Video title:
The Cribbar
Description:
The awesome Cribbar at Fistral Beach
Surf Newquay
The Legendary Cribbar
A rarely seen but huge reef break, the Cribbar can be found when certain Atlantic swell conditions are right, at the north end of Fistral Beach, approximately 1/2 mile offshore from Towan Head. Only occurring a few times a year, the Cribbar can reach heights of between 20-25 ft.
According to surfing folklore, it was first surfed in 1966 by Australians Pete Russell, Rick Friar and Johnny McElroy, plus the American Jack Lydgate, during the year of the so called 'Great September Swell', an achievement which put Britain firmly on the big wave surfing map. They reached the massive lines of surf via the old lifeboat slip just below Towan Head.
The Cribbar has also been paddle surfed. Adam Zervas became the first person to achieve the feat, when he took on the notorious big wave spot during a monster swell in January 2008. The stand up paddle surfer took on monster waves, reaching 15-20 ft or more than double overhead, for this surfing feat. "With a paddle, it is much easier to get into big waves like the Cribbar," explained Zervas. "Conditions weren't great but it was very exhilarating."
