You never surf alone: The community approach to travelling.

Ready to ride the wave of community surf travel? Explore how shared passions and local connections can amplify your surf journey in our latest post. Dive in and get stoked!

Surfing is an individual sport, but at the same time, it doesn't ever feel like we're surfing alone. There is a huge community built on our common addiction to the thrill that the waves can offer and our thirst for adventure.

Many surfers travel as tourists, but there is something completely different in experiencing a new place in the same way that locals do to maximise your experience. With that said, it can be incredibly daunting to do this even for the most experienced of travellers, but the risk is worth the reward.

Enter the community approach to travelling.

The community approach to travelling is all about getting involved with the local community, connecting with people, and giving back to the places that we visit. It means you never travel alone – there’s always someone to help you out, whether it’s finding the best waves or simply giving you a place to stay. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or someone to show you around, connecting with the local community is one of the best ways to make the most of your trip.

Couch surfing.

Surfing isn't just limited to surfing the waves -  couch surfing has become a popular alternative to backpacking as a way to meet and connect with people wherever you travel, whether it’s with locals or other travellers. Couch surfing is a form of hospitality exchange service where you stay in improvised sleeping arrangements with homestays and interact with other people who are interested in travel, sometimes at no cost.

Sites like couchsurfing.com are quickly gaining traction as increasing accommodation costs start to put pressure on the wallet, along with its reputation as a great way to meet locals and get insider tips on the best spots and experiences to check out. It’s a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while enabling you to travel like a local and experience a new place in a way that money can’t buy.

Surf camps and volunteering.

One of the most popular ways to start taking a community approach to travelling is to connect with local surfers at a surf camp or organisation. This is a great option if you’re looking to improve your surfing skills while also meeting like-minded people that you already share a common interest with! Many surf camps have an online presence and will sometimes also offer volunteering opportunities, such as being a surf intern, or kitchen hand. Or even a beach lifesaver that will also allow you to give back to the local community.

Just connect in the moment.

Couch surfing or connecting with surf camps and organisations are some of the easier ways to connect with like-minded people, but one of the best ways to do this is simply just to talk to people on the street or beach in the moment. Compliment someone’s surf, asking about hazards at a surf spot, or even just asking about someone’s day at the market are fantastic ways to get to know the local community and possibly even promote surfing to someone who has never done it before!

If you’re looking for a different way to travel, why not try the community approach? You’ll never travel alone and you’re sure to have a great time.

We will be launching the Stoke Crew Boardriders Club soon. We aim to run yearly tag-along camping surf trip around the world. Be part of our founding members by subscribing to our newsletter below.

In the meantime check our post of The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip ! Please drop a comment if you have specific questions (fyi: I am living in New Zealand).

🏄‍♂️ No surfer is an island! Join the tide of community travel with the Stoke Crew Boardriders Club. 🌍 #StokeCrewAdventures"