GOOD KARMA
Google reveals a board repairer a few miles up the coast. Even before phoning I sense a kindred spirit. It’s a 10-mile sail to meet Antonio at Sotogrande. This fenced in and guarded development of ostentatious and rumoured ill-gotten wealth is made more offensive for its proximity to La Atunara and stark contrast to there. Antonio takes the board and before leaving tells me to hop in too and we head to the ‘Karma surf shop and retreat’, set amongst lemon and nispero trees, away from the mafia and drug money. A proper repair is a multi-stage progress, and Antonio will only do a proper repair, which means I stay for nearly a week, allowing us to enjoy a good surf and chilled evenings with partner Maria and their ‘Karma house’ guests. You can check out their shop/retreat/school and repair shop at www.karmasurfshop.com .
The board receives a complete overhaul, including a respray to the underbelly of the hull. The price of this kindness and attention to detail? That I visit after completing the journey!