Crossword Genius

Heads off for winter in pet surfing place (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

internet

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'surfing place' is the definition.
(as in surfing the web)

'heads off for winter in pet' is the wordplay.
'heads off for' means to remove the first letter (I've seen 'heading off for' mean this).
'in pet' becomes 'net' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'winter' with its first letter taken off is 'inter'.
'inter'+'net'='INTERNET'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for internet that I've seen before include "go surfing here?" , "Global computer communications network" , "computer link-up" , "Worldwide computer network" , "What could be offered at some cafes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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