大象传媒 Scotland - 大象传媒 Scotland - Why the 鈥榗ompletely different universe鈥� of the Isle of Lewis attracts the world鈥檚 best surfers to its 鈥榚xotic鈥� coastline

Why the 鈥榗ompletely different universe鈥� of the Isle of Lewis attracts the world鈥檚 best surfers to its 鈥榚xotic鈥� coastline

July 26 2018

Kepa Acero has dedicated his life to visiting the world’s most remote locations in search of the best surfing conditions.

As far as he’s concerned, top of the pile is the Isle of Lewis.

Surfer Kepa Acero explains why Lewis is a special place to surf

Spanish surfer Kepa explains why Lewis is better than some beaches in Africa and Spain.

Kepa Acero is a surfer and documentary filmmaker from Spain who travels the world with his photographer girlfriend looking for the best surf spots with the most picturesque scenery.

“I’ve been travelling a lot to Africa and it’s completely different,” he explained. “For me this is so, so very exotic; for us it’s like travelling to a completely different universe.”

Not a lot of people surf on the beaches of Lewis, so the excellent ocean conditions are coupled with relative solitude.

“We came [to Lewis] mostly because there are big, empty spaces. There are some really nice breaks here. You get the joy and then you’re hooked.”

And, of course, there is the added bonus of getting to visit Scotland and receive its famous hospitality.

“You come here and also you have this strong culture. The people are very friendly both in and out of the water; it’s not always like this!”

Chasing Waves (Tarraing nan Tonn)

On 大象传媒 iPlayer: A fun and revealing portrait of the world of surfing on the Isle of Lewis.

In 2001, for the first time ever, both a surfing competition and festival were held on the Isle of Lewis, attracting around 20 of the world’s top surfers at the time to come and show off their skills.

To Derek MacLeod of Hebridean Surf, getting so many famous surfers from around the world to come to Lewis was “a really big coup for the island.”

Two of the big names taking part in the event were Skip Frye – whom Derek described as “the godfather of surfing” – and three-time world champion Tom Curren.

Look at my office: it鈥檚 the best in the world!

Derek MacLeod

A well-known energy drinks brand sponsored the event, which guaranteed the appearance on the island of many top-ranked surfers, but since then it’s the conditions on Lewis that have cemented its status as a major draw in the surfing world.

Derek felt that the event was good for the young people of the island, as they could watch world champions at work and be inspired to take up surfing themselves — and perhaps on day represent the Isle of Lewis at events across the world.

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