Any gap year ideas?

[ChasingDaylight]

So, i'm on my gap year and i had plans, but due to unforseen events, they've fallen through. This is great because my previous plans involved people who didn't surf or who had very little interest so not having them with me then i am free to plan my travelling around surfing a little more. (i say a little more because, well it IS my main priority, but i'd love to do a bit of backpacking/sightseeing and what not too- how possible that is with a 9'1 though i'm not so sure...)

However, i am a student so i haven't got the biggest bank balance in the world; i'm a girl and i'll be travelling alone so i'm not sure what places would be that safe for me to go; and i'm not a fantastic surfer and i'd love some nice longboarding spots. The main thing is, i've looked on gap year sites that give you this whole package that says you'll be doing this one day, that the next and i'm really not into that. I want a mellow trip that's organised around my own plans, not those of a travel agent, no matter what they call themselves. Also wouldn't mind meeting a few like minded travellers.

Sorry to waffle on! But if anyone is in a similar situation or knows what i could do, any advice or information would be very much appreciated.
Thank you.

[Banks]

ideas? well the ultimate would be chasing an endless summer. if you've seen the endless summer 2 film you will know what i mean!

im a student too and am thinking of doing something similar in two years. with a tight budget i think indo would be the way forward - the only major expense are the international flights... everything else (food, accommodation, etc) is really cheap and you'll be able to stay out there and explore for ages. another idea would be mexico and down the coast into south america. i guess all the less developed economies will be best in order to maximise a student budget. although lugging a 9 foot longboard about may not be so ideal...!

i cant wait til i get out there chasing some waves overseas myself exciting stuff

[indahvoo]

Hey Chasingdaylight! Where are you from? Because if you have tight budget, it will help to know where you'll be travelling from. About the large board, it'll be hard to sightsee around, but you can always leave it in your hotel for short trips.

[ChasingDaylight]

I'm from england. Was thinking maybe europe - MUCH cheaper flights. But it's just a worry that i'll get lonely! You know!??!

[billie_morini]

Chasing,
What is a gap year? Question comes from an old guy in the US.

[RJD]

Gap year = year taken out between A levels (16-18) and degree (usualy 18-22).

ChasingDaylight - if your on a budget try couchsurfing your way round europe and working where you can.

[indahvoo]

Hey Chasing,
When you travel to a surf spot, never worry that you'll get lonely. I met a lot of travelling surfers on my trips. So far, those I met are nice and they like having more surfing buddies to surf with (as we can share transportation costs and maybe accommodation too). I met some English surfers, and I think there are great places to surf too in Europe (not as warm as Asia, but still will be cheaper in flight fares).
Have fun girl!

[billie_morini]

Thank you, RJD.

[magicjohnson]

ChasingDaylight,
It seems that we are in a similar position. I too am taking a year out (in between uni and starting work) and am keen to spend the majority of it surfing. I am also the owner of a 9’1 and on a student budget. Having surfed in a few spots around the world and done some research, travelling with your board on public transport will be near on impossible. I think your best option would be either to rent boards or to pick one place and try to get a job and get to know the area. Although it is tempting to want to see as many places, getting to know one place and a few breaks really well can be just a valuable. Europe is an option but don’t be sucked in by the cheap flights. The Euro is terrible against the pound at the moment so it is very expensive. If you are looking to go for a while then I would suggest heading further a field. then you will quickly make up for the expensive flight with cheap living costs. What sort of spots do you have your mind on? Good luck and happy surfing.

[Don_Alessandro]

Go to Sydney, Manly, Australia Then you'll be able to combine your backpacking interests with surfing. Might be a bit expensive though :s but it's a good place to live, and the prices are pretty darn good.

A cheaper alternative would be going to the westcoast of France, and just staying put some place. People here are really friendly and you won't be lonely, as people are pretty outgoing.

Anyways, good luck with your gap year! Have fun!