There are heaps of great waves in the Solomon's, most unridden and unexplored. There are many reasons for this ranging from political and law problems, local customs and traditions, and just plain accessibility. There are very few roads, boat transport is fickle and there are not many guest houses off the regular tourist route. Unlike most countries the majority of the Solomon Islands is still tribal land, thus to enter many of these places you need to know a local family that will give you permission to go there, you also need to seek permission from local chiefs, police and tourism authorities.
SolSurf Retreat is on the Island of Santa Isabel. One of the least visited islands in the Solomon's by tourists. We are working together with locals to build a sustainable surf retreat that is both comfortable and traditional on a remote uninhabited island. Currently the guest accommodation is very simple, but comfortable, you have access to the surf by paddle, or for the breaks further away we have a boat. Fishing is insane, the reef is teaming with colorful aquatic life and corals, enjoy snorkeling and spear fishing when your not surfing, or just relax in the hammock and read a book.
14 Day Sol Surfers Journey
10th January - 24th January 2009
7th February - 22nd February 2009
Dates are flexible, the above are recommended only, they tie in with local boats that are easier to travel on with surfing eqipment. There are options avaliable to fly direct to the main island, an airport pickup by boat will take you to the camp. This option might be an alternative for those wishing to surf for a week only. Surfers can fly in, connect with an island flight and be at the camp that afternoon.
Email for more information if interested in this option
The ultimate surfers journey that rekindles the 'feral' spirit of adventure and perfection. There are no other surfers in the area, most of the islands are uninhabited steamy tropical jungles, fringed by reefs teaming with life and color. There are too many reef passes and reef/beach break setups to explore in 14 days but try if you will.
Upon arrival you will be greeted by friendly locals, then taken to visit the local chiefs and landowners to seek permission to enter the area. The islands are all locally owned, many hold sacred custom areas that are out of bounds to all visitors. From here we leave the village by boat to SolSurf Retreat, the trip usually takes 1 hour through lush mangrove systems, past jungle islands, over coral reefs and through some spectacular living eco-systems.
Once on the island you will be introduced to the team (your new friends), who are there to make your stay enjoyable, comfortable and most importantly safe. Surfers stay in a traditional Solomon Island guest house on a remote island right amongst the surf. Three fresh meals are prepared daily with local vegetables and fruits, along with any fish or lobster you can catch. There are no local villages on the island, so your stay does not intrude on anyone, although you are most welcome and encouraged to visit some of the nearby villages and 'talk story'.
Like anywhere surf is never guaranteed. There can be quite intense storm systems at this time of the year that drive heavy rains and wind through the islands. And yes there can be flat spells. That's why these trips are designed for a min of 14 days, it gives you enough time to ensure some quality wave action, exploration, relaxation, and so many other activities that are typical for life in the Solomon's. You will feel immersed in paradise and marvel at the abundance of life that surrounds you in this truly beautiful part of the world.
As for the surf when its on you ask? Quality, Power and Size are all there, most of the setups are fast and challenging for any experienced surfer, breaking mostly over reef passes and bombies they can be quite intimidating. You will need 2-3 boards to accommodate wave size and breakage. Depending on your experience and mood our guides will take you where you want to go.
Unlike most surf camps SolSurf Retreat includes the use of our boat and fuel in the package price to access the more isolated breaks. We have two local surf guides that will show you the best waves depending on conditions, show you take off position/set-up and dangers, and most probably show you how to charge like a super hero. There is a couple breaks off the island that can be accessed either from the beach, or by paddling your own dug-out canoe. Others are just a short trip out in the boat, usually just 5-10 min's away.
There are many waves in the vicinity, however most are unsurfed. For those interested in exploring these unridden gems we can, if conditions are right go searching. The scenery alone is breathtaking, wandering through these uninhabited islands is the epitome of paradise, the reef is alive and abundant with life and colour, and the islands are dense with majestic jungles. Add to the picture a virgin wave peeling down the reef and like me, you will not be able to able to contain your excitement. It is an amazing feeling to surf these waves, so pristine, remote and many times immaculately perfect. This is the GrassRoots feeling of SolSurfing in the Solomon Islands, similar I guess to our surfing ancestors, we feel one with nature, charged with her energy.
This area is particularly different from any other surf camp option in the Solomon Islands besides Surf Solomon's. We are situated on the Eastern side of Santa Isabel, facing the open Pacific Ocean, the swell here comes from the East and the North, it is more powerful than any of the surf hitting the Coral Sea side of the Solomon Islands where other surf camps base themselves. Many times a mystery ground swell hits unannounced and the power that these waves discharge as they fold into perfect barrels is quite thrilling, similar to Indo perfection and grunt. There are options for either the advanced surfer or the intermediate depending on the day and your mood, but be warned it can get very heavy!
Booking forms will be available soon, but please don't hesitate to Email us in the mean time for more information. As there are only two trips early 2009 they will fill very quickly, so bear that in mind.
