Surfers braved yesterday's turbulent conditions to test their wave riding skills on the Island's South Shore.

"This is the type of thing we wait years for and we just had to come down here and take advantage of the waves," said J.P. Skinner, one of about 30 surfers who turned up at Windsor Beach, Tucker's Town yesterday morning and stayed until dark, braving the rough seas to see who could catch the most impressive curl.

But chair of Government's Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) and Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox said she thought the surfers were putting their lives unnecessarily at risk.

"I think it's a case of you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink," she said. "We have been putting out warnings and clearly one hopes that common sense prevails among people when you're dealing with something that could have been a catastrophe.

"I think the people at Tucker's Town were the exception rather than the rule. Clearly, as a Government we have to give warning that people shouldn't put themselves at risk or be reckless. You also can't be selfish because there are other people who would have to come out to help if something went wrong.

But yesterday, surfers said the adrenaline was the main reason they decided to go out in conditions such as these.

Fresh from the surf and out of breath, Mr. Skinner said: "This happens every couple of years and we watch the weather reports just waiting for conditions like these.

"Surfing's for the adrenaline rush anyway."

Responding to comments that authorities considered surfing in a storm surge risky, he said: "I suppose it would be dangerous for a novice but we're all experienced and strong swimmers here.

"Surfing is misunderstood anyway. It often appears to be a dangerous situation but it's actually one of the safer sports if you know what you're doing."

Mr. Skinner said the fact there were so many people in the water at the same time made the situation safer because it ensured someone would be on hand to help anyone who got into trouble.

"It would not be a good idea for people to surf if they didn't respect the environment - but we all do."

Another surfer, who declined to be named, said: "Everyone's going to be talking about today for the next five years. It's rare that Bermudian surfers get a chance to ride some real waves at home."

Asked if he felt it was dangerous, he said: "It's just like people who sail across the Atlantic. That's dangerous too but it's how people express themselves. It's what people do."

One of his friends, who also asked not to be named, said: "It's been a quiet summer. It's just good to get out and it's an all right adrenaline rush. I'll definitely come back next time there's waves like this."

Spectators Bill Spencer and Heidi Roberts said they thought the surfers were within their rights to take to the waves.

"It's their own call," said Mr. Spencer. "Maybe they're just heroes. After all, it's the only time you can do it. It's dangerous but that's why they do it, isn't it?"