Surf: Half-hour drive west of Genova, the little town of Varazze attracts surfers by the hundreds from Italy and close-by France. The powerful A-frame peak breaks with SW, SE and also with strong Mistral (NW) wind. The righthander is long and workable all the way to the inside. The left is shorter but intense. The wave breaks on a shallow and sharp man-made reef so boots are advisable. Varazze is surfable with onshore wind but needs windless or offshore conditions for the best barrels. Jump in from the pier on smaller days or paddle around the peak from down the beach. Another powerful righthander called “Back-door” breaks with same conditions, 200m to the east. Access: waves info: Varazze Surf Shop e Wankers Surf Club 019 931818 Cam: www.varazzemeteolive.it Directions: Half-hour drive west of Genova, the little town of Varazze Environment: Good water quality. Crowded and seriously localized by members of the Wankers Surf Club (true!)