless sunsets. As I prepare to leave Portugal, I’ll feel what the Portuguese call saudade: a mix of nostalgia, longing, and desire.
Episode 4 - Moroccan Waves & Djebel Toubkal
Europe, see you in 21 days. Now it’s Africa’s turn. From the town of Tarifa, I board a ferry bound for the city of Tangier. Then, I head to the Rif region to reach Chefchaouen, Morocco’s blue pearl. Next up: the labyrinth of Fez, waves from Mohammedia to Imsounane, and the art of Essaouira, Agadir, and Marrakech, before reaching the summit of the Atlas Mountains.
Bonus - Surf camp : mode
d’emploi & b.a.-ba du surf
Whether in Spain, Portugal, or Morocco, I recommend the various surf camps I discovered during my trip. Here’s a brief overview of the benefits of attending a surf camp to learn how to surf or improve your skills. I’ll also explain some key concepts in the world of surfing (types of waves, types of boards, conditions).
This travel journal was published in issues 90 and 91 of Road Trip