surf breaks

n every beach, there is a Charlie Pierce from The Perfect Wave agrees, Elsewhere in Bali, Komune Resort at battalion of blonde-haired kids, saying that their business has changed. “Ten Keramas is spectacular for everyone in the riding the waves on surfboards. years ago we organised trips to Indonesia for family – it even has night surfing under lights. There are dads on boards, single guys. They then wanted charters in the mums on boards, sons and Maldives or . Now that same guy has a wife West Sumatra, Indonesia Odaughters signing up for learn-to-surf lessons and kids, and wants a trip that combines The Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra is and groms (young surfers) competing in world-class waves with the luxuries you need also on the wishlist for surfers, with Macaronis competitions far and wide in events sponsored to keep the whole family happy.” Resort ensuring everyone in the family has by Subway, Rip Curl, Billabong or Fox Head I would have to agree. I have two surfing an unforgettable time. Kids – or parents – Australia. What’s not to love about a sport that sons, a surfing husband and I don’t surf. We can learn to surf at Fish Fingers, the perfect sees kids active in the sea, doing an activity have been to quite a few overseas destinations beginner wave. As for the experts, let them that they can enjoy their entire lives? – here are some of the hotspots. rip at Greenbush, Bowls Right or Maccas. More and more Australian families are Afterwards, relax by the pool, snorkel the reefs heading overseas for a family surf holiday, Bali, Indonesia or visit the local village. My son Alex did just and there are many destinations that fit the bill. Indonesia is surfing heaven, with so many that in September, gave the kids some shirts Even if there are non-surfers in the family, the places to ride unbelievable waves. Throw in and then took some of them out for a surfing idea of a holiday in the sun is very appealing. cheap massages, beautiful accommodation lesson. Ian Lyon of Atoll Travel recommends and fabulous resorts, and you have yourselves Kandui Villas for families, right in the heart of a wonderful holiday. Bali is the main destination the legendary surf zone, Playgrounds. for families, with Uluwatu the place people aspire to surf. Huge, long rollers sweep into Fiji the cliffs, providing great rides for experienced Fiji is just about the perfect place for a family surfers and unbelievable views from the holiday and there are some world-famous surf cliff-top Single Fin café. Balangan and Bingin breaks there. Beginners can hire a board at the are also excellent, with local warungs on the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa beach serving nasi goreng and Balinese fare. on the Coral Coast, but the most popular and consistent breaks are found in the – off Castaway, and Namotu. is particularly heavenly, with seven spots nearby that cater for experienced surfers, including world-famous Cloudbreak, Restaurants and Desperations. Castaway can organise charters to the breaks, and upon return you’ll relax and enjoy the island and its many activities. Surf’s Up

A surfing holiday is becoming the in thing for Australian families... and they’re venturing off shore in search of the perfect wave, discovers helen hayes.

01 surf breaks

03 Hot TipsTip • On reef breaks make sure to wear reef booties. Cuts 04 in a tropical climate can 02 be nasty!

Samoa • Buy limes – the juice works Samoa is developing as a surfing hotspot, magic on reef cuts. with breaks for all levels around the main island • Travel insurance is a must. of Upolu as well as on its ‘big island’, Savaii. Sa’Moana Resort on Upolo has bungalows by • Make sure boards are the ocean, with many surf spots just a short correctly prepared for travel boat ride away, while Atoll Travel recommends – fins out, bubble wrapped Aganoa Lodge, paddling distance from two of and in a board cover. Samoa’s most consistent breaks. Buying ones with wheels is a much easier option. Maldives Surf tour company The Perfect Wave has seen • Take mozzie spray and incredible growth in family trips to the Maldives, use it. where families can opt to stay in beautiful resorts or cruise in luxury vessels with • Listen to local advice and if Surfing everything they need on board. Holiday Inn you are not confident about Resort Kandooma is its most popular resort your ability to ride the surf Report Card for such groups, as well as Ayada, with five on the day, find a more surf breaks about 15 minutes away by boat. suitable break. Information Atoll Travel also suggests Chaaya Island The Perfect Wave www.theperfectwave.com.au Dhonveli, a resort named the Maldives’ Atoll Travel www.atolltravel.com Leading Surf Resort three years in a row. Hawaii Stay Tahiti Oahu is a surfing mecca and every grom The legend of Teahupo’o is an alluring one for dreams of riding Pipeline. For beginners, Komune Resort, all experienced surfers – but is not for the faint or those who just want to swim or have a go on Bali www.komuneresorts.com hearted. Some of the best surfers in the world a stand-up paddleboard, Waikiki is legendary. Castaway Island, Fiji come off second best when ‘Chopes’ is big but For lessons, head to Ko Olina where you’ll find www.castawayfiji.com there are many safer breaks around Tahiti’s the Hawaiian Fire Surf School, staffed by Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaii north coast that cater for all levels. Rangiroa firemen who are also surf instructors. www.turtlebayresort.com Atoll has some beautiful places to stay and Experienced riders will make a beeline to Ayada, Maldives www.ayadamaldives.com surf, while Papara is also known for its waves. the North Shore, where the winter swells pound the coastline and create incredible Macaronis Resort, Mentawais waves. Turtle Bay Resort is the only resort on www.macaronisresort.com 01 Maldivian blue 02 Travel in style (Images 1 & 2 © Joel Coleman/saltmotion.com 03 Macaronis the north coast, serving up delicious cocktails Sa’Moana Resort, Samoa barrel 04 All at sea in the Maldives and a dream holiday for all. www.samoanresort.com

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