Been to Indo, Maldives, Hawaii, Fiji or New Guinea? Been there before the resort was built, before the crowds, before the hassle, the hype and expensive prices? The sad reality of surfing's global progression has ruined many a great wave, line-ups that once curled effortlessly around points and reef passes with no-one but a local in his canoe fishing near-by to witness, are now teaming with million dollar boats, 5 Star resorts, and a very competitive crowd, all eager to justify their spending's by scrounging as many waves as possible. It is very difficult to find totally new waves in 2008, let alone re-visit the surf sanctuaries we once played in, where a closely guarded secret handed down to those worthy was the key, protecting the area from mass tourism, crowds and knobjockies.
The closely guarded secrets that unlock mystery breaks in the Solomon Islands are now unlocking...
Tourism operators see the $ in surf tourism, they see the surf dollar and are exposing these breaks as they do the world over, to make a buck.... Forget secrecy, forget fortune favours the brave, the adventurous, the feral, the hardcore, the wandering gypsy, the soul surfer, the local, these areas are opening up to Billy Blogs, sponsored robots, and corporate surf companies. Come one come all, "We trade secret surf spots for cash!" is the cry stinging my ears...
SolSurfing is fighting back, we are more concerned with the environment, than making money and sharing waves. We are concerned that commercial surf tourism will benefit the already wealthy, crowd the empty lineups, and cloud the wandering travelers minds with delusion that this is paradise. The reality is life in the Solomon Islands is very difficult, most villages are very poor, good health and education is sparse, any money you bring to the Solomon Islands needs to go to them, not a hotel. Lets preserve and protect these surf spots through grassroots action, get dirty in a local village, plant some trees, talk story and share the vibe of surfing with an ancient tribe.
This idea does not stop with surfers - fisherman, hikers, divers, rastas, gypsy's, couples, honeymoon's, wedding's, and anyone wishing to come to the Solomon's can make a tremendous difference to these local communities and eco-systems. Resource plundering is a major environmental issue in the Solomon Islands, sustainable tourism can protect these areas while providing the locals with better income and employment opportunities.
The difficulties aside with life in the Solomon Islands, we see abundant beauty in nature and people, we see paradise, a land lost in time that still has ancient forests and reef systems, cultures and communities interacting harmoniously in a garden of edon.
By giving local people the autonomy to develop slowly into sustainable tourism activities, we will see future generations of local Solomon Islanders rise up to claim their just deserves of good health, education, employment, housing, lifestyle, happiness, fulfillment and family union, harmoniously balanced within a thriving ecology
SolSurfing offers surfers insight and pathways to explore the Solomon Islands in search of surf, fish, culture, exploration and more. Unlike most surf travel web sites we are promoting surf travel to those aware of the environment, aware of their footprint and interaction with life on their journey. If surfers stay with local villages they not only experience an infinitely more valuable journey, (and get better waves), they contribute to protecting and re-habilitating the environment.
Like many pacific islands there are empty waves hidden throughout the archipelago, getting there is only half the battle, surviving there is the real challenge, and thriving there a real skill. Opening these areas to intrepid surf travelers is simply the most environmentally conscious way to help out remote villages with some form of income. It also has the added benefit for cross cultural exchanges that educate not only the locals, but us western crusaders about life and living, where deep friendships are forged and the gap between modern and primitive merge.
If your after luxury then this is not the place for you. The only real way to explore and surf the Solomon Islands is by living with the locals in their local environments and homes, thus no 5 Star, but very comfortable and relaxing traditional thatched huts.
14 Day Sol Surfers Journey
Escape Captivity, leave the rat race and the Sheeple behind, head off to your very own surf paradise. Remote and exclusive, designed and operated by surfers for surfers. Experience the freedom of surfing and living on a remote tropical island, with just 4 mates. Get back to the roots of surfing, no cars, phones, shops, tourists, commercial surf brands, or annoying crowds. It's wild, raw and feral, powerful reef passes, lefts and rights, many unsurfed, many unseen. Unleash the lion tamer in you! Rest easy knowing that your surf trip helps local communities and eco-systems
Village Stays
Surfers now have the opportunity to stay in numerous local Solomon Island villages that are near some really great surf breaks. This alternative to modern guest accommodation will suit the more adventurous traveler/surfer who wants to experience the culture and beauty of life in the Solomon Islands with some fantastic surf, fishing and local activities. Take a peek at what Village stays are about and why they benefit local communities.
SolSurfing the Solomon Islands
A journey back to the roots of Soul Surfing
