Overview

Papua New Guinea is the perfect destination for those keen to surf uncrowded and newly discovered waves. Fly into Kavieng then straight onto the air-conditioned comfort of the "PNG EXPLORER", a 23 metre steel vessel kitted out with all mod cons and safety gear. Original built as charter vessel the PNG Explorer has been refurbished to provide more than adeqautely for surfers a perfect balance of comfort and safety. Coupled with great service and great surf a trip onboard the PNG Explorer is something to remember.

Description

Built to survey the super sea worthy PNG Explorer provides air conditioned comfort, a must have in the tropical climate of Papua New Guinea. The large shaded deck space allows ample room for outdoor relaxing, dining & board storage.
Enjoy the flexibility of being on a boat and the knowledge of your experienced skipper/surf guide Andrew Rigby, who will always take you to the best possible locations. Surf waves discovered only in the past few years, with no crowds and only your mates to see you get barrelled.

Standard Inclusions

• PRICES QUOTED IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS!
• 10 nights New Ireland & New Hanover charter onboard PNG EXPLORER
• 4 beers per days
• 4 soft drinks per day
• Bottled water
• 3 meals per day plus snacks
• Use of onboard facilities
• Return airport transfer Kavieng airport to harbour
• Expert guidance by Captain Andrew Rigby.
• Use of all snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, kayaks and paddle board
• SAPNG surfing levy (A$50)
• Niu Ailan Surf Alliance Surf Fee
• Island cultural experience - Traditional dance display and traditional meal
• Optional diving extra during surf season (extra cost) MUST advise you want this at the time of booking
• PNG Frontier surfaris t-shirt
• MAXIMUM 8 SURFING GUESTS & 4 NON SURFERS PER CHARTER
• A VISA IS REQUIRED FOR PNG. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST PNG CONSULATE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR ENTRY PERMIT. THE WEBSITE IS: http://www.pngcanberra.org/ OR you can just obtain a visa on arrival for 100kina (approx A$50) providing you have min. 6 months validity in your passport.

Trip Info

New Experience

The ultimate uncrowded surf charter experience in the perfection of tropical PNG. Providing fantastic service is a top priority for PNG's most experienced surf exploration vessel. Captain Andrew Rigby, legendary Surfguide Darty along with Western chef and awesome local crew aim to maintain and expand on the great hospitality & PNG experience they have provided over the past few years of surf charters. The PNG explorer has access to waves that no-one has ever surfed and in world full of crowded surf spots Frontier Surfaris offers something truley unique - the opportunity to surf never before ridden waves with only your mates. The comfort, hosts, food, culture and atmosphere is the future of surf travel with the pioneering spirit of the past. This is an amazing experience not to be missed.

Great Hosts

PNG Frontier Surfaris is owned and operated by Andrew & Jude Rigby who have been living and navigating in PNG waters for since 2007.

Andrew has many years of experience on the water and is a highly competent and qualified skipper and engineer. He is previously a yacht owner, as well as having years of experience aboard the Rigby families numerous professional fishing and charter vessels in Port Philip Bay and Bass Strait. Most importantly, Andrew is a passionate surfer of 17 years, growing up on the Surf Coast of Victoria; he is now fulfilling a lifelong ambition - to take people surfing!

Jude is from Northern Ireland and her background is in evironmental protection and she has many years experience in hospitality and tourism as a hostess on boats in France and Australia. This has given her the credentials for a high standard of guest care and to ensure your daily menu has an inviting selection of locally inspired and western cuisine.

Andrew and Jude first realised the potential of the waves in this area in April 2005. Later that year, as the swell arrived, Andrew was able to surf the waves for the first time. Locals were amazed as Andrew surfed the si brukim (breaking sea) standing on foam and fibreglass. This was obvious by the crowds that gathered to watch and metered by their reaction as he disappeared into the wave (a 4 ft right-hander) and charged out the other end. That was their first barrel on this island and Andrew's right to name the break.

Since this time we have been able to document the consistency of these waves and discover many more. We are the first to do this in many of the islands and we are keen to share this place with other surfers, whilst still up keeping the relative secrecy, as there are few unsurfed frontiers such as this left in the world.

As a business PNG Frontier Surfaris endeavours to promote a sustainable form of tourism which is low impact on the environment and beneficial to the local communities. We would like to learn from the mistakes of other surf destinations by restricting the number of surfers, adopting a surf management plan that is unique to this country and developed under principles of The Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea (SAPNG).

Other Information

Health and Safety
The water on board is fine for drinking however we understand that guests may be wary and we also provide bottled water to drink.

PNG does have malarial mosquitoes so we recommend you take anti-malarial medication for the duration of your stay in PNG and also bring effective mosquito repellents. Since the "PNG Explorer" is air conditioned there isn?t much risk whilst on board, but risk is increased if walking on the island near fresh water areas.

Medi-vac insurance is mandatory for all passengers. We have two fully equipped first aid kits onboard (both your hosts are senior first aiders plus crew are CPR trained). We have phone contact with a local doctor and, if required, a direct steam back to the local hospital.

Locals and language
The local people in Kavieng and the islands speak some English but mostly "tok Pisin". Languages vary from village to village as they have their individual "tok place". Our crew includes someone local to the area, so they can communicate in the local dialect.

Activity Info

Surf With No Crowds

Written by Captain Andrew Rigby of PNG Frontier Surfaris: The surf season for our area of operation in Papua New Guinea is from late October to April. This is taking advantage of the Northern Hemisphere swells coming from the northwest to northeast directions. During this period the wind is predominately from the N/NW. The surf generally ranges from 3-4ft; bigger swells see it at 5-6ft. Here is a run down of just a few of the hidden gems up here ... Jump aboard and we?ll take you there.

Senta Pass
Extremely fast and hollow left. Goofy footers only, unless you really rip. One tube recorded at 11 seconds, followed by a trip to the Haus Sik (hospital). Get the picture?!!!

Malili
A long & playful, long workable wall. It?s a mellower option on the larger days, and good for all abilities.

Vala Vala
A right-hand reef pass close to shore, with a flat weed-covered reef, and a double bowl section. Very consistent break swell magnet for the area.

Korongai (also known as Gas Chambers)
A slab reef located in the entrance to a bay, which breaks best to the right. Extremely hollow in both directions, but only for 25 metres. Paddle, pull in, grab the rail, then get spat out. A four second ride that is a guaranteed cover-up.

Naikasau (also known as Outer Kiddies)
A fast playful right, breaking off a beautiful point on an island. Short and shallow, but not too fast, just a lot of fun.

Lovongai Right
A peeling right-hander, up to a 100-yard ride, with a nice consistent wall, that just keeps pulling up in front of you. Very beautiful location.

Anselims Reef
Not frequently surfed, but sheltered in an easterly wind. Needs quite a bit of swell before it kicks in.

Outer island location.

Drain Pipe
Needs solid swell, very hollow crazy right. Excellent cover-up potential.

Two Trees
It's a very reliable, barreling right-hander with a few sections. Good for all abilities.

Feeding Ground
A swell magnet looks smaller from the boat until your in the line-up and a horry set comes through. A deep water left hander, a 50 m ride that has a lot of double up and link up sections to produce a gnarly barrel section or a carvable face. If you end up on the reef there will be plenty of kids on hand to offer a refreshing coconut.

The Food is a Real Highlight

All food is prepared by your western hostess and chef. Each dish is freshly made, inspired by local cuisine and suitable for Western tastes.

The catering onboard comes from a modern gallery with the lot! Enjoy a latte along with your poached eggs then watch the sunset as you prepare to feast on fresh Lobster or tender roast lamb on surf & turf night. The delicacies onboard will dazzle the tastebuds of the most discerning gourmet traveller.

Breakfast
Experience PNG's finest Gorokan coffee or choose from a variety of teas. Fresh fruit smoothies or fresh fruit. Toast and/or pancakes and a cooked breakfast of eggs and bacon will be provided on request and during more leisurely mornings.

Lunch
A range of sandwiches and toasties, salads and omelettes will be available dependent on timings and your preferences.

Dinner
Catch of the day - fish, lobster or mud crab or a selection of meat and vegetarian dishes.

Snacks
Fresh fruit, sugar bananas, pineapples and paw paw in abundance.

Sweet baked coconut and banana cakes and other popular local delicacies. "Sundowner" snacks of chips, peanuts, fresh sashimi, the skipper's favourite fish bites and much more.

The amazing food will definitely be a highlight of your trip.

Other Activities

Snorkelling

Explore the reefy shallows and appreciate the diverse coral reef and colourful variety of tropical fish, crustaceans and anemones.

Fishing

Whether trawling as we steam in "PNG Explorer" or from the dory, there are plenty of fishing opportunities. Our local crew will ensure you are taken to the best spots with a good chance of nailing that night's dinner!

Culture

Visit the islands, meet the locals, see where they live, worship and learn. Be guided around their island, appreciate the tropical vegetation and enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural spring water holes. Visit a secluded beach, home to many turtles. Also see amazing cultural dances lit by fire torches ... an amazing experience!

Testimonials

Jude & Andrew your hospitality is unsurpassed. Fantastic food, icy cold beer all served with a smile. I felt at home, your crew treated us like family. Best holiday EVER. May you always find shade and water.?

Paul Wright, NSW

Thanks for the great trip guys! Treated us like kings. Food and hospitality was something else (especially the food!) PNG is a beautiful place & I'd like to come back sometime. All the best for your charters in the future.

Graeme Kelly, NSW

Un-bloody-real guys. I've had a ball. Food 5 * Beer 5 * Hospitality 5 *

Best trip ever. I hope its all goes well for you. Thanks.