While the popular Indian Ocean side of Indonesia dominates the global surf scene, this text explores the Pacific coastline of West Papua, a region defined by its reverse seasonal swell and distinct lack of crowds. Beyond the pursuit of waves, the author highlights how geographical isolation and religious differences have led to significant neglect from the central government, resulting in deteriorating infrastructure and complex social tensions. Visitors must navigate a volatile political landscape involving independence movements and migration policies, which necessitates obtaining specific travel permits from local authorities. Ultimately, the narrative serves as a guide for the intrepid traveler, balancing the promise of unspoiled surf spots near Manokwari against the logistical hardships of expensive fuel and rugged terrain.

This text chronicles a surf exploration mission to the North Maluku region of Indonesia, a remote area historically famous for the spice trade but long forgotten by the modern world. The narrative contrasts the historical significance of the "Spice Islands" with their current status as a secluded frontier for surfers seeking uncrowded waves far from the commercial hubs of Bali and Java. By detailing the logistical hurdles of the journey—such as fuel shortages, tropical deluges, and poor infrastructure—the author highlights the extreme dedication required to access these pristine coral reef breaks. Ultimately, the account serves as a testament to the rewards of extensive research and local perseverance, culminating in the discovery of world-class waves in a territory where the absence of other surfers remains a rare and precious reality.

This text provides a comprehensive guide to Papua Province, specifically the capital city of Jayapura and its surrounding coastline, for intrepid travellers and surfers. It balances a detailed description of the seasonal surfing conditions and the logistical benefits of boat travel with a serious exploration of the region's complex socio-political climate. The author highlights the tension caused by the transmigration policy, which has led to cultural and religious friction between the indigenous Melanesian population and ethnic Malay arrivals. Ultimately, the source serves as both a practical manual for navigating administrative requirements like the Surat Jalan and a portrait of a remote, historically significant landscape that remains largely untouched by mainstream tourism.

This narrative chronicles a pioneering maritime expedition to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a remote archipelago that serves as one of the world's final frontiers for surf exploration. The author details the geographical and cultural tapestry of the region, noting the ancient indigenous lineages that have remained isolated for millennia, including the famously uncontacted residents of North Sentinel Island. By documenting the first professional surfing ventures into these restricted waters, the text highlights the discovery of world-class waves such as Kumari Point and the unique challenges of navigating Indian government regulations. Ultimately, the account serves as a tribute to the spirit of adventure, illustrating how these untouched breaks remain largely unridden due to their extreme isolation and the protective seclusion of the local tribes.

This text chronicles a unique surf exploration trip to Diu Island and the surrounding Gujarat state in India, a region with a deep history as a former Portuguese colony until its incorporation into India in 1961. A diverse group of surfers journeyed to this area, which was known to be historically un-surfed, to seek out rideable waves during the hot pre-monsoon season. The explorers successfully found consistent windswell waves on Diu and later discovered better conditions, including a promising right-hand point break at Diu Head on the mainland, validating their prediction that the area would be exposed to Arabian Sea swell. Notably, the group was explicitly prohibited from surfing near the historic Diu Fort, which serves as a working jail, but later capitalised on a forecasted long-period groundswell to find and surf the best waves of the trip near a remote Hindu temple.

This travelogue details an exploration of the surf potential near Jacmel, Haiti, a historic French colonial port and a vital destination known for its annual Carnival festival and distinctive art scene. The area, particularly the seaside district of Kabik, is identified as a consistent surfing location, benefiting from seasonal tradewinds that generate reliable swell on the coral reefs. Although the city of Jacmel suffered significant destruction from the 2010 earthquake, it maintains its appeal with restored architecture and a few operational hotels, though the poverty is evident in the prevalence of plastic rubbish at river mouths. Crucially, Kabik is noted as the sole area in Haiti with a small group of local surfers, relying on visiting surfers to provide them with necessary gear.

The surfEXPLORE team embarked on a journey to the least-visited area of Haiti, the far northwest Atlantic coast, during the winter north swell season to seek out unridden waves. Their expedition involved a challenging drive through a sparsely populated and dry region, ultimately leading to the discovery of promising rivermouth setups and a reef break wave that they were likely the first to surf. A significant subplot details the legal battle surrounding the proposed cruise ship port development on Ile de Tortue (Turtle Island), which has halted a major tourism project due to conflicting claims dating back to 1970. The explorers’ return journey was nearly disastrous as they navigated a dangerously deteriorated and muddy mountain track, highlighting the severe infrastructure challenges in this remote part of Haiti.

The account details a surf expedition along the largely unexplored south coast of Haiti, an area receiving consistent swell but lacking any established surf culture or information.

The surfEXPLORE Group navigated to remote locations like Grosse Caye and Ile á Vache, where they discovered excellent surfing conditions on a left point break but encountered logistical hurdles, notably an engine seizure on their boat due to the operator's negligence and a challenging rescue effort.

Alongside the pursuit of waves, the narrative highlights the pervasive presence of local folklore and belief in zombies, dramatically illustrated by a harrowing roadside encounter, underscoring the deep-seated presence of Voodoo and its associated cultural fears in these isolated regions.

Ultimately, the journey confirmed the existence of superb, uncrowded surfing spots while navigating the country's unique and sometimes intimidating local environment.