Gran Canaria is already a favourite getaway for many Europeans. Year-round sunshine, virtually no rain and an abundance of home comforts have the tourists flocking in by the thousands. But Drift discovered a far better reason to visit - literally hundreds of hidden surf spots that can be yours alone to enjoy all year round.

A surfer from Noosa's sun drenched shores obsessed with the dark world of gothic horror, Jai Lee's personal struggles and addiction to noseriding have twisted his creativity. Words: Chris Preston Photos: Thomas Robinson (pp 1&3), Andy Staley (pp4)and Dane Peterson

Using locally sourced timber and having designed a manufacturing process that minimises waste, Mike LaVecchia of Grain Surfboards has cornered the market in beautiful, sustainable wooden boards. And the best bit? They ride like a dream. Photos: Nick LaVecchia

James Bowden kissed goodbye to Blighty and set off for Tasmania's wild in January this year. He shares some of his findings along the way with his own distinctive style.

Drift speaks to Jim Heimann - cultural anthropologist, graphic design historian and author of a new publication TASCHEN's 365 Day-by-Day Surfing - a collection of vintage photographs and art works that will have you waxing nostalgic for bygone beach vibes.

Devastated by more than a decade of civil war, the Republic of Liberia is still in a serious state of flux. Could surfing bring a new hope and more peaceful future to this West African nation? Words & photos: Nicholai Lidow & Kate Thomas. Additional photos: Ted Grambeau & Jamie Bott

Looking to the future with an eye firmly on the past, Tom Wegener has reintroduced the transport of kings to surfing's elite. His boards are works of art, but it's his veg patch that really floating Tom's boat right now... Words: Tommy Leitch Photos: Jamie Bott

Mark Sankey discusses the merits and faults of EPS with two of Britain's finest craftsmen, Mark Dickinson and Rob Lion, both of whom have been shaping the stuff with style for a good few years now... [photos by Ollie Banks]

From WQS warrior to independent filmmaker via a AUS$27,000 debt, Johnny Abegg has trod an unconventional path through life so far, and proves that a relentlessly positive outlook and upbeat character can see you through the toughest times... Words: Mark Sankey Photos: Johnny Abegg

London ad exec Tom Birmingham set off in November in search of adventure on the Southwest Indian coastline. Accompanied by guesthouse owners Ed and Sofie of Soul and Surf in Kerala, he soon found himself surfing uncharted waves to an audience of school children and fisherman. Words and Photos: Tom Birmingham

Flitting between awesome waves at Aileens and Nelscott Reef is all in a week's work for Ireland's big-wave master Al Mennie. Words: Al Mennie Photos: Al Mennie, Gary McCall, Larry Jansky, Richard Hallman

Swap and Surf for all action sports

July 13, 2014 | Words By:

Swa-_thumbThe makers of Swap and Surf, a company enabling surfers worldwide to venture to far-flung locations by temporarily exchanging living space, have now expanded the idea to all other outdoor activities. Swapand.com is targeted at all manner of thrill seekers, including skiers, skaters, climbers etc.


When you note the Swapand.com ethos, it’s easy to see the attraction of a scheme such as this: locals are the best travel agents for those interested in outdoor activities. A paraglider will know where to fly depending on geological conditions, just as a local rock climber will know the best place to see the sunset. For those of us keen to find experiences off the beaten track, this is an incredibly enticing prospect.

Founded by two incredibly enthusiastic Frenchmen, Philippe Garms and Sylvain Garms (known affectionately as Big G and Small G), the original Swap and Surf site already has close to 1000 boarders connected in more than 60 countries. Users can simply sign up to fulfil surf trips overseas or locally by exchanging or renting their houses, apartments or boats, or offering accommodation to other members. Members are also able to list other items which may be of interest to potential swappers, such as cars, beach huts, jet-skis etc.

swapand_main

 

The concept of exchanging homes has proven incredibly popular since it was founded four years ago as it offers a solution to what many people wish to obtain: the opportunity to travel differently and find new places, all while lowering costs. The site has four main methods of exchanging accommodation and only one rule: all members are private individuals that manage their living spaces how the way they want. With the service helping members to save so much on accommodation costs, the new Swapand.com will provide limitless trip potential, enabling everyone to create trips to remember on a shoe-string budget.

The founders are currently seeking crowd-funding via IndieGogo to take the project to the next level. For more information and to help out with a small contribution, click here to visit the website

 

 

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  1. Sylvain Garms says:
    July 13, 2014 at 5:55 pm

    A news in drift surfing

    1


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