Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25166
I average wave height: 6 to 10 feet samoa: upolu ccc GGG 000 C9C9C9 00 A new destination for traveling surfers, the Samoan Islands home to are year-round, :I: ~ '" W U if] => o :z -' :I: "'- '" ~ « ~ :I: ~ <'i z :3 "'- => o "'- o 8 z '" t;; W :I: Ul W :I: t::; o " >- '" z -' ffi o o o > g ~ ~ Ul :>: o u ~ '3 Ul u ~ 37 -' "'- r:? t;" W w Ul e: GGG 00 - ccc C9C9C9C9 00 - Ask most surfers to name the top ten surf destinations in the world and it's unlikely that Madagascar will make it into the lineup. Big mistake. The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is an untapped playground of offshore islands and reef passes that provide year- round surf and a long, hollow ride. From the US, it can take two days just to get to Madagascar but once on board, you'll spend at least a week exploring the surf of the outer reefs, river mouths and islands along the west coast from Anakao to Morombe. Most of the best waves break on reefs accessible only by boat, which will escort you right up to the line- up of many an offshore reef pass. During your trip, you'll likely have the chance to surf a famous unnamed left that's familiar to most surf-video aficionados. The water is warm so all you'll need is a pair of surf trunks and a rash guard. And the waves can pack a punch, so bring a couple boards with at least one that can handle big surf. After a week or two of div- ing into Madagascar's empty waves and rich culture, it will undoubtedly wind up on your top ten list. - MA OUTFITTER True Blue Surf Travel, South Africa 10 days, $900, 7/5--7/14, 7/14-7/26, 7/25-8/4, 8/4-8/16, 8/25-9/6; 27-21-419-0618, www.truebluetravel.co.za average wave height: 6 to 10 feet madagascar: anakao to morombe hardcore reef-break surf- ing. The Salani Surf Resort, on the island of Upolu, where Robert Louis Stevenson is buried, caters to the experienced surfer. With single and double bungalows, the compound is situated near two of the island's best breaks, Salani Right and Salani Left. The resort also provides short trips to other good breaks including Plum Pudding and Waterfalls. Optimal months for epic conditions are May to September. Note: Whenever you go, it's illegal to surf on Sundays (Samoa is devoutly Christian).-MA OUTFITTER WATERWAYS SURF ADVENTURES, USA Trips leave by appointment. 6 days, $1,800, year-round (caU to book), 800-928-3757, www.waterwaystravel.com average wave height: 3 to 6 feet sri lanka: hikkaduwa GGG 000 C9C9C9 00 cc Sri Lanka, an island nation off the coast of India, is the ideal surf safari desti- nation. Surf is quality and consistent, but not epic, which is why it mainly attracts surfers who want a cultural experience. It also attracts surfers who don't have to travel too far-Israelis, Japanese, Australians, Europeans. The north and east of the island are closed to visitors due to the coun- try's ongoing civil war. This means Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka's best break, is general- ly off-limits to solo tourists. All the action is at the southern resort town of Hikkaduwa. Most surfers pass by the A Frame surf shop/Mambo Surf Tours 04-74- 38°985, www.mambo.nu) which has fostered a small posse of local surfers and offers basic lodging right on the beach. At Hikkaduwa you'll find clean three- to six- foot waves at Main Reef (the island's most powerful break with lefts and rights), the left North Jetty and the left reef break Benny's. When asked why he comes to Hikkaduwa, Tamir Levi, a visiting Israeli surfer, says, "People make the difference. Sri Lankans are really friendly and not territorial." Aim for the November-to-April dry season for Hikkaduwa, May to October for Arugam. - Lesa Griffith OUTFITTER Surf Travel Company, Australia Surf Travel can design a surf experience custom tailored to your interests. $75 per day, year-round, 61-2-9527-4722, www.surftravel.com.au