There's no stoke like my home-town stoke

05 October 2015 - 02:03 By Roxy Davis

It's in our nature to believe the grass is greener - or, in surfing terms, the wave is better - elsewhere. And sometimes, you have to experience it first-hand. This year I decided to investigate the theory by visiting three spots on every surfer's bucket list: Oahu in Hawaii, Bali and California.All surfers dream of making the pilgrimage to Hawaii's fabled North Shore . It was on these beaches that surfing was first recorded . The warm water and laid-back island lifestyle were appealing, but surfing in Hawaii requires luck or timing. You need at least a month to catch one of the legendary swells, and a two-week trip was not enough.Our arrival in Bali coincided with the biggest swell of the year. Ten days of flawless surf peeled through, allowing seasoned surfers to cash in while the weekend warriors watched.But as classic as the waves were, it's impossible to overlook the filth and pollution building up on this once magnificent tropical island.California, the US surfing capital, was memorable, but not for the waves. Crowded line-ups and knee-high surf were the only things in plentiful supply for the week. The stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and a bike ride on Venice Beach were the highlights of this surf expedition.I have realised that Cape Town is my happy surf place. I would trade warm water for a wet suit any day as it means fewer crowds and more waves . With two coastlines to choose from, I will always catch swell and can safely say there is no place like home.The weekend is looking promising, with a decent groundswell pushing through and a light northwesterly hanging around. Tomorrow should see both coastlines offering overhead surf, with Sunday dropping to the shoulder-high range...

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