From Rome drive north into the Highway A12 Roma-Civitavecchia for about 50 km (30 miles), exit at Santa Marinella-Santa Severa and 1,5 km north (1 mile) through the Aurelia Street. You have the sea at your left. Turn left right at the sign Banzai Beach Bar (it's small so drive slowly) park your car beachfront and go surfing.
Next spot after Santa Marinella access by small one way street watch out for italian drivers (psyco) off the highway (cant give names due to locals) hint : close to santa marinella before el porto.
Make sure you paddle where the boats go out as it is the only paddle out spot and entry. Wear booties and don't mess with the locals cause they are pretty poor and are willing to take apart your car for cash.
Overview
Atmosphere
The locals are pretty mellow and always have the right of way, as soon as you step out of line the whole crew will be on your ass like shit on velcro. Don't take small sets as you'll get washed in and bring tweezers as you'll be full of sea urchin spines.
General
Really fun in winter the occasional boat gets washed up and sick banks form. This spot is an a-frame and tides dont change in Italy. (WEAR BOOTIES!)
Edit this page to correct or complete Banzai ( S. Marinella ).
comment by robin_vermoesen@hotmail.com, 2005-11-13 14:09:39
Boardrentals and accessible?
I'm staying in Roma the beginning of march 2006. Is this spot accesible by public transport (I know already about the train) or walking from the trainstation? And more important, can I rent a good SHORTBOARD (surftech, bic, nsp or even some polyester shapes) in the Santa Marinnella surfshops? Thanks a lot in advance and see you hopefully in the water here or in Focene in March!
comment by Roberto Ludovisi, 2005-01-10 16:18:06
so cal surfer's experience
I've been surfing since 1961.By chance,I surfed this place in late october 2004 on my round the world journey (I was in Italy for cultural reasons and had almost left my board in spain thinking there would be no surf in Italy) .Lucky for me, I showed up on a classic day. The beach scene reminded me of San Onofre,tons of surf cars on the beach,dudes just hanging out,watching the bros in the water.Probably 50 guys out,levels of skill from beginners to polished style,both short and long boards.The waves were 4 to 6 foot faces,not mushy,75 meter rides.Good power at the peak (actually, there were 3 take off spots).I would compare it to Cottons point(my home) in some ways,just not as powerful.The interesting thing was that there were set every 5 minutes,with 6 wave sets.I guess this is what one sees with a short period wind swell,and it sure took care of the crowd factor;there were waves for everyone and more.After seeing this with my own eyes, I was ready to move to Italy,until the friendly locals told me it was the best day of the season and it usually is blown out and gutless.Anyway,it was a great experience,one I will never forget.
comment by anonymous, 2004-02-19 14:53:41
a local
Banzai è una bella onda,peccato che è surfata da molti incapaci e pericolosi.Learn how to surf...siamo visti male in diverse parti del mondo quindi cerchiamo di darci una calmata cari professionisti Italiani.
Read - (13) Comments concerning Banzai ( S. Marinella ).
comment by robin_vermoesen@hotmail.com, 2005-11-13 14:09:39