I've just got back from two weeks of SUPing in Vanuatu. Creating lots of interest in our great sport. Everyone who saw me SUPing (locals and other tourists) wanted to know all about it. The locals are big into their dugout, outrigger canoes as a valid form of transport.

There are heaps of great reef breaks which are too difficult to walk to with a surfboard but a short SUP paddle makes access a breeze. There are also a multitude of beautiful, clear, blue, warm, calm lagoons and bays for flatwater SUPing. A great way to sightsee some of the more inaccessible places.

I just took my own paddle and used the resort's (Le Lagon) quiver of quite good quality windsurfers to SUP on - not ideal but at least I didn't have to cart my 11' Oxbow on the plane and in taxis/minibuses. It was hard enough with my 6'4" surfboard.

I only stayed on the main island (Efate) but there are another 80 islands in the chain which would be just as good for SUPing, I should imagine.

I took the wife and kids - and they had a ball too. A great place to go as a family.

Here are some pics:

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Erakor Point from the air

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Eratap Point and Castaway Island from the air

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Turtle Bay

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Erakor Point

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Erakor Island Reef

Hi Angie,

Yeah, there was a bit of wind on most days (and a lot on some days) but I've seen other photos of dead glass - I suppose it must depend on the time of year or the current weather patterns.

I'd recommend your friend take their SUP - if they can be bothered with potential excess baggage fees. Hiring a car with roof racks would also be a good idea as taxis and buses would prove to be very difficult.

Awesome snorkelling with clear water and heaps of fish and coral.

I'd recommend your friend take their SUP - if they can be bothered with potential excess baggage fees. Hiring a car with roof racks would also be a good idea as taxis and buses would prove to be very difficult.

Not so difficult with an ULI

Hey Casso..That sounds fantastic..I'd love to go there one day..How was the dollar exchange and cost of living..and do they all speak French?..any English?

Also..How windy was it..Do they have trade winds that blow every day..and if so..Did that mean you could only SUP in the early mornings?

DJ

Thanx..It sounds great.

DJ

Brooko,

I got some "good" surfs in. Nothing all-time but fun none the less. It was nice just to be in some warm, crystal clear water. No crowds - it was more a matter of trying to find somebody to surf with.

It's got lots of potential and I've seen some photos of really good waves - I think it's just luck of the draw.

Here's one of those photos:


You may be better off going to Fiji, Tahiti or Bali if you were after a proper surfing trip. I think they'd provide a better chance of quality waves albeit more crowded.