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

Learn to Surf with The Perfect Wave

Is your dream to learn surfing? This wonderful water sport is steadily becoming more and more popular and new surfing locations are being discovered every year. Each step that you take on your journey to discover the magic of riding the waves on a board will be exciting – and you will understand why thousands of people in the world have made it a part of their lifestyle. You can, too!

First principle to remember is that you need lots of patience to become at least an intermediate surfer. Nobody can become a top surfer in a couple of weeks, no matter how many shortcuts you take. As a newcomer, you will need to learn basics like indentifying the types of waves suitable for surfing, paddling, catching a wave and learning a correct stance on board. But don’t forget – every surfer, even the professionals, started as humble beginners and had to learn the very basics before riding those 9-foot monsters off Mentawai Islands or Bali coast. The best start is to find a good surfing school with some experienced guides to give you some solid basics that you can build on once you return from your first surfing holiday.

Once the theoretical part of your first lesson is finished, (and you will cover interesting and useful topics like surfing equipment, basic techniques, types of waves and surfing etiquette), you will learn paddling, catching your first wave and maneuvering it! But beware – you need to know how to swim so you don’t put yourself in a danger once a bigger wave comes. There are also other dangers out there – be aware of the marine creatures like jellyfish or stingrays, rip currents, potential drowning and collisions with other surfers – may you surf in a busy location. But don’t let me put you off from learning this fantastic sport that has its own culture, music and fashion. Initially, you will be learning safely, close to the beach, under the supervision of your mentor.

Respect the others and don’t be ashamed of yourself making mistakes or falling off your surfboard. The key to success is listening to your guide and more experienced friends and to be ready to practice everything they show you. Before you start learning, make a decision you will not get frustrated and upset with your first failures. With learning how to surf, it is all about getting it right step by step and practicing. Also, surfing has certain etiquette and you shouldn’t drop in someone else’s way if they are already riding the wave or paddle straight through the heart of the lineup where people are surfing.

Have fun! Surfing is all about freedom of mind and a positive spirit. Setting small goals and reaching them along the way certainly is the part of the fun. We can guarantee you from your own experience: those “first times” will get you so stoked for more! From the first time you stand up, to the first time you steer your surfboard a bit and the first time you ride a nice wave - it’s truly an experience. Celebrate the small steps.

Find a great location to learn! If you would like to remember your first steps on a surfboard for your lifetime, fly to a great location and have a great overall experience of good food, nice accommodation and meeting other keen travelers learning to surf. Bali absolutely rocks, with some awesome surf camps and schools that we handpicked before we put them on our website. Europe, Brazil, Hawaii and Mexico also offer some sweet options.

The Perfect Wave’s mission is to help those who wish to learn this exciting sport – and the way of life – by offering some very good product for their surf holiday, to help you reach your goal to learn, or improve your skills. Going through the process ourselves, we can recommend some really good surf schools in some of the most beautiful corners of the world.

Bali always comes to our mind as the first option. Beautiful island full of great accommodation, lovely weather, fantastic food and awesome prices offers quite a value and several options for your surf experience. Padang Padang Surf Camp is a great place run by surfers that share your passion and offer you their wealthy experience. This camp consists of 2 well-equipped villas and other activities like swimming and tennis for your free time. The Chillhouse in Canggu boasts 5 luxurious Bungalows, The Surfers House, and Tree Top Loft that are set amongst 1500sqm of exotic tropical gardens in a natural, tropical atmosphere. But there is also an option to combine your choice of accommodation with a great surf school that does free hotel pickup and offers beginners, intermediate, children and families surf lessons – and it is Bali Surf School. They are passionate and knowledgeable people who will be happy to assist you with your first steps on the surfboard, help you improve your skills or take you on a great Surfari to a location of your choice!

For the full range of our “Learn to Surf” packages, please check out this section, send us an e-mail or give us a ring on 1300 00WAVE – and we will be stoked to assist you in finding your surf holiday and advise you along the way.

Surfing in Papua New Guinea

Lying just 160 kilometres north of Australian shore in the south-western Pacific Ocean and comprising more than 600 islands, Papua New Guinea is an undiscovered world of vibrant culture, traditions, adventure and great surf conditions. Despite its image of an underdeveloped and perhaps dangerous country, it has been attracting tourists in the recent decades and there is no wonder – unlike other prominent tourist destinations, it offers absolutely uncrowded and sustainably protected waters for some phenomenal surfing, diving, fishing and kayaking.

When it comes to surfing, PNG is characteristic with short second interval which means the swell is less powerful and it is an ideal place for low intermediate to advanced surfers. As for seasonality, Papua New Guinea’s surf potential is there all year round. During the monsoon cycle (wet season), the North side of PNG has great surf locations with offshore as well as mainland waves from mid November until the end of April. The swell is brought in by the monsoon and some consistent waves are to be discovered and scored in Vanimo, Wewak, Kavieng and Madang and the breaks range from 3 to 6 feet with some 8-footers on a great day.

This country has recently become a new frontier in regards to discovering new breaks – literally by the day! As Andrew Rigby of PNG Explorer put it, "Somebody needs to come up with the formula to name new surf breaks we discover as I've run out of names! We are discovering, on average, eight new breaks per trips.” On our most recent trip to PNG in January 2011, we were certainly witnessing this and scored some of the best waves ever!

The PNG Explorer is the best surf charter boat in the region, and probably in the south Pacific. Rewriting the record books in discovering new surfing spots, they take surfers to New Hanover, St Matthias, East coast islands of New Ireland, the Admiralty Islands and beyond. It gives you the flexibility of being on a boat and the knowledge of your experienced skipper/surf guide, who will always take you to the best possible locations. Well-built, this spacious 23-metre charter boat has been custom built to ensure the absolute comfort and functionality for the ultimate uncrowded surf experience in the perfection of tropical PNG. Providing excellent service is a top priority for PNG's most experienced duo in surf exploration with Captain Andrew Rigby and wife Jude. Together with their experienced crew, they aim to maintain and expand on the great hospitality & PNG experience they have provided over the past three years of surf charters.

Another great charter boat, best for small groups of 4 or less, is 10-metre sailing catamaran, Tiki Tu. They also keep discovering new breaks and will take you to places untouched by mass tourism, untroubled by 5-star resorts and package tourists not interested in the culture of the country that they are visiting. Every experience that you have will feel like you are the first to experience it, the first person to visit this island village, surf this wave or snorkel on this reef.

Both of these charter boats that we offer have some great service, very experienced crew and know the area as good as the locals. The best choice you can make when thinking of going on a boat charter in PNG!

As for the land-based resorts, the Nusa Island Retreat in New Ireland province (north part of PNG) with eco-friendly accommodation, food and boat transport to the surrounding islands is an excellent choice. All the breaks in the area are easily accessible from the resort and can be surfed on any tide. They have simple, high quality traditional island-style bungalows that can cater for up to six people. The Premium bungalows are built over the water and have ensuite bathrooms, and the Standard bungalows are built right on the beach or just back from the beach and have the use of shared bathroom facilities.  They also have a large 2-storey house with it's own bathroom that is perfect for large groups or families.

Rubio Plantation Retreat is in the remote central northeastern coast of New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. From here you can search the remote coastline and offshore islands for an undiscovered wave. Rubio's accommodation consists of 6 separate bungalows. All bungalow's are made from native materials and are located along the beachfront. Rubio has a good, consistent break right on the beach directly in front of the retreat. There are also many other good breaks in the local area. Surf spots range from mellow longboard waves (depending on swell size and direction) to fast and hollow reef passes.

There is still lots to discover in this beautiful and mystical country – absolutely remote, secluded regions, beautiful mountains, virgin forests and unsurfed breaks without the crowds, untouched by mass tourism and commercial resorts. Be the first one to visit these places and give Papua New Guinea a try!

To enquire about your next surf holiday in Papua New Guinea, beat the crowds and surf the breaks that could have been discovered just a few days before your holiday, please call us on 1300 00WAVE to speak with one of our friendly consultants or click here to send us an e-mail!

Photo gallery: Out most recent Papua New Guinea trip!

Check out this exclusive photo gallery of our January 2011 trip to this beautiful, exotic country that is up-and-coming destination.

If you want an absolutely awesome, uncrowded waves and a great trip to a new frontier where they are discovering new  unsurfed breaks on every trip, Papua New Guinea is the way to go! Its culture, serenity, untouched nature, great waves and people have blown our minds. 

Nusa Island Retreat:

Fishing:

Epic waves:

Local kids:

Rubio Plantation Retreat:

Why Book with The Perfect Wave?

• We are passionate surfers that frequently travel to the destinations, and stay with the resorts, camps, boats that we sell.
• Extremely experienced travel consultants, each with between 5 years and 10 years working in the industry.
• Customer Service Guarantee:

• 24/7 Emergency Assistance.
• 24 hrs response time on enquiries.
• We will go above and beyond the call of duty everytime, nothing is too much trouble.
• Guaranteed start to finish service for every client. We will be with you all the way, until you get home.

• Friendly, helpful and knowledgable team members.
• We have intimate and extensive destination knowledge.
• Established and valued relationships with the best surf operators on the planet!
• Fully licenced, accredited and financially secure international travel agency.
• Member of the Travel Compensation Fund that ensures your money is protected!
• Respected, reputable quality surf travel brand.
• Largest range of surf trips on offer from Austraila.
• Wholesale Flights – we will get you the best possible with affilited airline and increased luggage allowance.
• Competitive prices and value for money.
• Constantly updated information on specials and surf related topics – available through our monthly newsletter, Facebook, Blog, or Twitter.
• Referral Program – refer a friend and receive $100 credit per booking for your next trip!!
• Conveniently located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches – if you’re a local, you’re welcome to drop in and say g'day!

Creepy and Creative Mindz! - Mitch Taylor’s new website

Check out a new funky website of Mitch Taylor, one of The Perfect Wave's sponsored surfers:

http://creepyminds.tumblr.com/

The fun loving larakin of the team, Mitch’s youthful approach and sense of humour to everything he does makes every trip with him an entertaining one!  But despite this, Mitch is one serious little surfer.  You will rarely find him at home… rather in Bali, Kalbarri, Margaret River…  never a dull moment and rarely the same location!  Despite his many years of competition Mitch is actually still only a Pro Junior, so with the world at his feet and travel on his mind, you are sure to see more of this kid at a beach near you.