Surfing Solomons

Surfing in the Solomon Islands?? yeah right!! would most probably the answer people are use to. I remember during the annual holiday trips back to my fathers province, my dad always talks about his childhood something he avoids while in town. Especially when we hangout at one of the his favorite childhood spots. He would start talking about what it was like and from the glow on his face he is being  transported back to a time when all he cared about was swinging from the nearest coconut tree. We were visiting a village for a cousins wedding ceremony when the topic of another family's property came up. Apparently according to a few excited village kids they have the best swells around, my dad who was listening quietly got excited and joined in the conversation. Telling us about how he and his now deceased cousin use to surf the waves there. My brother and I were shocked.....surf!!!?? having flashes of  white surf boards and all the fancy gear the present day surfers use. He just laughed and explained that they use wood from an old out rigger canoe. Who said surfing was a central part of the ancient Polynesian culture?? My  Melanesian grandfather was digging it too long before the Europeans discovered it in Tahiti (lol)

The next holiday my brother decided to try it out, he left in the morning and came home well after we had dinner and was preparing for bed. My dad was furious but when my brother started describing the fun he had he softened and you can see  nostalgia creeping in. 

 That was the first time I heard about surfing in the Solomon Islands and for the next few years the thought of surfing in the Solomon Islands was unheard of. When I came to Japan, when people learn that I'm from the Islands they always ask me if I can surf, with an embarrassed laugh, I always say no...sometimes a few yes here and there....mainly because they look disappointed when the answer is no. 

A few months ago my Dad (who is in the tourism industry)  sent me an e-mail in it he mention the promotional he is doing for the tourism industry and the main attraction was surfing. The swells attracted a lot of surfers from Australia and New Zealand who is willing to spend a few hundred dollars for a 3 day surfing experience. Having a tour guide who is an expert in the regions waters is very important seeing that the swells in Solomon Islands is seasonal. Depending on which Island you are heading to, the swells vary  from island to island depending on the time of year. 

One thing for sure is any time of the year you are bound to get good waves, if you headed to the right spot. For more information on that its always best to inquire ahead of time and also book a tour guide and boats. preferably something fast to be able to catch the swells in time.

The best time is from November-April that's when the North Pacific is awaken. If the Northern Hawaiian swells are just too big and scary looking for you, head down to the Solomon Islands, those same gigantic swells reach the Solomons but ofcourse- at a reduced size and very long period. Just right for a more laid back surfing, without the stress of collision and drowning and marine life . Think of Solomon surfing as the next Bali minus the crowd plus crystal clear waters and a  diverse  cultural setting.

Depending on where you are staying and heading to, your expense and experience might vary. Its always wise to plan ahead and collect as much information as you could. Getting information about the Solomon Islands can be a bit difficult however try visiting the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureaus Web page  ( http://www.visitsolomons.com.sb).

You will be surprised that the natives do not surf despite having one of the best surfing spots. There are no rental surfing shops or such therefore taking all your gear with you is a must unless you want to surf Solomon Style, with a piece of discarded wood.