Re: [report] Tricky Indian Combo : Réunion & Maurice
Posté: Mer Oct 08, 2014 07:23c'est un bon concentré ça quand même 
Petit témoignage de Kevin, l'australien de 60 ans que j'avais rencontré là bas l'été dernier (et qui m'attend toujours en australie!)
"Advice to Surfers visiting Mauritius.
Be aware of the existance of "Boat Bullies" at the Le Morne surf spots, especially "One Eyes".
These self proclaimed guardians of Mauritian surf are just pale, pun intended, imitations of the Hawaiian Black Shorts.
I experienced their attempts at imtimidation during a recent surf at "One Eyes".
It happened during an afternoon surf. My friend and I decided to do the long paddle out to the right hander on a pretty windy day. We knew who was surfing the left, as their boat was anchored there, so to avoid their negative vibes and enjoy some empty waves surfed the right side of the pass.
Those of you who know this area understand how strong the current can be and the effect of strong winds too. After surfing some decent waves there we noticed a lone surfer caught in the current between the breaks and not looking too good.
I paddled over and asked if he was ok and it turns out he had also paddled out to surf the left and had been threatened by the Boat Bullies. He had even been polite enough to ask if it was ok for him to ride the empty rights, of course that was also denied him.
I found out he was a visiting surfer from Iceland and was called Mani. He was by now looking somewhat distressed and not making much progress so I decided to help him paddle in to shore and show him how to avoid the effect of the current and wind. After about 10 minutes of paddling and realising Mani was not going to make it back before dark, I swapped boards ***spam*** him as mine was longer and more bouyant. It was then push him and paddle to him and push him again to make headway. By this time the "Boat Bullies" had finished their surf but not their intimidation of Mani. On their way past us at full speed they came within a metre of hitting us ***spam*** their boat.
They saw us.
I got Mani to the beach to the great relief of his girlfriend who by that time was quite frantic.
I tell this story for several reasons.
Mauritius has been a surf destination for me since I first visited in 1975.
I have met some really friendly surfers there but anyone planning a surf trip there needs to be aware of both the natural dangers of a spot like Le Morne and also the human dangers of the "Boat Bullies" They also need to be aware that the fabled Dal, or Tamarin left breaks only rarely and is then inhabited by the same aggressive localism.
The ideal way to enjoy a surf trip to Mauritius is to surf other spots and there are many gems to be found. Don't let the actions of a few immature locals deter you.
As a footnote to this story, the next day I invited young Mani to surf ***spam*** me at "Black Stone' ***spam*** me and enjoy the good vibes there. He did and is now back home ***spam*** positive memories of his trip. He also has a standing invitation to visit me in Queensland, Australia. He will have free accommodation, a car and a quiver of boards to choose from. He will experience the true Spirit of surfing at my local breaks."
Mani s'est rattrapé de sa mésaventure sur la droite de kevin, j'ai vu les photos, je suis jaloux! Mais ça lui restera sans doute en travers de la gorge...
) , ce genre de comportement fait plaisir à lire 
