Ever since the first waves ridden in the thirties, increasing in numbers in the late fifties to the first surfshops opening in the seventies, the Dutch surfing industry has reached adulthood. This said doesn't mean we've reached our full potential. On the contrary, with many surfshops throughout the country, Dutch surfbrands, local surfboard shapers, surf photography, national surfteams and our own competitions held nationally and abroad, surfing is not only here to stay but to expand its boundaries within the Dutch surfing culture.
So what defines a Dutch surfer? After all surfing shouldn't be graded on your skills but on the smile you show when you come out of the water. So in this case most of our local boys and girls are good surfers. We do have our own local and national heroes. Some of them we proudly present in our surfteam. These skilled riders often participate in competitions which are often held at some foreign beaches and breaks to ensure wave quality. Although our Noth Sea occasionally provides us with nice waves , it can't be compared to waves we can find at countries that have an ocean embracing their beaches. Does this mean that the fortune to travel is only for the lucky few? We are happy to see and experience that travelling this world in search of waves is done by most of our Dutch surfers. Wether young or old, skilled or novice, sooner or later a Dutch surfer explores the world to score some of those gems they have read about in their surfing magazines. So perhaps a Dutch surfer is an adventurer, explorer, athlete and forever young soul who embraces life. Hounouring the local waves, graving for waves abroad, someone who makes his or her own surfing dreams come true.
Costa Rica, Australia, Indonesia, Morocco, France, Portugal, Spain, Cornwall England, Maladives, Sri Lanka and even Hawaii are just a few of the countries the Dutch surfer travels to. At this very moment one happy Dutch dude or wahine might be boarding a plane, taking off to another horizon and endless summer vibes. We hope to share some of the adventures of our surfteam members on this blog.
We can't predict the future but whatever it holds in store for us as a true surfing nation, be sure to catch this ride and experience the marvel and beauty of being a Dutch surfer. Wherever you go we'd like to think we always travel with you. Wether you are soon surfing our local Autumn and Winter waves or pulling into some tropical barrels wearing nothing but boardies, have fun and enjoy life as a surfing Dutchman!
See you out there.
~Newton Reverse.
