7 Must do Surf Trips for Time Poor Professionals
Unfortunately for a large number of surfers, work and/or family commitments can often get in the way of how often we get out for a paddle. Before we know it, countless days turn to weeks, sometimes turn to months without so much as a glance at your boards gathering dust in the corner. Meanwhile your buddies are surfing three times a week and some two or three times a day!
When enough is enough and a surf getaway is the solution, making the right decision about where to go and how to maximise time in the water is about as important as finalizing that work commitment that’s kept you out the water to begin with.
We based the following surf trips on a set criteria for one who is time poor and has that 7-10 day window to get away. Seeing as all you do is work, we assume money isn’t a huge factor but for argument sake, a broad budget has been taken into account (Up to $6,000 including airfares, meals and surfing):
CRITERIA:
- Distance needed to travel (from Australia)
- Year-round wave quality
- How far in advance does it need to be booked
- Cost / Value for money
- Potential Wave count (crowd factor)
Samoan Surfaris (SAMOA)
Samoan Surfaris is the perfect surf trip for time poor individuals. Catering to a maximum of 5 surfers at a time, surf camp owner and all-round top bloke, Brent Ross will personally guide you on a daily surf sojourn capitalizing on his decade long knowledge of the main island of Upolu. If wave-count is on your mind and you just want a core surf trip then this is for you!
- Distance needed to travel (from Australia) – 5 hour flight to Apia (direct on certain days from Brisbane
- Year-round wave quality – Excellent! Early and late in the year is best
- How far in advance does it need to be booked – 2-3 months is recommended
- Cost / Value for money – Excellent! 7 days, flights and all meals for as little as $2,200 per person
- Potential Wave count (crowd factor) – Excellent, crowds are never an issue in Samoa and Brent knows the island better than anyone!
Tupira Surf Club (PNG)
Papua New Guinea should be high on any surfers bucket list. It is more than just a surf trip, its an experience and an adventure all rolled up into one.
Tupira Surf Club is one of the first surf camps in PNG and is one of the easiest surf trips on the market. With a private right-hand point break at your doorstep and catering to a maximum of just 12 surfers, Tupira Surf Club is sure to give you an amazing surf fix. The SAPNG capped surfer numbers also ensure the breaks are never crowded and the surf industry in PNG remains a sustainable one for years to come.
- Distance needed to travel (from Australia) – 3 hours to Port Moresby, 1.5 hours to Madang Province
- Year-round wave quality – Seasonal (Oct – Apr) best during the Australian summer
- How far in advance does it need to be booked – 6 months minimum! Tupira surf club is very popular and books out well in advance due to the limited availability.
- Cost / Value for money – Excellent, approximately $2,500 per person including flights for 7 nights
- Potential Wave count (crowd factor) – Excellent! No crowds due to how remote it is and the SAPNG capped surfer numbers of 15.
Lakey Peak Haven (SUMBAWA)
Lakey Peak is more than just one wave. Located in East Sumbawa, Lakey Peak and its neighbouring breaks offer something for everyone.
Lakey Peak Haven is owned and operated by Aussie ex-pat, Michael Hill and his family. Anything is possible at the Haven with bespoke packages suitable for almost anyone and perfect for solo’s or couple to come hang out, enjoy epic waves accompanied by amazing personable service from Michael and his team.
Lakey Peak Haven is also the first and only surf camp in Lakey Peak to offer daily surf transfers opening up a whole new world of opportunity for surfers wanting uncrowded waves.
- Distance needed to travel (from Australia) – 6 hours to Denpasar, overnight in Bali, domestic flight to Bima (Sumbawa).
- Year-round wave quality – Great! March – October is the best period of swell and wind combination
- How far in advance does it need to be booked – A popular last minute destination but it is recommended to book a few months in advance if you are travelling in peak season.
- Cost / Value for money – Excellent, An all inclusive 7 night package starts at around $2,000 per person
- Potential Wave count (crowd factor) – Good, can get crowded in peak season when there’s a media-hyped swell, but according to Michael, crowds are avoidable most days.
Hudhuranfushi Resort (MALDIVES)
Considered the ‘best surf trip’ in the world. Hard-missed not to be number one in this article.
Otherwise known as ‘LOHIS’, Hudhuranfushi Resort is centrally located in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives with one of the most consistent surf breaks at your doorstep, exclusive to resort guests only. A further 6 world class surf-breaks surround Lohis, North to South. An all-inclusive package means you never go hungry or thirsty and the vibe up at the surf point is like nowhere else in the world.
- Distance needed to travel (from Australia) – It’s a bit of a worthwhile mission. 8 hours to Singapore, 4.5 hours to Male and a 30 minute speed boat to the resort.
- Year-round wave quality – Great, however don’t waste your time Dec – Feb. Peak season is June – August but most popular months are April and September.
- How far in advance does it need to be booked – It’s recommended to book 4-6 months in advance to take advantage of early bird deals through World Surfaris. Last minute trips are also fairly popular.
- Cost / Value for money – Good! For the time poor professional, it’s great value for money. For a uni student on minimum wage, its probably something to start saving for or put on the bucket list.
- Potential Wave count (crowd factor) – Excellent! Lohis has capped surfer numbers so you will always get a wave there. Other breaks in the area vary on crowds. Late Apr – early Sep can get pretty crazy in the water but if you stick to Lohis you will be stoked!
Komune Resort (EAST COAST BALI)
Home to the Bali Pro and arguably the most high-performance wave on the world surfing tour, Keramas.
One of the funnest waves you will surf in your lifetime.
Komune Resort itself is a beachfront smorgasboard of basic resort rooms to luxury ocean suites, 5 star facilities and amazing restaurants for your surf trip pleasure.
- Distance needed to travel (from Australia) – Fly to Denpasar, jump in a pre-arranged transfer and you could be surfing by the afternoon, pending flight times.
- Year-round wave quality – Excellent! One of the most consistent waves in Indo. In-season from Nov – Mar but works just as well during the South West monsoons.
- How far in advance does it need to be booked – Popular for a last minute trip but we recommend booking 2-3 months in advance (especially the ocean suites)
- Cost / Value for money – Good! Compared to other accommodation in Bali, Komune is pricey BUT, its value for money is amazing with what you get in return.
- Potential Wave count (crowd factor) – OK. Does get crowded but there are other waves nearby that are cracking waves and suitable for just about any level of surfer. We recommend getting some advice from World Surfaris.
Joyo’s Surf Camp (G-LAND)
Home to a goofy-footers paradise, G-Land has been plastered across surfing magazines for 40+ years and remains firmly at the top of most surfers bucket list surf trips.
Joyos Surf Camp was the first surf camp built at G-Land and continues to set a very high benchmark when it comes to service and value for money.
- Distance needed to travel (from Australia) – Fly to Denpasar, overnight in Bali, speed boat to G-Land the next morning. Very easily organized by World Surfaris.
- Year-round wave quality – Good. Don’t bother Nov – Feb. Stick to the South West trade season.
- How far in advance does it need to be booked – A great last minute option, but pre-book about 2 months in advance for peak season which is June – September.
- Cost / Value for money – Excellent. 6, 9 and 12 night packages are the most popular.
- Potential Wave count (crowd factor) – Great. With 4 sections on offer and very consistent on all tides, G-Land with have your arms and legs in agony after some solid sessions.
Salani Surf Resort (SAMOA)
Salani Surf Resort is another great option for time poor individuals who want to get the most out of their surf trip. Catering for up to 12 surfers maximum. Salani is perfectly positioned at the foot of a rivermouth, with 2 epic reef breaks breaking either side approximately 1km from the private jetty’s of the resort.
Jump in one of the boats and be perfectly positioned within minutes to a world class left or world class right.
Enjoy comfortable accommodation, epic food and friendly local staff.
- Distance needed to travel (from Australia) – 5 hour flight to Apia (direct on certain days from Brisbane)
- Year-round wave quality – Excellent! Early and late in the year is best
- How far in advance does it need to be booked – 2-3 months is recommended
- Cost / Value for money – Excellent
- Potential Wave count (crowd factor) – Excellent, crowds are not an issue at Salani. Although it isn’t exclusive to Salani Surf Resort, it is very rare to see surfers from other camps surfing there.
