Hi my name is Christie Carter and I’d like to welcome you to the Mentawai Islands and to our resort which we call WavePark.

We understand that time is the most precious thing in all of our lives and we aim to make sure that your time at WavePark is as memorable as possible.  We’ve been building our resort and hosting guests since 1998 and were the first resort in the Mentawai Islands.

The best thing about WavePark is our location.  We have an 80 acre private island right in the middle of the one of the most wave rich areas in the world.  There is a great wave for surfing right out front and we are surrounded by epic waves like Rifles, Kandui, Ebay, Bankvaults and Playgrounds?  We also surf Telescopes, Scarecrows and Icelands in a different part of Mentawai.  Whether you’re a charger, beginner or anywhere in between, there is an abundance of waves that will suit your level of surfing.  You will definitely go home surfed out.

Another comment we hear often is how much private space we have built into each bungalow.  All 5 bungalows face Hideaways, one of the most incredible waves in the world, right on our doorstep.  You can check the surf from bed when you wake up in the morning!

We have the best house reef in northern Mentawai, which starts 20m from any of the bungalows and is perfect for snorkeling.  If the fish are biting, you can catch some tuna, mahi mahi and trevali and the kitchen will serve it up as sashimi, ceviche, bbq or steamed.  Swimming, kayaking and SUP happen in the flat water lagoon right out front and the kids are safe playing in the shorebreak.  We have Ping pong, billiards, volleyball, patonque, Frisbee golf and a great library.

The food at WavePark is varied with Indonesian and western dishes and you’ll never have the same meal twice.

Whether you’re single, a family with kids, a couple, or travelling friends, we’re working to ensure that all of our guests become return guests.

We look forward to providing you with an unforgettable stay in the Mentawai islands.

www.wavepark.com

email: wavepark.com@gmail.com
phone: +628126635551
instagram: @waveparkmentawai
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mentawairesort/

$21m into a $100m investment plan brings big changes at Mt Ruapehu

Whakapapa’s Happy Valley Snow Park will be blanketed in pristine white snow a month earlier than usual this year after a big investment in snowmaking, bringing jobs and economic growth earlier than ever.

Happy Valley will open from June 3 (Queen’s Birthday Weekend) thanks to a cutting-edge new snowmaker, the Techno Alpin SF210 All-Weather Snowmaking system.

“This is the first and only machine of its kind in New Zealand.  At $1.7m, it didn’t come cheap but being able to produce 210m³ of snow daily, in temperatures up to 25°C, is an absolute game-changer” says Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) CEO Ross Copland. 

The extended season is just one of the big changes afoot over the upcoming ski season at Mt Ruapehu.

For the past few decades’ access down the 20m cliff into Happy Valley has been via a small double chairlift.  Now, the chairlift is being removed to make way for twin 26-person, high speed Schindler Elevators which will provide double the capacity of the current lift.

Further adding to the Happy Valley experience are three new state-of-the-art Sunkid Carpet surface lifts, doubling the lift capacity and eliminating queues; two of which will feature Perspex dome enclosures to provide shelter on windy days.   

“These will be the most advanced carpet lifts in New Zealand with an operator station networking all 4 lifts together using CCTV cameras and centralised remote control.  This will provide guests with the ultimate in safety and comfort reinforcing Happy Valley’s well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s preferred destination to learn to ski and snowboard” says Copland.

Kids of all ages will be excited to try out the new Snow Park in Happy Valley.  The park features its very own covered surface lift and an assortment of toboggans and snow-toys to ensure massive smiles for the whole family.

Turoa and Whakapapa riders don’t miss out either. The introduction of 24 massive TF10 snow gun’s will almost double the snowmaking capacity at Whakapapa while Turoa trails will be bolstered with 7 additional snow guns.   

The big snowmaking investment opens up early season skiing in Tennant’s Valley, Rockgarden and Turtle Run – enabling the creation of a new network of “green” trails to allow people of all abilities to ski together.  This is further enhanced by the addition of a new Doppelmayr Quad chairlift replacing the aged Waterfall T-Bar on the upper mountain at Whakapapa.

As any snow lover will know, Ruapehu is a popular place on holidays and weekends. Finding a car park can be challenging, so RAL has launched a new free shuttle service to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the snow.

Running from Ohakune to Turoa, and National Park – Whakapapa, the service will be free for everyone with any season or day pass. 

Additionally, a bus service will run from Taupo and Turangi to Whakapapa on a daily basis for a modest fare. It is the ideal option for those who prefer to relax and enjoy the scenic journey from nearby tourist hotspots to the mountain.

A big 2017 season highlight is the re-launch of Night Skiing on the slopes of Happy Valley and Whakapapa lower mountain until 9pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Live entertainment, pizza and drink specials along with fire pits for toasting marshmallows will bring first class Après Ski to Whakapapa in 2017.

Mt Ruapehu was traditionally the epicenter of the New Zealand ski industry and after years of growth in the South Island ski scene, New Zealand’s biggest ski region is making a comeback. And for good reason.  While Whakapapa is the biggest, Turoa has the greatest vertical descent in the country – 722m in fact. 

If you prefer the finer things in life, head to Knoll Ridge Café, New Zealand’s highest altitude eatery and bar with a brand new menu for 2017. In 2015 the Knoll Ridge Café won the Design Curial Award for world’s best designed café beating off 4000 competitors from across the globe. 

Video Thanks to: @eyeintheskyvisuals

All Images: Norfolk Island Tourism

Jack Entwistle, Professional Long boarder ( Norfolk Island is one of the most remote and unspoiled surf destinations around the World. The quality and variety of waves for such a small island like Norfolk is incredible, not to mention the amazing landscapes, large cliff faces, big pine trees that surround you while you surf. With the rite conditions Norfolk has some world class waves. 

See yourley morla (Norfolk language “see you tomorrow”)

Isla de Norfolk from Frost Films on Vimeo.

Norfolk Island is most known for its rich history, picturesque landscape and stunning sapphire coloured ocean.  A subtropical Island, with a tapestry of forests, gardens and rolling pine-dotted meadows, Norfolk Island is surrounded by some of the deepest and most beautiful waters in the Pacific Ocean.  With its rugged coastline pounded by heavy swells, this sub-tropical island has had its own Board riders club for some time, keeping the reef breaks all to themselves (no crowds here) The secret is now out and the island is  becoming increasingly popular with overseas surfers.

Norfolk is open to swell from all angles with the predominant being from the south. The west, east and southern sides all have good breaks, with swells rolling in over the island’s volcanic rock and coral reefs. Slaughter Bay located in Kingston, the World Heritage site has the most consistent reef break offering up barrelling lefts and peaks. This reef is where the Flagship of the First Fleet, HMS Sirius was wrecked in 1790. Other reef breaks worth checking out are Cemetery Beach and Ball Bay or walk the winding track down the hill to Anson Bay for a beach break.

There are also secluded spots around the island, which can offer big waves and reef bombies, these areas are quite difficult to get to, quite often scrabbling down a cliff and it is highly recommended you go with a local surf guide.

One of the charms about the island is that surfers can leave their boards and wetsuits on the grassed areas and it will still be there the next day!

If the surf is not pumping on the day, there really is more to Norfolk Island.  Visit the Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama mural depicting the story of the Mutiny on the Bounty, a round of golf on a seaside course, bushwalking in National Parks and Reserves, ocean trips to Phillip Island, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, bird watching, bike riding to name a few. There are more than 30 restaurants and eateries on the Island using locally grown fruit, vegetables and fish, the real ‘paddock to plate’ approach to Norfolk Island dining means food tastes just as it should, full of flavour, grown in its natural season and rich with all the right nutrients.

www.norfolkisland.com.au

Email: info@nigtb.gov.nf

Freecall AUST 1800 214 603

SOCIAL MEDIA

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Twitter -  Norfolk Island

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#threesixtydegreesofwonder

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#norfolkislandtourism

Salt Surf Resort is a family owned resort located on the West coast of Simeulue Island right in front of the renowned Dylan’s Right hand point break.  Salt endeavors to accommodate surfers and travellers alike.  The resort lies on 1.5 hectares of water front paradise with 270 degree ocean views, stunning sunsets and spectacular surf.  All five of our traditional bungalows are fitted out with modern luxury amenities which include air-conditioning, private bathroom, private balcony and double/twin bed set ups.  They are situated along the point, offering uninterrupted views of the line-up.

The restaurant is strategically located directly in front of the take off zone so you can watch Dylans’ pristine barrels while enjoying mouth watering feasts.  Our restaurant aims to successfully harmonize eastern cuisine and western fare, creating delicious healthy meals from local fresh produce and ingredients.

Whether it’s stand up tubes over coral… or slow peeling waves on white sand beaches… we will have you covered during your stay!

Simeulue Island is located very close to the equator therefore it is not effected by tradewinds.  This means generally light variable winds all year round. With the island’s location so far west it is a magnet to all south west swell making for an extremely exciting surfing destination.  Perfectly located in front of Dylan’s is our beautiful Salt Surf Resort. At Salt you will not miss out on the impeccable sessions, as well as access to the many other coves, beaches, points and slabs along the north and south coasts of the island. Amongst these numerous spots on offer you are guaranteed to find a wave that caters to your surfing level.

Discover a different world at Salt…

saltsurfresort@gmail.com

Tel: +62-812-8546-7673

www.saltsimeuluesurfresort.com

Plantation Island Resort is nestled in the heart of Fiji’s beautiful Mamanuca Islands. Spread over 123 acres of coconut palm-studded tropical gardens, Plantation Island Resort sits on the very shoulders of an azure-shaded lagoon and seven-kilometres of sun-kissed white sand.

Offering the quintessential island experience, Plantation Island Resort is designed to suit every taste and budget with a large selection of accommodation options including Poolside Rooms, One Bedroom Garden Terrace rooms, Studio Garden Bures, Two Bedroom Garden Bures and Beachfront Bures; a choice of 5 dining establishments and a huge variety of activities for all ages with three swimming pools, a tennis court, a nine-hole golf course, mini putt, a five-star PADI dive centre, Bula Bikes, a free Coconuts Kids Club and Waterpark plus a huge range of complimentary ‘on resort’ water sports.golf course, a five-star PADI dive centre, a free Coconuts Kids Club plus a huge range of complimentary ‘on resort’ water sports.

Plantation Island Resort also offers surfing transfers for all their guests who wish to surf during their stay. Whilst Cloudbreak is the popular choice amongst advance surfers, Plantation also offers transfers to Tavarua Rights, Restaurants, Swimming Pools, Namotu Lefts, Wilkes Rights and Desperations (another advanced break).

For those dedicated surfers that come to Fiji specifically for surfing, Plantation Island Resort is pleased to offer a stay for 7 nights and pay for only 5 nights Surf Special which also includes a 10% discount off our 5 transfer surf package. This is available for sales through to 31 March 2017 and is for travel between 1 May 2016 – 31 March 2017. Additional surf transfers can be purchased if you’re staying for longer.

The Lexmee Evening Star departs every day during High Tide (just ask us when high tide is if you’re not sure) The 5 x Transfer Surf Package is priced at $350FJD (you can take 10% off as per above) and this Includes 3 x transfers to Wilkes, Swimming pools, Namotu plus 2 transfers to Cloud break. Unfortunately surf packages cannot be split between surfers and any unutilised trips are non-refundable. Trips take 15-30 minutes to reach the break, you then spend 3 hours surfing before returning. The entire trip takes approximately 4 hours. On some days the tour will go twice, once in the morning and again in the afternoon.

Fiji-bound surfers looking to ride some of the world’s ultimate waves while enjoying all the delights of a Fiji resort experience need look no further thanks to a fantastic surf-oriented deal now on offer at Plantation Island Resort.

For all bookings please contact Pete Head at www.islandholidays.co.nz 0800 33 6660 pete@islandholidays.co.nz

Plantation Island Resort from Akshay Singh on Vimeo.

Rubio Plantation Retreat is situated on the beach front of a working cocoa and coconut plantation that makes organic chocolate and virgin coconut oil. It is a small family run operation. Each bungalow sits directly on the beach front with a view of the surf from the verandah.

Rubio sits at the base of a 1200mtr lime stone mountain with a plateau on top. The rain filters down through the lime stone and comes out all along the coast as springs. These springs have 2 great benefits for surfing in this region. First is they create gaps in the reef. This is what creates most of our surf spots in this region. Second , they are really nice to cool off in after a surf.

We operate in a 140km stretch of coast. A lot of the coast is not visible from the road and requires a bit of walking to access it. We have only explored a portion of it and are still finding new breaks every year. This year we found 2 nice lefts.

The breaks we surf the most often are Rubio, Bulu, Slipperies, Kanons, Kurlies and Loggers. These are all within about 20km of Rubio. Rubio is straight out front. You have a perfect view of it as you are sitting in the dining area. It has rights and lefts of a single peak. The reef is fairly mellow due to the fresh water spring running across it. It can deliver some really good barrels and some good sections to hit. It is a really fun wave. Bulu is a right that barrels and races down the reef. It is a more serious wave than Rubio. It also has a spring and flat reef but you do end up on the reef so booties are recommended. Slipperies is a mellow but very fun left. It breaks in deeper water than most of our waves and can handle a lot of swell. It has a large spring making for very mellow reef and a beautiful fresh water swimming hole at the beach. Kanons is our slab. It is my favourite when it is on but it is a bit fickle. It barrels both ways around a little offshore reef. Kurlies is our swell magnet. It is normally 1 1/2 to 2 times bigger than anywhere else. It is mostly lefts with a few rights. It is a double up peak with some good barrels. Loggers has lefts and rights breaking on 2 sides of a big channel. The right is a very short but very hollow wave. Just take off behind the peak and back door it. The left is a longer wave. You can get 5 or 6 good turns in on some waves. other waves barrel and race. There are lots of other waves around as well we just don’t normally get past these.

There are other places around PNG with great surf as well. Kavieng, Lavongai, Manus, Madang, Vanimo and many other places have great surf. There are a few good surf camps and one charter boat.  Nusa Island Retreat, Tupira Surf Club and Vanimo Surf Lodge all cater to surfers and have great surf. The PNG Explorer is the only surf charter boat in PNG and is another great option.

http://www.newirelandsurf.com/newirelandsurf/Welcome.html

http://www.sapng.com/surf-management-plan

Sinalei  Reef Resort and spa offers guests the complete package in the upmost intimacy and style. With 29 luxurious accommodation Villas, two magnificent dining options, an array of activities and excursions, the choice between a fresh water lagoon pool or the blue pacific ocean to relax by, there is always something for guests to do and experience. Offering unsurpassed Samoan comfort, perched front row to some of Samoa’s best surf spots. A unique experience where surfers can enjoy a wide variety of waves & then relax in style and comfort and enjoy the warmth of the Samoan hospitality. Samoa is the ultimate untouched Island paradise where surfers still get to enjoy amazing waves all to themselves.

Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa has housed the likes of the Rock, Keanu Reeves, plus a large number of pro surfers and surfing media over the years. The surf operation was recently featured in Australian Geographic and are currently #1 on TripAdvisor for Things to Do in Samoa!

Along Upolu’s South Coast and directly in front of the Resort, some of Samoa’s best surf breaks challenge surfers from all over the world. A fast-emerging surfing destination, yet still relatively undiscovered, Samoa’s surf spots are rarely crowded.

Guests at Sinalei access the best of our local breaks through our preferred surf excursion partner (Manoa Tours Samoa) whose operation is set-up within walking distance from the resort. With their knowledge of local conditions, currents, wind and waves, Sinalei’s surfers are in the best hands possible. They’re also usually first in the water due to the proximity of breaks to Sinalei Reef Resort.

On the South coast of Upolu, there are a number of consistent breaks including:

> Coconuts (Right hand reef pass)

> Salani (Right hand reef pass)

> Boulders (Large lava rock left hand point),

> TafaTafa (Right hand reef pass)

> Nuusafee Island (An unforgettable left hander that wraps around a nearby deserted island).

There are many more, but these give you a taste of what’s on offer here in stunning Samoa.

www.sinalei.com

reservations@sinalei.com

Tel: (685) 25191

Sumatra Surf Resort opened in July 2014 and is the newest Surf Resort to open in West Lampung. Situated 30km’s from Krui at Tanjung Setia. We face the longest most consistent left hander in the region, UJUNG BOCOR, on the point of Tanjung Setia. Good Surf, Good Times, Good Friends and Good Memories are what we want you to experience at Sumatra Surf Resort.

The main surf season runs from March through to November. This fits in with the prevailing trade winds which blow offshore this time of year. If you just want to surf and relax with a few cold frothies afterwards that’s cool. Do as much or as little as you want to do. It’s a relaxed and laidback environment down here. No hassles and no worries so forget the hustle and bustle and settle into “our timezone”. Our look out tower is perfect for watching the sun set over the reef in the late afternoon with a cold Bintang in hand. Our Warong has a bar, restaurant, pool table, table tennis, poker table, Satellite TV’s for watching sport, chill zone to relax and read or surf the net with our free Wi-Fi.

Besides the left out front, you can choose between barreling lefts & rights, softer reef breaks as well as endless beach breaks. All within easy reach of our place.

Sumatra Surf Resort is locally designed & purpose built accommodation. In keeping with the natural beauty of the environment the Bungalows are typical Indonesian themed but with a Western style fit out .Our surf resort features 14 large twin share Bungalows. Each Bungalow can be configured into a twin or triple share or fitted with a Queen size bed to cater for couples.  Each Bungalow features:

• private indoor/outdoor bathrooms with lockable sliding door
• western flush toilets
• basins with mirror & cupboard
• power sockets
• Hot water showers set within river stones & indoor garden
• King single beds
• Mosquito nets
• Bedside tables and wardrobe
• Linen, pillows and bath towels supplied and changed regularly
• individually controlled fans
• large covered veranda with outdoor setting
• Board racks

For more information and bookings visit our website www.sumatrasurfresort.com

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 5 May, 2015 - Michel Bourez (PYF), currently No. 21 on the Jeep Leaderboard, has withdrawn from the Oi Rio Pro, Stop No. 4 on the Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour (CT).

Bourez broke his hand and a vertebra while freesurfing Teahupo’o, one of the most challenging — and punishing — waves in the world, which also happens to be his home break. Bourez took a death-defying tumble, and was taken to the hospital for immediate surgery. He will be out of the water for a minimum of six weeks.

“It is terrible to hear the news of Michel’s injury,” said World Surf League (WSL) Commissioner Kieren Perrow. “He is the defending event champion and will be missed at this years Oi Rio Pro. We wish him a swift recovery in time for the next stop in Fiji.”

Bourez won the 2014 Rio Pro, defeating Kolohe Andino (USA) in the Final. It was his second CT win of the season and set him on pace for a Top 5 finish in the final rankings for the year.

Alejo Muniz (BRA), who is leading the Qualifying Series (QS) rankings has been selected as the injury replacement. The Oi Rio Pro will stream LIVE here daily, from May 11-22, and on the new WSL app.

Funky Fish Beach Resort Fiji offers dramatic sunsets, is close to Fiji’s world Famous surf breaks and delivers a very special and unique experience to remember!

12 minutes to Wilkes Pass, Namotu Lefts and Swimming Pools and only 20 minutes to Cloudbreak and Restaurants.

Sumatran Surfariis

Sumatran Surfariis is in our 17th year running surf charters in the Mentawais and North Sumatra.  We are owned and operated by Aussie, NZ and Japanese partners, all of whom are very dedicated surfers. Each member of our crew has at least a decade of experience running surf charters out of Sumatra, and this experience has proven time and again to be the key factor to a successful boat trip. We still have legitimate quiet spots we can sneak you away to, spots you’ve never seen in a magazine but can get every bit as good with no one on them. As surfers ourselves, empty lineups and tropical barrels are what we want, too, and there are a lot of spots still left if you have the knowledge and willingness to seek them out.

Unlike most charter companies, we operate year round. Over the last decade of running trips thru NZ’s summer, we have found some really amazing swell magnets that are at least head-high on the tiniest of swells, and then when more solid swells arrive we have our choice of all the magazine waves to ourselves. We prefer to do 14+ night trips, which gives you the best chance to get that final swell and to travel a little further afield to get away from the pack.

Our goal is to make your trip to Indo as smooth as possible.  Danny’s full-time job is assisting in your bookings and setting up the dream holiday. Scuzz lives in Padang year round and is constantly improving and training all the land and boat crews. We own the cars that pick you up from the airport, and all our crew are on full-time yearly contracts with health insurance for their families. We own our own shipping company, which we run out of our own office, so there are never problems with permits or paperwork prior to your departure.

But most importantly, we take pride in offering the best vessels for your surf charter at the most reasonable prices. We maintain and improve our boats throughout the year, and we also do complete overhaul at the end of the season to ensure they meet the highest safety standards. All our crew is all legally ticketed with extensive experience. Each charter includes a captain, engineer, cook, and a minimum of 2 general deck hands. Each trip is led by a western guide with a photographer available on request. We operate 2 tenders on each boat, which helps split up the crowds at anchorages with multiple surf spots and also allows for additional adventures such as fishing excursions. With over 17 years worth of experience and feedback, we’ve done everything we can to make sure our boats are the best for this type of journey.

Try coming to the Ments with us in your summer or try one of our other destinations in the peak of the year, and do so knowing we’ve done the legwork to give you the best trip and best value you can find in Indo.