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"

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Are you ready to live the search?

As a surfer and adventurer, I've had the chance to meet amazing people from all over the world and experience the magic of surfing in some of the most breathtaking places on our planet.

Surfing and traveling have taught me that our differences are what make us unique, and that embracing them can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our environment. So why not join me on this journey of discovery and exploration? Let's dive into the waves and see where they take us!

Living the search - our manifesto 

Surfing opens people's perception of the cycles of our planet

Traveling opens people's horizon for new and strange things

Surf and Travel - they are inextricably linked!

Where the ocean discharges its energy against the coastlines

Where the long journey of the waves is coming to an end, our ultimate journey begins:

The search for the magic of surfing!

I hope you're feeling inspired to join the search and experience the magic of surfing and traveling for yourself! If you can relate to our manifesto and want to share your own stories and thoughts on how exploring our planet can shape us and our world, please leave a comment below. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you!

To stay in the loop and get the latest updates from the Stoke Crew community, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter. We'll keep you posted on our latest adventures, product news, and tips for living the search to the fullest. Together, we can make a difference and create a better world for everyone. Let's do this!

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Felix & the rest of the Crew!

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Welcome.

Our story began in 2021 during a camping in the middle of nowhere after an epic surf session with friends and collecting plastic from the beach on our way back to the campground. With camping chairs and next to no free time (because we had one of those once in a lifetime swell), our brand was born. Our passion for minimalistic design and circular economy brought our vision, and products, to life.

Who.

Stoke Crew started as a collective of New Zealand based surfers who love sharing waves, enjoying adventures and travelling with friends to remote places. We are dedicated to responsibly making eco-friendly surf wear and exploration products.

Idea.

Stoke Crew is a movement. A movement back to surfing, the ocean and living in the moment. As our society runs a hundred miles an hour, Stoke Crew is a reminder to slow things down and get back to places where time stops and where we find exhilaration and happiness doing things we love.

Stoke Crew is a “Surf & Adventure” community, with the purpose to build a global network of exploring water[wo]men and everyone else who loves adventures while looking after our environment.

Our aim is to share authentic stories of those who choose to surf and explore the world.

Passion.

Stoke Crew is a step bigger than just a bunch of surfer sharing some waves: it’s a culture. Our openness and enthusiasm to live in the moment strikes a chord with people, no matter who they are, where they are from, how old or young they are.

Stoke Crew didn’t set out to be another surf & adventure social media profile, but to celebrate a culture of happiness and living in the present while exploring the beautiful coastlines of the world with a global community of friends.

Ready to catch the Stoke Crew vibe

Explore our eco-friendly surf wear and exploration products, designed with passion and made to last. Join the Stoke Crew movement by subscribing to our Journal below and get ready for the ride of your life!

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Felix & the rest of the Crew!

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Two weeks you won’t forget

If you're looking for the ultimate New Zealand surf adventure, we've got you covered. This action-packed two-week itinerary is perfect for anyone looking to catch some waves and explore the stunning scenery of this beautiful country. From camping on the beach to exploring local pubs and restaurants, we've got everything you need to make the most of your trip.

Day 1-2: Auckland/Takapuna

• Meet up with your travel crew and get settled in at the beachside campsite

• Explore the local surf scene and catch some waves at Takapuna Beach

• Take a day trip to Waiheke Island for some wine tasting and relaxation

Day 3: Muriwai

• Hit the surf at Muriwai Beach, “one” of the best surf spots on the west coast

• Enjoy a coffee and some tasty treats at the beachside café

• Relax and take in the stunning views of the rugged coast

Day 4: Piha

• Head south to Piha, another top surf spot and home to some epic breaks on North or south Piha

• Savor some local pizza and beer after a long day of shredding waves

• Take in the scenery with a hike in the nearby Waitakere Ranges

Day 5-7: Raglan

• Arrive in the surfing Mecca of NZ and the setting for "Endless Summer" (check the section in the Endless Summer movie: click)

• Spend three days hitting the waves and soaking up the surf culture

• Take a break from surfing and hike Mount Karioi for some breathtaking views

Day 8: Rotorua

• Visit the hobbits in Lord of the Rings country

• Relax in a geothermal spa and soak up the natural beauty of the area

Day 9-10: Mount Maunganui

• Head to Mount Maunganui for some serious surf and turf action

• Explore the stunning beaches and the beauty of the Bay of Plenty

• Take a break from surfing and hike to the top of the Mount for panoramic views of the region

Day 11-12: Pauanui/Whangamata

• Hit the east coast beaches for some final surf action

• Explore the stunning scenery and take a hike to Cathedral Cove

Day 13-14: Takapuna

• Return to Takapuna for a farewell dinner and to celebrate your amazing surf trip

• Continue your New Zealand adventure or head back home.

Wrap up

Whether you're an experienced surfer or a novice, this itinerary has something for everyone. New Zealand is suited for families with most of the spots easy accessible. So pack your bags, grab your board, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

And if you've already experienced the magic of surfing in New Zealand, we want to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your favorite spots and tips. And don't forget to subscribe to our blog for more travel inspiration and surf trip itineraries.

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Felix & the rest of the Crew!

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