United Airlines gets on board

TO celebrate #California recently naming #surfing as the state's official sport, United Airlines, California's global airline, is getting on board and removing the service fees for surfboards for customers traveling to or from California. 

Effective October 5, customers traveling with a surfboard, wakeboard or paddleboard on direct United Airlines or United Express itineraries that originate or end at any California airport will not have to pay the previous $150 or $200 service fee to check these items. The regular checked-bag fee will apply.

To help preserve California's coast and oceans, United is donating $50,000 to Sustainable Surf, a California-based environmental nonprofit that operates as an innovation lab using surfing as a force for good—to solve the ocean health crisis by 2050.

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And California's best beach is . . .

HUNTINGTON Beach has got it going on! Surf City USA is named The Best #California Beach by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Huntington Beach’s shoreline stretches for 16 uninterrupted kilometers of wide opened sandy beaches making it a paradise for families, couples, dogs, and surfers. 

Where perfect waves are born, Surf City USA attracts professional surfers and World Surf League contests. The endless summer weather offers both relaxation and outdoor activities year-round. Some visitors favorites include: volleyball courts, bonfire pits, concerts and movies on the sand, and of course the iconic Huntington Beach Pier spanning 1,850 feet in length. The iconic pier sits in the heart of Huntington Beach and allows visitors and locals alike to experience the the breathtaking views amidst the sounds of crashing waves and the ocean breeze.

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Luxury sustainable surf programme

SONEVA SURF is an eco-friendly surfing experience, offered at Soneva Fushi in the Baa Atoll and Soneva Jani in the Noonu Atoll in the #Maldives, and is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. In celebration of the launch, WRD has collaborated with respected Australian surf experts, Coastalwatch, to give surfers the opportunity to win a ‘World Surfaris Golden Passport’. 

WRD Executive Director, Tess Willcox, said the World Surfaris Golden Passport is an unforgettable surfing experience for two people, involving a year of epic waves at four of the best surfing spots in the world: Samoa, Mentawis, J-Bay, and of course, the Soneva Surf breaks in the Maldives. “There are 13 surf breaks in the Baa Atoll and 11 in the Noonu Atoll, and not only do they boast some of the best waves in the region, they’re a well-kept secret, which means they’re uncrowded and pristine – a surfer’s dream.” 

Guests are encouraged to leave everything at home as the resorts provide everything they need, from rash guards to sunscreen, and wax, and everything’s entirely eco-friendly. The eco boards are made from poxy resin, bamboo woven mats; and bio-foam, which comprises materials converted from natural plant materials and they’re manufactured by an approved ECOBOARD builder.

Entry in the competition is simple, visit the Coastalwatch website and sign up to Coastalwatch Plus. 

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British Airways to fly direct to Durban

DURBAN is a year-round destination, with sultry summers and mild, dry winters. It has long been a favourite holiday playground for South Africans but will soon be easier than ever for international visitors to enjoy too.

Travellers hoping to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s shorter days and long, cold nights this winter have a new destination: the South African city of #Durban with the start of British Airways’ new direct service. From October 29 holidaymakers will be able to surf their heart out along the Golden Mile, explore the lush green garden province and enjoy golden sun kissed beaches with three direct flights a week from Heathrow to the spectacular South African city.

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “Durban’s warm water, hot summers and laid-back beachy atmosphere make this coastal city the perfect holiday destination. It is a gateway to many nature reserves, parks and historic sites, and has a thriving food, drink and art scene; defining the city as a must-visit for culture and adventure. “Durban is also home to the busiest port in #SouthAfrica and is a large manufacturing hub, so the new route will secure another important link between the UK and the region that will be a welcome addition for business travellers.”

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Surfboards fly free

AIRASIA, Australia’s Official Airline of Surfing, has announced changes to its baggage policy as part of its partnership with Surfing Australia and state surfing bodies. From May 1, surfers from across Australia will be able to travel with their surfboard to and from surfing hot spots such as Indonesia, Thailand, the Maldives, Japan and the Philippines, at no additional cost.

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Surfers Paradise in Sri Lanka

SETTING a benchmark in eco-tourism and hospitality, Jetwing Hotels introduces the award winning eco-luxury surf resort, Jetwing Surf in Pottuvil Point, #SriLanka. Built on minimum carbon footprint the property recently received the award for the Best Hotel Architectural Design at the Asia Property Awards 2017.

 

A luxury resort dedicated for #surfers, located on an unspoilt stretch of beach in Pottuvil Point with magnificent waves gushing onto shore. Only a few minutes away from the surfer’s paradise of Arugam Bay, this property includes 20 beach cabanas made using wood, woven coconut palm leaves and reeds.

The unexplored East is a haven of natural wonders, wildlife, and historical sites that can tick off many a travel bucket lists. Picturesque lakes, majestic sunsets by the Panama Lake, Semanikulam Lake and Rotakulam Lake. For the history enthusiasts the Sastrawela Maninaga Pabbatha Viharaya, Kudumbigala Monastery, Muhudu Maha Viharaya, and Magul Maha Viharaya are significant archaeological sites. Deemed as one of the best places to spot the leopard and sloth bear in undisturbed territory is the Kumana National Park, which is also home to the largest flock of migrant birds. The Lahugala and Gal Oya National Parks are also in the vicinity and are home to an abundance of flora and fauna.

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Aloha: enjoy the festival spirit

A trip to #Hawaii is made complete by the islands’ ‘Aloha’ spirit.

Encompassing all things Hawaiian – the state-wide festivals bring together music, dance and history throughout the year on various dates. The festivals are a must for travellers looking to experience the true Hawaii. 

www.alohafestivals.com

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California Surf Museum Unveils New Vietnam Exhibit

OCEANSIDE'S California Surf Museum recently debuted its newest exhibit: “China Beach: Surfing During the Vietnam War and the Healing Power of Wave-riding.” The exhibit highlights the surfing experience during the conflict in Vietnam (such as at the famous China Beach), the perspective of surfers back home, and the veterans returning to the surf after their tour of duty. 

Along with honoring surfers who fought in Vietnam, the exhibit explores the many interesting topics related to surfing during the Vietnam War: how surfers got their boards to Vietnam, how Hollywood films depicted surfing during the conflict, and the waves of Vietnam themselves. The exhibit feature re-creations of the famous surf icons, including a life-size replica of the China Beach Surf Club building, a lifeguard tower, surfboards used during the era and a huge map of the surf spots. 

The exhibit is scheduled to run until February 2018.

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Adventure around Chile

#CHILE offers all an adrenaline seeking adventurer could want from mountains to coast. There are an increasing number of tour operators offering organized adventure tourism. Here are a few suggestions to get you going . . .

Chile has more than 4,000 kilometres of coastline with warm seas and a crazy wave called ‘El Gringo’ which attracts surf enthusiasts from across the globe. Sometimes nicknamed the ‘Chilean Pipeline’, the El Gringo wave has serious power, huge swells and shallow reefs, making it the ultimate wave for keen surfers. The best time to surf El Gringo is usually in the morning, due to the wind directions in the area, and the best location is in Arica, Chile’s northernmost city. Arica’s waves became famous in the surfing world when the World Surf League first organised a leg of their World Championship tour here. 

Known as the ‘Land of the Indigenous People’, San Pedro de Atacama is home to ancient cultures and stunning scenery. In the heart of this vast, dry desert, travellers can surf the sand on a sandboard cruising down 120 metre dunes to get their adrenalin fix. Set 2,400 metres above sea level, sandboarders can enjoy 360 degree views of Death Valley, the name of which was coined by the French priest who discovered the area. Guided Sandboarding excursions in San Pedro de Atacama are available throughout the day. Individual excursions and private board hire are also available. 

The wild Chilean geography, full of hills and high mountains, is the perfect setting for parasailing and other aerial sports. 

Dragón Hill, an enormous sand dune around 4 km long in the coastal city of Iquique, is one of the best places to parasail in Chile, offering incredible views as flights travel over the city and land on the shoreline. The dune is situated on a narrow rocky ledge above a cliff 500 feet high that forms a natural barrier to the sea. Varying in height from 150 to 500 metres, Dragon Hill is the largest urban sand dune in the world; only the dunes of the Sahara are taller. Parasailing is therefore the perfect way to view this diverse cityscape from a birds-eye perspective. 

chile.travel/en/what-to-do/adventure-and-sports

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Explore Tahiti this Summer

THERE are more reasons to #explore The Islands of #Tahiti in 2017, and to island-hop the legendary islands, atolls and motus, as a range of dynamic events celebrating the French Polynesian culture and heritage are there to be experienced. The following is snapshot of happenings which incorporate the very best of Tahitian mana, the French Polynesian life force that embraces us all:

World Va’a Outrigger Canoe Race (June 27th – 30th June) - The International Va’a Federation is organizing the very first world edition of Va’a long distance race in Tahiti. This new competition will see Polynesian outrigger canoe races competing every couple of years to become the International Federation World champions of long distance va’a racing.

Heiva i Tahiti (July 6th – 22nd) - One of the most important cultural events in The Islands of Tahiti. This popular community celebration has been a yearly highlight for more than 125 years. In July, visitors are invited to join during events, shows, rituals and contests. The event agenda offers mind-blowing dance shows, songs but also traditional sports. Communities representing the various archipelagos of The Islands of Tahiti gather in Papeete at that time of the year to present their arts, techniques and know-how during handcraft contests and exhibitions.

Billabong Pro Tahiti (August 11th – 22nd) - 20 years ago, Teahupoo was hosting the first official edition of a surf contest. At the time, it was called “Black Pearl Horue Pro” and was a stage of the Championship Tour qualifying series. Hawaiian Andy Iron, then only aged 18, won the first edition. The Teahupoo surf spot became famous worldwide later thanks to its massive waves reaching up to 13 feet.

26th Hawaiki Nui Va’a in Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora (November 1st - 3rd) - The Hawaiki Nui Va'a is an international contest of Polynesian outrigger canoes (called va’a) where over a hundred canoes gather in November each year starting in Huahine in the Leeward Islands. It is without a doubt the most difficult V6 canoe race in the world with 80 miles to paddle in only three days. 

Marquesas Art Festival (December 18th – 21st) - The Marquesas Art Festival is a cultural event organized periodically in the Marquesas archipelago. The festival is a celebration of Marquesan and Polynesian cultures through shows and contests ranging from dance, songs, sports, traditional dishes to tattoos, tapas and carvings.

IronMana 2017 (November) - This one-of-a-kind concept combines several sporting events aimed at promoting The Islands of Tahiti and their Mana through multi-disciplinary water contests.

The Bora Bora Liquid Festival will see athletes compete in water related contests such as open water swimming, prone paddle, stand up paddle, kayaking and outrigger canoe races while the Tahiti Nui Holopuni Channel Crossing consists of navigating over 248 miles of ocean onboard a traditional sailing outrigger canoe from Tahiti to Bora Bora through the islands of Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a and Huahine.

The Waterman Tahiti Tour involves three disciplines, namely stand up paddle boarding, open water swimming and prone paddleboarding.


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Making Waves in Austin Texas

NORTH America’s first #surf park Nland, offers world-class surfing in the heart of #Texas Hill Country. Creating thousands of waves, steep head-high reef waves, challenging inside waves, perfect to share with friends, and gentle bay waves to delight new surfers and juniors.

Nland is the brainchild of Doug Coors. An engineer and a surfer, NLand’s founder and CEO embarked on a journey 20 years ago to find a wave technology that would create a perfect break anywhere—from the Colorado Rocky Mountains to Texas Hill Country. Doug’s dream is now a reality. NLand is the only surfing destination of its kind in North America creating long, consistent and barreling waves for novices, passionate travel surfers and world-class competitors alike. 

New for 2017:

  
-The Reef Wave still commands centre stage with barreling and open face    sections during a 30-second ride.
-The Inside Wave is longer for 2017, offering a challenging point break where    you can perform a variety of manoeuvers.
-The Bay Wave offers an excellent place to enjoy a gentle, whitewater wave.
-An all-new addition for 2017: Boogie Bay a dedicated area for boogie boarders  to ride waves in the lagoon.

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Surfs up, down under

The World Surf League (WSL) is pleased to announce Tourism Events Queensland (TEQ) and the City of Gold Coast have extended their partnership with the World Surf League's Roxy Pro and Quiksilver Pro Championship Tour (CT) events.  Both the women's Roxy and men's Quiksilver competitions kick-off the Samsung Galaxy WSL Championship Tour and begin in March 2017.

#Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said the event would continue to be a feature on TEQ's major events calendar through 2018.

"The Palaszczuk Government is proud to partner with the World #Surf League through TEQ to deliver one of the Gold Coast's signature events," Ms Jones said.

"We're proud to host the best surfers in the world as we open the WSL Championship Tour on the Gold Coast at one of the best surfing breaks in the world at Snapper Rocks.

"These major events are big drawcards for visitors and showcase Queensland to a global audience, promoting our envious beach culture and the relaxed lifestyle of the Gold Coast."

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Surf Tahiti

#SURFING is one of the most popular sports in #Tahiti and a whole economy has developed around this activity, from the manufacturers of surfboards to lines of specialist clothing and accessories. Surfing is everywhere, making Tahiti and its islands a real surfing nation. Throughout the year a multitude of competitions take place such as the Billabong Pro at Teahupo'o.

Increasingly foreign surfers hire boats and assisted by local surfer-guides set off to discover unexplored or little known “spots”, especially in the far-off archipelagos such as the Australes, the Marquises and the Tuamotu.

The main surf spots include;

Tahiti, west coast - Channel from Hāva'e to Teahupo'o, Te Ava 'Ino Channel, Te Ava Iti and de Vaira'o (Peninsula), Mitirapa, Ti'ama'o, Mara'a, Taharu'u Beach, Sapinus – Pointe des Pêcheurs and Ta'apuna.

Tahiti, east coast - Ārue Reef, Lafayette beach, Reef de la pointe Vénus, 'Āhonu, 'Orofara, Rocky Point, La Baie, the mouth of the Papeno'o.

Mo'orea - Ha'apiti, Tema'e, the Cook and ’Opūnohu bays, Beachcomber and 'Atiha.

Huahine - Fīti'i, Parea and the channel of Ava Mo’a.

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Surfs Up!

SURF Snowdonia which opened to the public in 2015 is a genuinely revolutionary outdoor adventure destination which is a showcase for the first ever publicly accessible Wavegarden®. The 300-metre surf lagoon is home to the longest man-made surfable waves on the planet. The lagoon has been built on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, the UK’s capital of outdoor adventure, around eight miles from the sea. 

There are plenty of other activities on site from bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and surf kayaking. The Crash and Splash activity lagoon built on an area of water the size of two Olympic swimming pools features an obstacle course with overhangs and inflatables which will test skills, fitness and luck.

As well as water-based facilities, #Surf #Snowdonia features a whole range of attractions for those who just want to watch and not get wet. The Surf Side Café Bar complete with a 50-metre viewing gallery just metres from the water entirely glass-fronted allows visitors to enjoy food and drink whilst watching the surfing action close-up.

On-site accommodation is available in the shape of wooden camping pods which come equipped with under-floor heating and electric sockets. They are serviced by a (shared) heated shower and toilet block.

www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk

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Up the hill, over the ocean

WITH the surf – and surfers and sailors – in mind, this holiday house on the North Cornish coast has must-have mod cons for water enthusiasts, plus draw-dropping ocean views. Called Corduroy, it’s so new that it’s still being built.

It will be open for guests in July, but it’s open for bookings now.

On a hillside close to Polzeath and Daymer Bay, the five-bedroom house will have:

· An outdoor heated shower

· A wet kit drying area

· Two patios for al fresco dining

The house will be managed by Latitude 50, which has a portfolio of self-catering properties in Rock, Daymer Bay, Polzeath, and Port Isaac.

www.latitude50.co.uk/our-cottages/polzeath-holiday-cottages/corduroy




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Life’s a beach drive

AUSTRALIA’S Great Beach Drive has been launched to provide 125 miles of motoring along Queensland’s Sunshine and Fraser coasts.

The full journey covers two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, a World Heritage-listed Marine Park, and the largest sand island in the world.

Australia’s Nature Coast, which has been established by the Sunshine and Fraser Coast tourism organizations, has put together an itinerary involving six drives 

covering the region, which can be tailored to meet the interests and time span of visitors.

While subject to tidal and weather conditions, the Great Beach Drive is suitable for most experienced off-road drivers. The sections or the entire route can be covered in anything from half a day, a long weekend to a full week.

The drive starts in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, where travellers can complement the sophisticated lifestyle of the beachside village with a kayak, canoe, or cruise of the Noosa Everglades.

They can then take to their four-wheel drive for a trek on the ‘beach highway’ to Rainbow Beach, along which travellers will have the chance to see wildlife including whales, dolphins, birds of prey, kangaroos, and monitor lizards. Rainbow Beach is a base for paragliding, hang-gliding, sky diving, surfing, fishing, and horse-riding.

There is diving at Wolf Rock, and Double Island Point has the world’s longest right-hand surfing break and an 1884 lighthouse. Fraser Island is accessed by ferry and has a feast of 4WD routes. Back on the mainland, Hervey Bay has cosmopolitan dining, shopping and accommodation, and sheltered waters for sailing and fishing.

Visitors can return to Sunshine Coast Airport or Brisbane via the gold rush town of Gympie and market towns of Eumundi and Cooroy.

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Picture Credit: Rainbow Beach, Queensland by S. Newrick - Own work via Wikimedia Commons

Surf Snowdonia!

SURF SNOWDONIA – scheduled to open in July – will be a water sports park in the village of Dolgarrog in the Conwy Valley, North Wales. 

It’s being billed as the world's first publicly-accessible Wavegarden artificial surfing lagoon.

It generates consistent surfing waves of heights up to 6 feet, in a 980ft lagoon, and is said to be safe for both beginners and experienced surfers.

www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk

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Autumn in the Algarve …

Diving: The Ocean Revival Project is unique – four warships were deliberately sunk to create the world's largest single artificial reef structure. Teeming with marine life, it's a new world waiting to be explored.

Cycling: The south coast is one of the jewels in the Algarve's crown – and you can cycle the entire 150-mile length of it on the Ecovia cycle path.

Surfing: The Algarve coastline has surfing conditions to suit people of all abilities, and there are many surfing holiday packages and surf schools available.

Golf: Voted Europe's best destination by professional golf tour operators, the Algarve has a variety of courses, including award-winning resorts and championship courses.

Walking: Winding through the Algarve mountains, the Via Algarviana stretches almost 200 miles from Alcoutim to Cabo de São Vicente, with sites of natural and scientific interest along the way.

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Picture Credit: From Top -  'Portugal 2013 - Algarve - 19' by Kyle Taylor (London) via Wikimedia Commons; 'Algarve - walking sign' by muffinn (Worcester) via Wikimedia Commons

Have a Wild Weekend at the Wild North Festival

FROM seashore safaris and surfing to dolphin watching and ceilidhs, visitors to the North Highlands of Scotland this autumn have more opportunities than ever before to explore the area’s highlights with the Wild North Festival 2014.

Running from August 29 to September 14, the festival takes place over three weekends, each with a different theme.

The first one is the Wild Weekend, taking place in the Dunnet and Castletown area of Caithness. This is aimed at all ages with events including survival skills in Dunnet Forest, whale watching at Dunnet Head, and the chance for children to spot animals and the opportunity to learn about archaeology.

Maritime Madness is on the cards for the second weekend of the festival (September 5-7). The north coast of mainland Britain is showcased through experiences such as surfing lessons and a surf competition, Viking storytelling, a seashore safari, and tidal pool art.

The festival comes to a climax with the East Coast Adventure weekend (September 12-14), taking place on the East Sutherland coast. It starts with several geocache (treasure hunting) events and ends with activities such as fossil hunting and gold panning.

Other events include RSPB guided walks, an archaeology training day, and a lantern procession.

www.northhighlandsscotland.com/wildnorth

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The quirky and unusual '2do'

Do somersaults in Devon

• The Somersault Festival (July 17-21) is a five-day celebration at Castle Hill in North Devon. There will be music, coasteering, water sports, kite surfing, photography tutorials, theatre schools, cookery courses, trekking, horse riding, and mountain biking on Exmoor.

 www.somersaultfestival.com

Off to the forest with Robin …

• CELEBRATE the 30^th anniversary of the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire (August 4-10). Wander through a medieval village, meet strolling jousters and entertainers, enjoy jousting contests and a falconry display, and try your hand at archery in the forest made famous by the county’s most famous son.

www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhoodfestival

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