Surfing in Turkey

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The sport of surfing is practiced in Turkey, which offers warm waters of the Mediterranean on the south as well as wind swells of the Black Sea on the north. The wave period is shorter than the ocean waves but can reach up to periods of 11-12 second swells although the average swell period is 6–7 seconds.

Southern Turkey, the Mediterranean side, is said to be a popular surf destination for winter months due to its warm blue waters, versatile waves, historic seaside towns, and traditional Turkish cuisine. Winter season is the high season for waves and the low season for tourist activity lowering the accommodation prices.

Alanya, a tourist town located in southern Turkey, produces large waves for the Mediterranean consistently reaching 20 surfable days a month in the winter/spring time (December, January, February, March, and April). During these months climate in this town averages 65 F with water temperatures averaging 65 F to 70 F. Ideal swells for this region accumulates from south, southeast, or east-south-east directions with southeast swells producing longer period, large waves.

In Alanya; Damlatas beach offers hollow tubing waves and Keykubat beach produces waves suitable both for long and short-board surfing suitable for both beginners and experts alike. It is possible to find waves in this part of Mediterranean ranging anywhere from one to 12 feet. North of Turkey; Black Sea also offers rideable waves of different range from one to 12 feet. Nowadays, you can usually encounter a handful of local surfers regularly in the region.

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History[edit]

With the great efforts of Tunc Ucyildiz and Turkish American Sports Club; formal modern surfing history in [Turkey] started with the 1st National Surfing Championship held in Istanbul. Tunc Ucyildiz not only won the first national title but also brought the first organized surfing event to Turkey. In 2013, he represented Turkey for the first time in ISA World Surfing Games where national athletes compete.

The culture of surfing in Turkey dates back to the time of the Ottoman Empire when the locals used to body surf in the Black Sea region. This particular body surf activity is called "viya". This tradition is still in place and many locals are performing "viya" in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions to this day.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Sabah Gazetesi, November 2012
• National Press Posta News
• Posta Gazetesi, October 2012
• Sports Ministry Official Article: ministry press, November 2012
• Official video of International Surfing Association: ISA, May 2013
• Transworld Surf Magazine: surf magazine, September 2012.