One archipelago, two names. The Falklands Islands or Islas Malvinas have been in the hearts and minds of two distant nations: the United Kingdom and Argentina.
Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, just 460 kilometers (290 miles) from the tip of the South American lands, the Falklands/Malvinas are among the most controversial territories in the world.
Portuguese, Spanish, and British explorers have been claiming the "discovery" of the islands since the 16th century.
In 1982, Argentina invaded the Falklands/Malvinas, which were under the British flag and government.
The Argentine troops were defeated, but the Latin country never gave up on the territory with only 31,00 citizens.
Recently, Argentine President Cristina Kirchner threatened to reconquer the Falklands/Malvinas, just 30 years after the first failed invasion.
Tourism, fishing, and sheep farming guarantee relevant income and self-sufficiency in the territory.
In 2016, offshore oil drilling raised funds for the islands, and only a war could stop the Falklands/Malvinas from a bright future.
Secluded Waves
And what about surfing in the Falklands/Malvinas? Is it possible? Are there good swells hitting the South Atlantic?
Yes, surfing is a reality.
Bertha's Beach, located on the east side of the islands, and Surf Bay, near Stanley on the northeast corner of the Falklands/Malvinas, will offer great waves in sandy desert strips.
The downsides are the minefields that may force you to hit the peak by boat. Terrible, isn't it?
Air and water temperatures are usually very low in the Falklands/Malvinas, so wear a 5 mm wetsuit with a good rash guard, gloves, and booties.
Surfing the Falklands/Malvinas is an adventure into the unknown in a land where approximately 20,000 land mines were left in 120 minefields when the war between Argentina and the UK broke out in 1982.
Watch the trailer for the surf documentary "The Falkland Frontier."