Plan my trip for me!!

[Bobby_604]

Sup ya'll?

So here is the deal. I was given a free trip anywhere in the world by my mom this summer. (Go Airmiles!!)

I would like to spend May-June-July surfing some good waves, meting some kind people and taking in some new cultures.

I am just getting into surfing. I have surfed Tofino on Vancouver Island a few times and feel like the waves are getting a bit small.

I have snowboarded for 13 years, skateboarded for 10 and wakeboarded for 4. Now I know this doesnt mean I know how to surf, but I do have alot of experience on water, snow and concrete w/ boards. I am fully confident I will be able to surf some intermediate spots by the end of my vacation. I am fully aware of the dangers of trying to go to big.

So, where do you all suggest I go? I would like to visit more than one country if possible.

I am open to all suggestions.

Thanks everybody.
Have a good one.

Bobby

[dondiemand]

looks like u're planning to go during spring/summer time, best spots would be central/southern america, hawaii (south shore), south oz, fiji, tahiti, anywhere south of the equator i guess..goodluck!

[jethrodog]

Start in Baja, work your way south through El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, go down to Chile and Peru. Sweet! That would be my pick. Or Aussie/Indo combo, with maybe the Mentawais thrown in. Who cares if there's waves, it's beautiful!

[squid]

Bobby Brady, try Bali since your mom is picking up the tab. Cheap once you're there and that is the smoking season for waves. South in the Bukit up to Medewi on the west. The weather will be hot and the water warm. Cheap & clean rooms, cheap massages, cheap beer, cheap food.

Also, since you're not necessarily a seasoned surfer, although your experiences in other board sports will definitely help, there are plenty of breaks that won't kick your ass. But do remember, it is Bali and it is a third world country. So don't expect a lot of creature comforts from home. The Balinese are some of the nicest, hospitable and friendliest people in the world. Be humble.

[Bobby_604]

Hey guys/gals thanks for the replies.

Squid: I already had Indo in mind. I am used to travelling to 3rd world countries as ive been to India x 3, Pakistan, Abu Dhabi, and a few others. That wont be the problem. I am a well seasoned traveller.

Since I am in the area already would it be a bad idea to go to Thailand?

[squid]

Absolutely!!!! Worth the temple trips, great food and cheap massages.

[Bobby_604]

Absolutely!!!! Worth the temple trips, great food and cheap massages.

What about the surf?

[squid]

B, there is surf, but don't expect Bali-type perfection. Actually, don't expect much at all. Your best chances are on the west side. In Phuket, there are a few spots which catch swells. Check out wannasurf, they've listed a few areas. I've been to Koh Samui, an island on the east side and there are beach breaks there, but small. In other words, I would recommend Thailand, but only for the culture if you've never been there, just not the surf. But who knows? You could score some very good conditions given the right moonsoon or typhoon during that time of the year.

[Dec]

Phuket? Cheap, warm, easy surf, and loads of culuture and fun to be had!

[squid]

Dec, can you post some recent pics? Maybe Kata or elsewhere? Cheers.

[Dec]

Hey, I don't have any recent one's because it's not really the season yet and it's been basically flat...but... I do have a couple of websites that have some photos.

Saltwater-Dreaming
WannaSurf

[Bobby_604]

Hey guys,

So I looked at VISAS to get into Indo and you can only get a 30 day visa?

WTF? Or is the Visa on Arrival the 30 day max? Can you mail in your passport for a longer one?

[Dec]

Most of South East Asia has a very strict visa policy. Tourists can only stay for a max of 30 days, unless they are sponsored by family then it is max 90 days. You can, however, do a visa run once you're there. This will take only one day and you can get a new 30 day visa.

Good luck!

[Bobby_604]

Cool. Im assuming a 'Visa Run' is when you leave the country for five minutes and then cross the border back in and get 30 more days?

So what is the country that most people go into for the 5 minutes?

[Ellie]

I did from from Thailand into Burma (Myanmar) when I was there. We could arrange them thru travel agents in the towns over there.

Your trip sounds fab! Enjoy...

[Dec]

Yea in thailand you go to malaysia (which is a bit sketchy at the mo with all the shooting), or Burma (Myanmar).

I haven't done a visa run in indonesia yet, but i am sure you could get a cheap flight to singapore, thailand, loads of other places...or even a bus.


And yes, visa run is when you cross the border for like an hour and go back.