Swellnet Dispatch Surfboards for the Solomon Islands

In: Swellnet Dispatch Press Release 14 Comments Fri 27th Jan '12
Tags: saltmotion , solomon islands , joel coleman
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Saltmotion together with Surf Solomons have launched a project to teach locals about the surfing mecca at their doorstep and how they can protect it from crowds and exploitation.

Surf Photographer Joel Coleman of Saltmotion Gallery is sending a shipping container of surfboards to the Solomon Islanders to teach them about surfing and bring awareness to the huge potential of an untapped surfing industry.

"The locals don't know much about surfing and tourists don't travel that far away from Honiara so there are literally unsurfed, empty waves everywhere up there" Coleman said.

As part of the project, Coleman is calling for any unused surfboards to be donated for the purpose of teaching the locals about surfing and to raise awareness about the surfing industry and the income potential.

"I've seen foreigners, mostly Australians and Americans, go into other Pacific Islands and buy exclusive rights to their surf breaks which means all the income is going offshore, effectively exploiting the locals of their own resources" he said.

"Part of the education relates to crowd management on the surf breaks and keeping the numbers down at any one time. Having Sydney surfers donate their old surfboards so we can send them over to the Islanders is the best way to provide that education."

Surf Solomon's founder Tony Jansen says he has been looking for this kind of assistance in creating a sustainable surfing industry for the country.

Surfers that want to get involved can drop off surf boards at the Saltmotion Gallery on Market Place, Manly between 10am and 6pm, 10th to 18th February. Get more information at www.saltmotion.com

Coleman was previously involved in a similar surfboard collection in 2009 for the communities of Papua New Guinea and collected 200 surf boards plus leashes and board bags.

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