From its picturesque beaches to the panoramic turquoise water it harbors, Mauritius asserts every element to serve as a perfect holiday destination for travel enthusiasts. Interestingly, known for its lagoons and reefs, this Indian Ocean island nation calls for surfers from around the globe to paddle the barrels of its deep blue waters. However, for an American surfing fanatic, the paddling spree didn’t turn out as he planned, and hence, he left the East African country with rather bitter memories.

American Surfer Evan Quarnstrom shared his story of traveling to Mauritius, and recounted his surfing experiences to share with his fandom and surfing community. For him, the surfing spree that started with a thrill rather ended with some unprecedented circumstances

The American surfer’s experience in Mauritius

Evan Quarnstrom, a freelance writer, traveler and surfing enthusiast, could not overlook the infamous past of Mauritius as he stood up on his surf-board and paddle out to sea at Tamarin Bay. That’s why he shared his terrible experience in a report on SURFER, a digital magazine. He experienced clashes between locals of the island and foreign surfers. At times, the waves in Tamarin Bay were not optimal, but they occasionally provided some tubes that were exciting.

 

Evan began cautiously but eventually, he did not feel welcomed by the local beachgoers. First, he was intimidated by a fellow surfer who also forced him to leave. Then, a younger local approached Evan with a warning, “I don’t mind if you surf here, but you should sit at the very bottom of the reef. Some of the guys will kick you out of here.” He left with reluctance after being ordered by an old local wearing the “Team Mauritius” jersey. The Mauritius surfing dream had turned into a nightmare for him. 

Should anyone surf in Mauritius? 

Although one would think that Mauritius could be a surfer’s paradise for its proximity to Southern Africa and Europe, there were many incidents that say otherwise. People argue that since it’s a long journey to Mauritius, the inconveniences could override the advantages. Locals do not exist in some other places offering better waves. 

Notwithstanding its infamy as a localism spot, there are other surf spots in Mauritius. However, there are very few places equal to the precision of Tamarin Bay under such circumstances. 

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Sharing the experience of his stay at the Reunion Island and Tamarin Bay, Quarnstrom further added, “Sometimes I wonder if their extreme form of localism has the opposite effect and draws more attention to surfing on their island than it would otherwise have. Tamarin Bay is by no means a secret spot, but I’d wager that many surfers know about it solely for the content they’ve seen related to surf localism and violence.“

In spite of all these challenges facing the island, it remains an incredible destination for surfers who embrace and adapt to change and enjoy the surfing experience in the tropical setting of the Indian Ocean.

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