PNG Explorer - discovering new surf breaks by day.

PNG Surfaris – PNG Explorer

Most surfers have heard of Papua New Guinea (profile, blog and video) as a surf destination and many have experienced the pristine surf conditions of this wild country. But with so many remote islands and reefs around PNG, its surf potential has barely been touched. It is only now with the purpose-built surf charter boat, PNG Explorer, run by PNG Surfaris, that surfers are able to access areas that have never before been surfed.

After a recent trip to PNG and catching up with the owners, Andrew and Jude, and checking out the new boat, the first word that sprang to mind was “impressive”. After many, many months of hard work and many thousands of dollars refitting their new vessel, the boat set sail on its maiden surf voyage in October 2010. Since then Andrew quotes “We are discovering new breaks every trip and so far we have discovered over 30 new breaks! Someone needs to come up with a system for naming new waves as I have run out of names for all the waves we have found over the last few months!” Andrew and Jude are very passionate about their new boat and the trip they offer, and rightly so, as they are forging new ground in surf travel and writing their names in the history books.

Don’t just take our word for it, check out some of these awesome shots for what is considered to be “The Best Surf Charter in the South Pacific”

To see more information and check out the 2011 / 2012 schedule - CLICK HERE

History - Andrew and Jude pioneered the St Matthias and Manus Island groups with their first boat, the MV Exocoetus or ‘Exo’. The past three years have seen Exo, with Andrew at the helm, carry 260 guests safely around the islands of New Ireland. Prior to the tourism charters, the duo were well known from trading around the islands. It was during this time that Andrew began to surf the waves. With every surf the locals amazed as Andrew rode the “si brukim” (breaking sea) standing on foam and fibreglass. This was obvious by the crowds that gathered to watch, and metered by their reaction as he disappeared into the wave and charged out the other end. That was their first ‘barrel’ on this island and Andrews’ right to name the break.

Three years of surf charter operations have enabled PNG Surfaris to document the consistency of the waves, and discover many more. They were the first to do this in many of the islands, and are keen to share this place with other surfers; whilst up-keeping the relative secrecy of what is one of the world’s last untapped surfing resources.

The surfing season in New Ireland Province is a relatively short season from October to April. This is taking advantage of the Northern Hemisphere swells coming from the northwest to northeast directions. During this period the wind is predominately from the N/NW. The surf generally ranges from 3-4ft; bigger swells see it at 5-6ft.

Surf Management Plans - The Niu Ailan Surfriders Alliance (NASA) is an affiliated member of the Surfing Association of PNG. The PNG Surf Management Plan structure, and in particular the Niu Ailan Surfriders Alliance Management Plans have been specifically developed with the primary goal of limiting surfer numbers, and limiting exploitation so that the PNG surf experience remains unique and memorable for those fortunate enough to experience it.

Jump on Just Dreaming surf charter with The Perfect Wave and get free 10 cases of beer!

G'day friends,

if you are thinking of going on a perfect surf holiday this year, want to discover a relatively remote and uncrowded area, love your beer after the surf and are looking for a great-value trip, let us help you with making your decision!

Australian-owned cutter-rigged ketch Just Dreaming is based in West Java and Panaitan Island, home to various world-class waves. Among the most famous are One Palm Point (excellent left-hander barreling the whole way over a shallow bottom but creates record-time tube rides - for at least intermediate surfers), Illusions (similar to One Palm Point, but a right-hander), Apocalypse, Napalms and Dave's Place. And there is more secret spots that they will take you to.

Their experienced crew knows the area perfectly, with over 10 years experience in the area. Aussie owner and skipper John, the boat captain Ismanto, chef Cookie, third skipper Olly and Sibby the deckie, are committed to providing an excellent all-round surf holiday experience with some great advice, delicious food on the board and relaxed and friendly service all the way!

The boat itself is a pleasure as well: it has an air-conditioned dorm-style sleeping space for 8 surfers, TV/VCR/Video CD Player, stereo and of course, snorkelling and fishing gear for you to use! It comes with all modern health and safety equipment: life raft, medical kits, satellite phone, GPS, radar and life jackets/MOB equipment.

Other activities, besides surfing, include snorkeling, game fishing, local village visits, island exploring, visiting the National Parks and perhaps climbing the mountain Krakatoa!

The boat carries 6-8 surfers on board and they run 9 -11 night charters. If you book before 1st of April 2011, the prices start at $2,300 per person. Moreover, The Perfect Wave offers you FREE 10 cases of beer per charter if you book with us.

Inclusions:

• Return Jakarta airport transfers.
• 9 nights onboard accommodation.
• 3 delicious meals served each day with plenty of soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks.
• Surf levy fee payable to the Indonesian National Parks.
• FREE 10 cases of beer per charter if you book with The Perfect Wave!

If you have any further questions, please give check out the boat profile, give us a call on 1300 00WAVE or send us an e-mail!

 

Our previous clients' testimonials:

I have just arrived home from your last trip out to the panitans. We had great waves, Napalms was amazing, and i'd love to come back and get illusions good (it was onshore, but still heaps fun) the crew were great, the food was really good. Ollie was super aware and responsive to everything that was going on throughout the trip, he was an awesome host. it was amazing how the whole crew just slipped around the boat, doing so much, making everything run so smoothly, but you would hardly notice them. i can only imagine that it would be hard to keep that level of service throughout the season, but with something like 4 months down they seem to be taking it all in their stride. an awesome trip, I had a great time. thanks

Pete

==

Our first sight of the waves was an over head glassy barrel funnelling down the reef at Napalms. The wave was greeted with collective hoots onboard as we all scrambled to get amongst it. The rest of the day and the next were spent scoring perfect head high and head high plus barrelling lefts at Napalms and Tettes. By the end of day two we had all donated both skin and fibreglass to the Napalms reef but had the smiles of surf stoked men. The next 4 or five days are somewhat of a blur as the trip went from great to insane. We were greeted with wet season like conditions which meant the rights were on. Illusions was pumping and the boys made the most of it clocking up 6 to 8 hrs in the water. One day blurred into the next and we continued to score perfect, uncrowded, overhead waves. A brief stint at Apocalypse managed to impress all the boys as we watched a couple of pros pulling into stand up barrels on waves that have to be seen to be believed. As the swell dropped and the trades started to blow four ship wrecked Javanese locals emerged from the jungle and swam out to the boat. These guys hadn't eaten for 5 days and had been wondering through the jungle looking for help. After giving them a feed and some dry clothes we motored to the main land to drop them off and managed to surf a few waves in a magical bay called Angels before heading back to Panaitan Island. The next couple of days were small and we spent time at the top of the main bay surfing Croc n Rolls. Fun lefts and rights were had by all as we waited for the swell to hit in hope One Palm would turn it on. We woke on our second to last day with swell lines rolling through so we pulled the pick and headed for One Palm. The sight that greeted us as we pulled up was one I won’t forget any time soon. Perfect 3-4 ft barrels pouring down the reef with such perfection it was hard to believe. What a way to finish off a trip!! As we motored back to port we were met with an impressive lightning storm that lite up this incredibly beautiful place. As the final beers were drunk, the tunes cranked and the smiles on the boys faces said it all. A huge thanks to Siby, Manto, Cooky and Olly for a brilliant trip. I hope to see you again soon fellas!

Chris

==

We arrived at Panaitan and weather was calm, we had a good trip down with calm winds the whole way down. The trip started off with some 3 foot, super clean napalm. It was a great intro for the boys. The next day we were expecting a large swell and the boys were keen for some bigger napalm which we scored.... solid 5 foot, heavy barrels, the same day we surfed 5 foot one palm, heaps of barrels for everybody. Next 2 days we surfed napalms and tetes, clean 3 foot conditions. The winds were good for the rights as well, and we surfed illusions 3 to 4 foot clean and doing its thing. Apocalypse was 6 foot solid, heavy barrels, but only broke briefly due to a wind change. The rest of the trip saw us doing the rounds of the bay with great head and and half high waves at napalms in the mornings then across to the rights when the tide dropped for great long walls at illusions. We ended up with 2 great surfs at Apocalypse, one was 4 foot and super fun. The next was 6 foot plus grinding barrels which were as wide as they were high.....very impressive! This was a ten day trip and saw the boys score great clean waves everyday.

==

Hey Jamie, Sorry for the very late reply, has taken me till today to get all the photos off the boys after our Paniatan Island trip in July. We scored awesome waves throughout the trip and I’ve attached a few pictures. I cannot speak too highly of Olly and all the boys on "Just Dreaming", as they were great and made sure that we were all very well looked after. This included travel time, great food, good beer and fucking unbelievable waves. We scored One palm about 4-6 foot a couple of days with only a few of us out. Also scored 3-4 foot Napalms with just us boys out for about 4 hours. Its October now and we are still pumped about the trip. Thanks for all your help in organizing the trip, made life a hell of a lot easier. Trying to sort out attaching photos.. my computer keeps fucking up so I’ll try and get them to you eventually... Cheers again mate

Dale

Introducing the MV Carpe Vita Explorer

G'day friends,

we are proud to introduce the MV Carpe Vita Explorer, our brand new luxury surf charter boat in Maldives (Male and Central Atolls) - designed and built for those of you that would like to enjoy a full service luxurious surf boat charter. This boat is as good as it can get on a surf charter, and it might as well be the best and most comfortable surf holiday of your life! The prices we are offering right now are special introductory rates and are never to be repeated - starting at just AUD 2345 per person for 7 nights!

This 38.2m long and 10.4m wide cruiser has 10 spacious, comfortable and luxurious cabins that fit a maximum of 20 people, giving them more than plenty of space, privacy and comfort. However, you only need a group of 12 to have the boat as an exclusive charter.

The boat has 4 levels:

Lower deck

The 6 standard cabins are on the lower deck, along with engine room, 2 separate staff cabins and crew compartment. The cabins have 1 queen-size bed and super single bed, desk/chair, dresser, private en-suite bathrooms with showers. All standard cabins have portholes.

Main deck

Besides the 2 Deluxe cabins, the main deck boasts a lounge area with a buffet table, a wide flat-screen TV, DVD/MP3 player, in-house sound system, library and comfortable sitting area with plug points for laptop use. The Deluxe cabins have a king-size bed or 2 super single beds, desk/chair/dresser, hanging closet, large windows, private en-suite bathroom and shower cubicle. Outside in front of the lounge area, there is another sitting area in the shade with comfortable cushions, perfect for chilling out with a beer between surfs:

Upper deck

Upstairs, on the upper deck, you will find an outside shaded sitting area in front of the bridge to give you fabulous views and a main open-air dining area and bar, where you will be served semi-buffet meals prepared by an excellent chef. 2 Suites are next to each other on two sides of the boat and boast a king-size bed or 2 super single beds (39 inches), a flat screen TV plus DVD/MP3 player, desk/chair/dresser, two hanging closets, windows throughout the side of the cabin, bathroom with dual sink, bath tub and separate shower cubicle.

Sun deck

Further upstairs is a spacious, partially-shaded sun deck which has a jacuzzi and a comfortable lounge/sitting area for some tanning and chilling on the sun!

Standard bathroom: 

 

Main deck lounge:

This beautiful boat has just recently been re-built and our first charter is in 3 weeks. It is heavily booked on some dates, but there are still spots available for never to be repeated prices!

Inclusions:

• Airport transfers with meet & greet.
• Luxury accommodation in air-conditioned cabins.
• Full board - 3 gourmet meals daily.
• Unlimited tea, coffee & mineral water.
• Night fishing trips.
• DVD & book libraries.
• Snorkelling equipment.
• BBQ on deserted island.
• Local island visits.
• 61 foot Dhoni (tender) for diving or surfing.
• 15 ft Dingy (tender).
• Government bed tax $8 per person per day.
• Expert Aussie surf guide.

Please check the boat profile for schedule and availabilites. For more information, please send us an e-mail on info@theperfectwave.com.au or call 1300 00WAVE!

Saltmotion photography surf trips

Each day around mid morning, the saltmotion website is uploaded with the latest photos predominantly featuring the surf and conditions, with a lean towards fine landscapes and early morning beach scenes. The quality of the photography is what drives the morning reports and sets them apart - a daily pursuit of getting the perfect photograph. These reports will hit your inbox Monday to Friday; an un-obtrusive, elegantly designed e-mail that can be viewed quickly or pawed over and commented on throughout the day.

To receive the daily reports (free) simply CLICK HERE and enter your e-mail address in the box at the top right of this website.

The Perfect Wave has teamed up with Saltmotion to put together some awesome surf trips with a difference! Check out the below trips to some of our best destinations around the world, with Joel your personal photographer on hand to get that surf photo of yourself in his unique style that has made Saltmotion famous.

Joel Coleman is the photographer and founder of the group and can often be seen early on the beach with his camera - trying to bring something special every day. You can see his daily updates on their website, www.saltmotion.com. With his team consisting of an illustrator, business manager and UK Rep, they own a gallery close to the Manly beach, where you can admire the fantastic daily shots. They also occassionally run special event evenings, film nights and courses. Be on the saltmotion mailing list to stay up to date. 

Check out these awesome trips and book your spot today!

 

1 - 10 April 2011 -- Surf Solomons surf tour (Solomon Islands);  Sorry, NO MORE SPOTS LEFT

 
On a Solomons guided expedition you will travel to places where very few tourists or any outsiders go, let alone other surfers. You will travel in safety and relative comfort with very informed and locally connected guides. People on these trips have the unique opportunity of receiving a genuine welcome and making real friends with the people they meet in some of the most remote communities in the Pacific. Solomons is one of the least developed and most traditional countries in the Pacific, you simply could not get to these areas and have this kind of experience over a short duration trip in any other way right now.

22 June - 2 July 2011 -- Cobia surf boat charter (Maldives - Central Atolls); Sorry, NO MORE SPOTS LEFT

The 21 meter long cruise boat, Cobia is conceived and built by the skillful Maldivian craftsmen for the Maldivian waters. This beautiful cruiser with its comfortable and air-conditioned rooms accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers for optimal comfort. However you only require 8 passengers to have the boat exclusively for just you and your mates. One of the most important part of any surf charter is the surf guide. On the Cobia, we have a full time Australian surf guide onboard to ensure you have the best surf trip of your lives.  Your surf guide will be either Brian, who has been surfing himself for over 40 years and has 10 years of experience surf guiding in the Maldives; or his son Loz, who Brian has trained up with all his knowledge. Knowledge is everything on a surf charter so an experienced western surf guide is essential.

17 - 29 September 2011 -- D'Bora surf boat charter (Indonesia - Mentawai Islands); 7 spots left -- $ 2600 per person

The D'Bora is an 80 foot timber vessel running affordable quality surf charters in the Mentawai Islands. Her owners, Charlie Josal, Tom Plummer and Joey Melroy have teamed to create this unique vessel with all the modern amenities, but a decidedly local Indonesian architecture and flair. With many years combined experience in the Mentawais, they've pooled the best possible crew with Joey acting as onboard manager and surf guide traversing the length and breadth of the Mentawai Islands to get you your fill of waves, and then some.

To add value to your surf trip, each surfer will receive:

• High resolution print ready photographs of themselves surfing.
• Glory shots on the saltmotion website each day during the trip!
• 25% Discount off printing and framing costs for trip photos at Saltmotion Gallery. 

Stay tuned for more!

 

 

Update from Capt. Greg Vink - MV Addiction, Mentawai Islands

Wow, what a ride the last 5 years have been. Since Addiction first started chartering in the Mentawais in 2006, we have experienced every emotion possible with the ups and downs that come from working in a sometimes inhospitable and remote environment, but the one thing that has remained the same all the way through is the pure stoke experienced by surfers from all over the world scoring the waves of their lives. Time and again you guys have shared with us sometimes life changing experiences that keep you coming back, year after year.

While we are looking forward to 2011 with a totally sold out schedule we have to cast our mind forward to 2012 because it will be upon us before we know it. 2011 has thrown up challeges that we are still dealing with, such as the Indonesian Governments change of law that now requires us to import our boat and operate under an Indonesian Flag and all of the cost, regulation maze and bureaucracy associated with that but we are up for it. The Mentawais are where our collective heart is and from the very start when Eric and I were working our arses off in that stinking hot shipyard in Phuket, Thailand refitting Addiction for all those months it was the thought of all of those barrels yet to be had that kept us focused. Along the way Eric has been fortunate enough to extend his ‘crew’ with Nicole and Eli being able to share the Addiction dream.

Now, 5 years (and countless barrels, good times, and great people) later we are looking forward towards 2012 and beyond and are happy to say that our little group is expanding again. We are welcoming another Captain to our fold and are happy to say that Dickinson Antal has agreed to become a permanent part of the team after having being a relief Captain for the past couple of years. Dickinson’s experience is vast, to say the least with past experience on other surf charter boats as well as years of land travel throughout Indonesian and the Mentawai chain in particular. Dickinson has the same love of the Mentawais and desire to make every Addiction trip truly one to remember for all aboard.

We are now able to release our 2012 schedule and as has been the case in previous years prices keep moving up. In 2011 we were swamped with bookings from new groups before a lot of our existing groups were able to get organised so a lot of them missed out on a 2011 trip. To try and help out we have come up with something that we hope will help out all of our past groups.

For our previous groups only there is a 5% discount off total price for all trips that are booked and have the full deposit paid by 2nd May 2011!

Greg Vink
Captain of the MV Addiction

 

Greg and his family