Whether you are land locked or bored of your local surf spot, as surfers we are drawn to discover new waves, surf spots and meet like minded people along the way. We want to explore the world, surf waves never rode before. But if traveling with sustainability in mind it is more often better to travel slow, support those small surf communities around the world as you go. Meeting new friends and locals either by connecting between sets, or sharing your stories post surf over a meal. In a world becoming separate or socially distance due to covid, polarization and technology, it is great to reconnect (or rather disconnect) through a shared passion in nature. I believe salt water really does heal everything. As the blog grows, continuing to showcase more Surf Destinations and Travel Guides, both free and paid. We will offer suggested surf destinations, surf schools, both budget and luxury accommodations and restaurants.
By supporting the local economy you visit, and getting to know the locals you have a greater understanding of not only the local customs and traditions culturally, you also may get a chance to enjoy those secret local surf spots with a joyful experience rather than fear localism. This goes without saying be sure to respect the locals, give priority (nothing is worse than working all day to find your waves crowded by tourists).
Connect to the Surf Community online
Why wait to visit your next surf destination to make some surf buddies? Connect online with other surfers. Join a surf community on Facebook or follow other surfers that inspire you on Instagram. By doing a little research on the surf town or city you will visit on your next surf trip, knowing what the places, restaurants, surf shops you might want to see while you are there will save your some time and energy. Maximize your surf trip with the amount of time you spend in the water by limiting walking around to find the cool spot to be. This partially inspired the blog to come about, a sort of directory for environmentally conscious surf travellers. We offer travel tips, local businesses and cool surf brands. Our travel guides offer the best and sustainable restaurants, surf shops, Kitesurf schools and more advice for your next surf trip.
Respect the locals
Instagram has been both a blessing and a curse. Pre-social media, surf tourism was really left to those ‘corelords’ the surfers who did the work, took the risks and literally took the path less travelled. After instagrammers, influencers and digital nomads became mainstream, it was over for ‘secret spots’ or local spots. Imsouane is a prime example. The first time I went, was with a local and there was already a ton of development compared to 5 years prior. But the internet changed that to over 200 ‘surfers’ in the water at any given time. Once my favourite surfing spot with friends that became lifelong, has become a headache to visit. However, there were other factors that play into Imsouane’s development, government plans to clean and develop the coastlines, the illegal and unsafe (while magical and picturesque) cliff homes and the contract of the World Cup in 2030 all play a factor, instagram trends just highlighted it for the public. And while it lost its magic in the ‘magic bay’ it is still as beautiful as ever with an amazing break. When I do visit I just try to jump in when the crowds are less or head over to other surf break to grab some waves. That said, when entering a new “secret spot” please be respectful to the locals, their culture and honestly save the video fro your own memories rather than exposing it to over tourism and removing what actually makes uncrowded waves so special. Also, when organizing ‘surf retreats’ and capitalizing on the foreign surf spots, support the local community. Hire local surf instructors, those who know the break and need the work. Collaborated with the locally owned accommodation rather than foreign invested ones when possible. Overall, trying to pay back to the locals who welcome you to enjoy their waves make a big difference on your overall experience and also avoid any nasty interactions like the 90’s style localism surfing was once known for.
“Overall, trying to pay back to the locals who welcome you to enjoy their waves, makes a big difference on your overall experience….”
support small businesses
Shop sustainable and surf brands online
The covid pandemic created a full stop on travel, putting a strain on finances for surf shops, camps and hotels that suffered a loss and while they made a strong comeback post pandemic, it was a demonstration of how vulnerable they are to small and large market changes. Why not support from aboard? Buy online and get delivered, keep in mind emissions depending on location. Let’s be a supportive global community while local or aboard, the world really is that small. More and more businesses are getting online and gearing towards sustainability.
Ways you can support and “visit” surf towns globally
- Like, Follow and Share on social media or word of mouth – Build brand awareness
- Review on Google, TripAdvisor and other Platforms
- Buy a gift card to use later when you can visit
- Check out travel restrictions and plan your next trip
- Book long in advance with a small deposit to help businesses survive until your visit
- Make a donation to their local organizations
Surf & Travel Guides
After travelling for decades, shooting non-stop with an overflow of content, dining locally, learning the languages and being asked constantly on travel advice, it was only natural to develop travel guides. While they are still in development (as they are innovative in comparison to the competing travel guides that exist) we hope to offer smart and easy travel guides for both the reader and surf or travel business it features. While these are paid items, we do offer articles for travel tips, features and fun stories!
Stay tuned for updates in the shop to grab your travel guide!