Stories from the North Sea
The North Sea has a rich if somewhat short and inconsistent surfing history. Like the inconsistent waves that grace our Northerly shores. From hidden world-class spots to thumping beach-breaks and from ex-world champs to heroic explorers. The North Sea has its fair share of varied landscapes, classic spots, characters, legends, and myths.
For most people the North Sea is a source of food, a source of fuel, a playground for catching waves or simply a mass of water that needs to be navigated. Few are aware that its cold grey waters cover a prehistoric landscape that once joined England to Europe. Yet between 18,000 and 5500 BC, global warming raised sea levels to the extent that this area – known as Doggerland – was engulfed by water and the plains that had been home to mankind disappeared. This entire land sank beneath the North Sea. Is it this former land that we North Sea surfers now surf.
We are the Doggerland groms, heavies, hippies and kooks.
Rain, snow, sunburn, hail – Scotland.
Snow, innovative shapers, heavy water and hairy cows… Tynemouth.
Bikes, dykes, flatlands, endless beaches, dedication – Holland.
Royal Rob – surfboard artisan.
Ay-up’s, whippets, brown frothy stuff and left points -The North East.
Paddling dogs and the birth of Springtime – Scotland.
Photos by Arthur Lavooy, Jez Goffin, and Chris McClean.
NIce words and photos!
1Doggerland… good find!