SWAP - Solomon Islands

Been to Indonesia, 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 stress.

The closely guarded secrets that unlock mystery breaks in the Solomon Islands are now unlocking...

Surf Trips

Want to go on a surf trip without the crowds, without tourists and hotels, shops and bars, cars and phones? SolSurfing has many options available for you to explore remote surfing locations while staying in local villages.

The problem experienced by many local villages in surf rich areas is exploitation by wealthy businessmen/tour oporators, and destructive resource explotation. Staying in local villages is the best way to not only experience the Solomon Islands, but also a great way to give them a little income for protecting these waters and islands. Sharing your money with local villages that embrace the shores of the waves you surf is not only respectful, but it is also a powerful way that we as surfers can help entire communities and eco-systems.

Sustainable Tourism

Without sustainable tourism the Solomon Islands will continue on its downward spiral towards generational poverty and eco-system/natural habitat extinction. Without tourists and travelers who really cares that the Marovo Lagoon (a world heritage nominated marine park) is filthy and polluted from resource extraction and destruction.

According to Greenpeace, "many serious social impacts resulting from logging have been documented over the last decade. These include: destruction of water sources and desecration of sacred and burial sites, child sexual abuse and prostitution, increased disputes and conflict within a community, the breakdown of social structures, and hardship resulting from the loss and damage to forest resources that local people rely on for their every day living."

Sustainable tourism gives tribes the option of resource preservation, re-habilitation and protection. Tribal Land Custodians see value in tourist activities, an alternative to logging, mining, fishing and poverty that benefits both communities and natural habitats. Your holiday can really make a difference towards the fortunes of a Lost Paradise, we as a global community can recognize the significance and beauty of the Solomon Islands by wandering her isles, sleeping in villages, and exploring her charms in and out of the water.

The reality is life in the Solomon Islands is very difficult, most villages are very poor, good health and education is sparse. Simple things like good drinking water, toilets, showers, electricity, safe and comfortable homes are all luxuries most cant afford. Local wages, including skilled positions, are poorly paid, goods and services are usually expensive, inferior in quality and more costly than Australian G&S, its a difficult place to live. Lets not get started on communication and efficiency! Sustainable Tourism can help alleviate the growing pains towards stability in the Solomon Islands, we can 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.

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.

Prices

For a limited time we are offering these trips for $120 Australian/Day. This is about as low as we can go, price includes:

# Transfers to and from airstrip - roughly 1 and a half hours each way

# Food and accommodation - Most food is local and organic, including fresh seafood, seasonal fruits and edible local delicacies

# Surf Guides with minimum 2 transfers to and from the surf each day, petrol included

# Local guides to show you the sites - Crocodile tours, jungle treks, island tours, snorkeling, and options for cultural festivities and custom stories

To secure your trip, payments can be made below. A deposit of $100Au is required to secure your booking, fully refundable with at least 2 months notice. Please Email sol surfing at glen@surfingsolomonislands.com