Tavarua is now open for all to enjoy!

Yes the time has finally come where all ocean enthusiasts can enjoy the beautiful island of Tavarua, Fiji.   The Mother of all world-class surf camps, Tavarua is now open to the general population and WaterWays Surf Adventures has been appointed as Tavarua Island Resort’s General Sales Agent to coordinate bookings from around the world. Located in the Maamanuca Island chain, about 15 miles southwest of Nadi, Tavarua is a quarter mile long and a quarter mile wide piece of paradise surrounded by water water everywhere – offering world class comfort, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities like: surfing, sailboarding, kite-surfing, SUP, diving, fishing, tennis or just getting a tan relaxing by the pool and checking books off your list.

Tavarua’s accommodations include 14 private bure’s and en-suites made of hardwoods and thatch, beautifully appointed with Fijian art and surf photos to remind you why you’re there.  Each bure is air conditioned and has two VCQB (Very Comfortable Queen Beds), a day bed, louvered windows, ceiling fans, mini-bar, and a large beach side verandah for relaxing, watching the sunset or just taking in the lush island foliage and bird life.

The pool at Tavarua is directly adjacent to the restaurant with a perfect view of the surf break “Restaurants”.  The pool is a great place to relax while having a drink and ordering appetizers in the shade to unwind from a long day of getting barreled.

Waterways Surf Adventures is excited and fortunate to introduce this exclusive destination to their array of surf destinations.  So what are you waiting for, be one of the first to experience the beauty and tranquility of Tavarua, Fiji.  Book this exclusive trip today!  Go there!

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Save 10-15% off on our Nusa Dewata Yacht Charter

Nusa Dewata means “Island of the Gods” in Bahasa Indonesian, which is appropriate because this 68’ (stern to bowsprit), Indo-built, wooden sailing sloop is made for exploring islands that were designed by Gods who love surfers.  For a limited time we are offering special prices from 10-15% off charter packages while spaces are still available.

The Nusa Dewata, which was built in 1992 and fully rebuilt in 2009 as an Indonesian charter vessel. Powered by the wind, and a 120 HP main engine, the Nusa Dewata cruises along at 6-8 knots. This is one of the prettiest Indonesian-built boats in the Mentawai fleet, comfortably accommodating groups of six maximum: perfect for small groups, families, father/son charters, long boarders and all-girl trips.  The A/C rooms are large and comfortable with everything a traveling surfer needs to relax.

The Captain of the Nusa Dewata, Simon Dale makes extra effort to get passengers just where they want to surf, if the big name breaks are the desired locations, no problem, but if passengers want to move around to the lesser known breaks Nusa Dewata will get you there!  Snorkeling, fishing and just relaxing are other great activities to pass time aboard the Nusa Dewata.  The diving and fishing are world class with some of the most beautiful reefs filled with exotic fish.

If this sounds like a surf trip you might be interested in don’t wait much longer to book, spaces are limited and dates will fill up quickly with a deal like this!  Go there!

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2011 Special on our Melaluca Mentawai Charter

Book and deposit on a 2011 Mentawai charter by Nov 30th and receive the 2010 price!

If you want to save a few dollars, feel more comfortable and cooler touring in a locally-made boat, and have a larger group, then the Melaluca yacht is the way to go. Eighty feet long and built in Sibolga, North Sumatra in 2007, Melaluca is a custom-built surf explorer framed around the keel and bones of a traditional Indonesian cargo boat.  The Melaluca is traditional from the outside, but on the inside there are more electronic navigational and safety gizmos than a nuclear submarine!

The Melaluca can accommodate up to 12 stoked guests and a guide in two, three-person cabins, three two-person cabins and one surf guide cabin.  All sleeping areas are individually air conditioned and designed for a good night sleep between surf sessions!

Guest amenities include an A/C lounge room complete with a flat screen television, DVD player to watch surf videos to get pumped up before your next session and a rocking sound system. There is also an open party deck space up top with full surround sound system. So party, do yoga, or just chill out and have a brew on the deck after a long session!

The Melaluca is custom designed for surf trips by experienced surfers, with all the comforts and amenities you have at home, including an air-conditioned living and dining room allowing guests to rest and relax in between sessions on the reefs. The extra large outside living/ observation areas make the Melaluca feel much larger than other surf charter yachts. If you want the most comfortable, spacious, state of the art, surfer-designed Indonesian-style yacht for your Mentawais surf trip, the Melaluca is for you!  So what are you waiting for go here and book now!

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Surf etiquette while traveling

Surfing Etiquette and respect for the locals are two very important things to learn before you travel anywhere to surf.  Having the understanding that you are on someone else turf and making sure to respect their break is not so much “rules” as it is proper code of conduct designed to keep everyone in the water safe and happy.  When traveling to a destination to surf we recommend that you follow and understand the following rules:

#1.  Respecting the island or beach you are surfing at.  Make sure to pack all your trash and “tread lightly”.  Leave little or no evidence that you were ever there to score surf! 

#2.  Don’t just paddle out and sit in the middle of the line up.  Wait for a couple of sets to pass by and ease your way into the line up giving priority to the locals at first.

#3.  The surfer closest to the peak where the wave is breaking has the right of way.  Do not drop in on the person if they are up and riding with priority.  Accidents happen, if you do drop in on them make sure to apologize right away.

#4.  When paddling back out into the line up make sure to keep your distance from people on the waves and always be aware of your surroundings.  Only ditch your board if you know there is no one behind you paddling out!

#5.  Make sure not to be a wave hog, especially in the beginning of your session.  If a set comes in let the local know that they can have the first wave of the set.

#6.  Don’t hoot anyone into a wave unless a local has already hooted at you on a wave!

#7.  Help out another surfer if they are in trouble or need assistance.

#8.  Only surf breaks that are in your ability range, if you are feeling uncomfortable before paddling out it probably isn’t your spot.

#9.  Have fun and score some surf!

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How to Pack your Surfboard for Travel

Packing your surfboard bag properly for travel can be the difference between a killer trip and one with no board to surf!  It is very important to protect your board from potential damage while traveling and flying so that you don’t arrive at your destination with a broken stick.

First off you need to either borrow or buy a travel protected board bag and we recommend it be a few inches larger than the size of your board.  This will allow you to add extra protection around and in your board bag to prevent from further damage.  You have to think about what board bag will be most compatible with your travel needs and one that will be easy to transport from airports, cars and boats along your journey.

Second packing tip is to make sure you remove your boards fins (FCS, Future, Excel) and if they are glass-on fins make sure to put a foam fin box over them.  Another important thing to remember before packing your travel board bag is to remove all old wax from your boards, this will save you from a mess of melting wax in your bag!  Removing all the wax off your boards will also prepare you to put on a fresh coat of the proper temp wax when you arrive at your destination.

The third important tip we recommend is to protect the ding prone areas (nose, rails and tail) of your board with proper padding.  This padding can include: bubble wrap, pipe insulation (for the rails), or even your extra clothing and beach towels.  We recommend using clear packing tape to secure these ding prone areas with the protection of your choice.  You can even slide your board in to a light board sock to secure your packing job and this will help to further protect your board.

The final step is to slide your protected board into your travel bag and if you have more room you can add any extra soft good items (clothes, wetsuits, towels, etc.) on the top and bottom of the bag.  We also recommend you label the top and bottom of your travel bag with “Fragile” or “Top Load”, this will let the flight crew know to be extra careful when handling your bag.  We hope these travel tips will allow you to have a safe and hassle free surf trip!

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Maldives Special: Late Season Savings!

Great news has just been released!  Waterways Surf Adventures is now offering a new special late season rate valid from November 7th – December 20th at their Dohnveli surf resort on the Island of Chaaya in the Maldives that will save you over $400 per person!

The Chaaya Island Dhonveli Resort & Spa (formerly Tari Village) has been fully renovated over the past 3 years.  The island has also been expanded in size, all existing rooms upgraded; new rooms developed including beach and over water suites, along with a new restaurant, reception and spa facilities -the end result being a luxurious island oasis.

The resort also has a world-class wave right out front called “Pasta Point” which is many refer to as the “Restaurants” of the Maldives.  This resort offers all the services and facilities you would expect from an upscale resort including the option of spectacular over water bungalows, massage & spa, tennis, huge pool, white sand beach, diving, fine dining island hopping, fishing and modern communications.  So what are you waiting for, book now and save some serious cash!

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El Salvador Quick Strike

James Ferguson sent in a few photos from his recent trip to El Salvador while staying at the Miraflores Surf Lodge.   The simpler things in life call for a simple review, and an even simpler surf trip:

Had a great trip Mike, short and sweet.
Surf wasn’t very big but over head high every day.

- James

I’ll take over head waves every day, any day.   Nothing like Punta Mango nuggets wrapping around the point for barrels and speed turns.  There is still time for you to get yours at Punta Mango, or anywhere else in El Salvador, for that matter.

Punta Mango is a fast hollow wave breaking down a cobblestone point surrounded by beautiful mountains, and is a tube addict’s paradise. Seldom will you see a local here other than your surf guide. Get ready for a lot of speed and some unforgettable tubes. Punta Mango is El Salvador’s East Coast’s version of the perfect wave.

Here are a few more photos of James getting his…

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Costa Rica’s Premier Surf Resort: “The Blue Surf Sanctuary”

Costa Rica is the home to a diverse line up of surf spots: from hollow beach breaks like Witch’s Rock, to long, barreling point breaks like Ollie’s and everything in between: perfect river mouths, reefs, jetty breaks, rights, lefts, wedges and A frames.  Costa Rica has become a popular surf destination since appearing in the famous surf movie “The Endless Summer 2” with professional surfers Robert “Wingnut” Weaver and Pat O’Connell.  Some of the more popular spots can get crowded at certain times of the year, but tube hunters and nose riders alike are still able to find their own piece of Costa Rica heaven with a little local knowledge.  The local knowledge is now pointing to a once small fishing town located halfway between Manzanillo to the north, and Mal Pais to the south called “Santa Teresa”.

Located just north of the town of Santa Teresa is “The Blue Surf Sanctuary”, a premier surf destination, upscale surf school and an ecologically minded boutique hotel located on the beach.  There are two great surf breaks located just out front of the resort and only steps from the ocean front luxurious bungalows for resting between sessions.  The Blue Surf Sanctuary takes pride in quality customer service, the use of organic products and consciousness about our beautiful ocean and planet in general.  Come enjoy the amazing amenities and activities The Blue Surf Sanctuary has to offer by booking this vacation with Waterways Surf Adventures today!

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New Namotu Photos!

Riley Cooney recently visited Namotu Island, Fiji and shot these great photos. These photos show how fun it is to surf these Fijian breaks, even when the waves aren’t big; and some of the other great activities you can participate in while you’re there!

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JetBlue’s “All you can jet” Deals are back again!

Back by popular demand from travel enthusiasts, JetBlue just announced their “All you can jet” travel special.  This deal is for a limited time only and includes two different package options.  The AYCJ-7 is allows you to fly anywhere you like as often as you like for the low price of $699.  The second deal and cheaper deal is the AYCJ-5, which allows you to jet anywhere you like 5 days a week (excludes Fridays and Sundays).  Yes there is a catch, these deals are only eligible during the following travel dates: September 7 to October 6, 2010 and is while supplies last!  With more than 60 cities to choose from this is really a great deal and hard to pass up!  The destinations include international travel like San Jose, Costa Rica, which means you can book a Waterways surf adventure during your JetBlue travels. Costa Rica Surf Adventures has accommodation in Nosara and Tamarindo both driving distance from the airport in San Jose.  So what are you waiting for?  Book your travel plans now!

For more information and eligible travel destinations with this deal visit the JetBlue “All you can jet” website.

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