The weekend does not look good for surfers. On the Facebook page of Surf Lebanon, we read: "The few waves promised for Saturday escape apparently narrowed. Small "swelling" Sunday for those who are keen. "The surfing community in Lebanon is small and scattered. Facebook page Surfing Lebanon gathers some 200 fans. This is where they share photos, news and interesting links. And it is on this page that they make their surf ''rendez-vous''Between the beaches of Batroun, Ramle Bayda and Jiyeh they are forty followers in Lebanon, Some are Lebanese living abroad where they started surfing, but also for surfers of different nationalities: French, Mexican, American or other.Lena Allam, 19, awoke at 5:30 the agreed day. She takes a quite consisting breakfast "it is essential for the day ahead." Since she begun surfing, she follows a strict diet, but also physical training. She eats healthy, does not drink alcohol stop partying the day before, make swimming exercises to be better shaped. The young student in management, who has never previously been sports, hurries to be Jiyeh at 6:30. Once there, she contemplates the sea for a quarter of an hour: she "reads" the waves to better understand them. Then paddle to the point of gathering in the water, the line-up, where surfers waiting for a wave emerging calls each in turn. A waiting of 5 to 15 minutes for an adventure that will last 15 seconds. Fifteen seconds that experience a full st of physical strength : paddling to catch the wave, jump up and to maintain balance on the board, then stay in the same wave as long as it does not break will worth all the trouble. It's about all this is and also the adrenaline that flows in the veins that make surfers addicted to the point of making it a priority, a lifestyle. "My friends who doesn't surf do not always understand that surfing comes first for me. I take them with me from time to time because the atmosphere is always very cool. Some have even tried, but it is not like swimming so you got to have the passion for it in order to do it !"Surfing is a water sport that is practiced throughout the year. Some will think it's a summer sportbut in fact it is a winter sport when the waves are bigger. The best times are in spring and automn. Time and the heat of the water does not matter, but what does matter is the wind , pressure and the "swell" , word for energy and power in the waves. It is said that the best surfing is done just after a storm. Fortunately wetsuits are waterproof!For each type of wave, it's technique and it's board. A calm sea is ideal for paddling exercices. There is the classic long board surfing,the funboard surfing ,the shortboard surfing and bodyboarding . The technique can be learned in theoretical and practical lessons, maneuvering and personal style develop with practice. We can already go to sea in the third session, but "catch the waves" is another story. "There are days where, for two hours, I can not catch a single wave," Lena said, before adding: "But that does not make it less attractive experience. "The sea, the wind, the sun and the company make the atmosphere very relaxed around the surf. Ali grew up in California, the worship area of surfing. He kept the "accent" and the famous tan throughout the year. Ali Elamine co-founded Surf Dubai with a friend before moving two years ago to Lebanon. Former competitor, he now coaches young followers and supports the most advanced on walks along the Lebanese coast.Since the age of 15 his life revolves around surf boards. He's got 30 now and he earns his living by importing equipment and materials. In addition, he teaches courses for different levels and take between 60 $ and 80 $ per session and for the same amount organizes excursions for stand-up paddle for the uninitiated. "It is not a very profitable work in Lebanon, but at least I wake up every day to do something that excites me. "In his career, Ali has ridden the best waves in the world: Hawaii, Portugal and Australia. Nothing comparable with those more modest in Lebanon, but in Lebanon they offer him in return the benefit of exclusivety or almost. "The waves here are mine, all mine. "In Portugal or California, dozens of surfers fall into line up and compete every swelling tide. The sports label not always respected, it is the fastest and most opportunist who appropriates the coming wave.
"I'll ride as I can do"
For 18 months, the Allam's life revolves around surfing. Lena is their only daughter, and they willingly accompanying and filming her as a star. She begun taking lessons in surf at Batroun Water Sports with coach surfer Malek Daou who owne the first surfing school in Lebanon, there. She surfed winter waves for 4 months in Batroun and Chekka and this made her somewhat fearless from getting into the toughest waves of Lebanon. Then for summer vacations The family choose Portugal as a destination for their holidays where are the best waves in the world for surfing, and offer her as a birthday present a short board - carved by a famous shaper - who decorates his room waiting for Lena to become "next-level " owhile she makes her surf sessions on a long board. Even his research internships and graduate studies will be limited to cities in Europe where there is surf. She is hooked for life. "I'll ride as I can do," she says. On his Facebook account, a recent photo: Lying flat on a board, hands clasped in supplication. The caption says: "Please mom, let me ride a little longer. "
