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THE passing of the Equinox and Easter has the surfers of the Far South viewing the ocean with increased anticipation for the start of the clean autumn swells and low velocity winds that bring the best surfing conditions of the year to the Cape Peninsula.

However, these expectations of great winter surf season have been tempered by an announcement made by the powers that be that is destined to affect the entire surfing community to varying degrees.

The announcement comes from the Department of Environment and Affairs who, in conjunction with the Cape Town Roots Unlimited, have decided to boost the profile of wave-riding after research showed that surfing is the icon activity of the beach and the Peninsula's beaches are one of the prime attractions drawing tourists to the region.

Regulations have been promulgated that will see mini-stadiums, along with food, beverage, apparel and accessories concessions, erected at most popular surfing spots so spectators and participants can be comfortable accommodated.

The spots in the South Peninsula that will be upgraded with these developments are Long Beach, Kommetjie, Surfers Corner at Muizenberg and Kalk Bay Reef, all of which will be able to cater for 2 000 people, while the Hoek on Noordhoek Beach, Clovelly Corner, the Outer Kom and Scarborough Point will have the smaller 1 000 seater versions.

"We see huge potential for entrepreneurs to get involved in these developments," a spokesperson for the organising committee said. "Not only will the stadiums and concessions draw far more people to the prime surf spots, we expect the surfing population to increase dramatically and we are currently drawing up rates that surfers will be charged to use these revamped locations.

"Taking into account 'localism' and the fact that many surfers choose to live close to their favourite spots, our current thinking is that 'locals' living within say three kilometres of a spot can purchase a season ticket for unlimited surfing there for around R1 000 per year, with ?outsiders? paying roughly three times that.

"The fees raised will go into the city's general coffers, but the importance of the beaches as a revenue generating opportunity is bound to see further investment in improved infrastructure.

A major consideration in taking this step was that surfing only takes place during daylight hours so no electricity will be required to keep the facilities operating for the foreseeable future."

Surfing legend Wilbur Kookmeyer, who pioneered many of the now popular surfing spots on the Far South coastline of the Peninsula in the late 1950s and early 60s, was non-plussed with the announcement, saying "I can't afford that sort of money to get my daily surfing fix, so I'll have to start riding at night."

The new regulations come into effect from today, 1 April.

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