We're well into the 21st century. At this point in life, it seems everything's been invented, right? Especially when it comes to sports. Well, no – just when we thought no new activities could emerge, not only do they appear, but adventure sports keep pushing their own limits.
Why do we say this? Because while for some, surfing is already the epitome of adrenaline, imagine what surfing in pitch darkness could be like!
And you might ask, what's the difference between surfing by day or night? Well, among other things, the most astonishing factor is that at night there's no light, and without light, surfing becomes incredibly challenging... how do you know the perfect moment to catch a wave?
Typically, the worst moment for a surfer is when the sun begins to set and darkness forces them out of the water. To avoid this and allow surfers to keep enjoying their passion at night, some beaches – like Bakio (Basque Country) a few years back – illuminate the shore with powerful artificial spotlights, bright enough to navigate.
However, some surfers aren't content with that. They go even further by mounting a spotlight on their board's nose and heading straight into the waves. Consider that those who dare attempt this face two major challenges:
- Skill level: Beginners can't take on such a challenge, as perfect board control and precise movements are absolutely essential.
- Darkness: Even with an LED on your board, you can't see the horizon properly. Shadows can be misleading, and you might not spot a wave in time.
Recently, Mark Visser broke the world record by conquering a night surf wave measuring no less than... 11 metres tall!
That said, during his ride, he was assisted by a helicopter illuminating the water's surface from above. Where did this adventure take place? Where many riders believe the world's best waves are found: Maui (Hawaii).
So, would you dare try it? If you're already an expert, this could be your next big challenge. And if you haven't started yet, perhaps a surfing course is what you need to spice up your daily routine.
