Life at the top…

By Tom · On January 11, 2015

Drift hangs out with unique surf photographer Uroš Kekuš Kleva. The Slovenian gives us the run down of his life on the road, chasing the surf through country and continent.
Check out more of his work at www.ukk.photography

“Did you ever think of surfing in Slovenia?
I thought not” laughs Uroš…
Slovenia is nicknamed ‘the sunny side of the Alps.’ The locals do not normally consider themselves a surfing nation, in fact they are probably better known for their love of the mountains.

Contemplating surf. / El Hierro, Fuerteventura

Geography and weather conditions conspire against them, but they are definitely solid water fans and big lovers of anything snow related.

Uroš is lucky, he is originally from Koper, one of the three tiny cities laid on the country’s 47 km stretch of coastline on the Adriatic sea. Apart from this small coastline the rest of the country is landlocked by Croatia, Italy, Austria and Hungary.

Some hard-core enthusiasts try to search out stormy swells in this area during the wintertime, but most surfers will generally find their kicks somewhere abroad

Some hard-core enthusiasts try to search out stormy swells in this area during the wintertime, but most surfers will generally find their kicks somewhere abroad. “I’ve been photographing some amazing, exotic and warm water destinations like Jamaica, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guatemala” Uroš tells us
“and I agree, these places are amazing, they’re a tropical paradise with a consistent quality of waves and a must go if you you have the chance and the money to spend” he adds

Freddy Patacchia Jr. freesurfing. / Cantinho Da Baia, Portugal

But Uroš prefers to keep things closer to home… “For me Europe is too often overlooked for top Surf, I’ve photographed many top European destinations, but for me right now the island of Fuerteventura is up there with the best”

Fuerteventura is one of the less crowded of all the Canary Islands, boasting an almost perfect year-round temperature, it is host to numerous inactive volcanoes and many deserted sandy beaches. It has rightfully earned the nickname ‘the European Caribbean’.

Surfing here is best on the north of the island which can deliver world-class waves depending on the weather conditions

Surfing here is best on the north of the island which can deliver world-class waves depending on the weather conditions (be aware strong winds are a big part of the game) you may also choose your spot either on the West or East coast. You would be wise to avoid typical kite and wind surfing spots although if you are after these you are best heading for the South of the island.

Don’t wait for someone to recommend you the best and cheapest options available - make the most out of the web, pack your stuff and go find yourself a dream surfing destination, right on your doorstep.