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surfEXPLORE: Discovering New Surfing Locations Worldwide

surfEXPLORE: Discovering New Surfing Locations Worldwide

Written by: John Seaton Callahan
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About this listen

These podcasts offer an overview of surf exploration projects conducted by the surfEXPLORE Group across a variety of global locations, many of which were previously unrecognised surfing destinations. The material, from the new book surfEXPLORE: Discovering New Surfing Locations Worldwide consistently highlight the seasonal nature of surfing conditions in each region, emphasising the importance of timing trips to coincide with optimal swell and wind, whether from the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean or South China Sea.John Seaton Callahan Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • The surfEXPLORE Podcast, Episode 17 MAURITANIA
    Feb 15 2026

    Seeking out the powerful winter groundswells of the North Atlantic, a team of explorers traveled to Mauritania to document the country’s untapped surfing potential. Their journey progressed from the expanding capital of Nouakchott into the harsh Saharan terrain of the Nouadhibou Peninsula, a region defined by its history of shipwrecks and territorial conflict. Success for the expedition depended entirely on navigating complex geopolitical barriers, as the team had to secure permission from local military commanders to access "No Man’s Land" while avoiding active landmine fields. Ultimately, the narrative highlights the intersection of adventure and diplomacy, illustrating how the group successfully surfed remote point breaks amidst rusted shipwrecks by befriending the armed militia guarding the coastline.

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    13 mins
  • The surfEXPLORE Podcast, Episode 16 MALDIVES
    Feb 8 2026


    This text traces the transformation of the Maldives from a historically Buddhist kingdom and British protectorate into a premier global surfing destination. It outlines how the government strategically shifted the economy from tuna fishing toward exclusive high-end tourism, deliberately isolating visitors from the local population to maintain social and religious boundaries. The narrative highlights the accidental birth of the surfing industry following a 1973 shipwreck, which led pioneer Tony Hinde to spend decades discovering and naming the country’s now-famous reef breaks. Ultimately, the source serves as a guide to the seasonal swell patterns and geographical expansion of the sport across the atolls, illustrating how surfing has become an integral, though initially unplanned, pillar of the modern Maldivian identity.

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    15 mins
  • The surfEXPLORE Podcast, Episode 15 MADAGASCAR
    Feb 1 2026

    This narrative recounts a pioneering surf expedition to the remote Barren Islands off the west coast of Madagascar, a region historically uninhabited due to its harsh environment and lack of resources. The authors detail the logistical challenges of the journey, including navigating treacherous roads and collaborating with the indigenous Vezo people and environmental NGOs to establish a base. By meticulously monitoring weather patterns and swell forecasts, the team successfully located and documented previously unsurfed waves for a television production. Ultimately, the text highlights the intersections of adventure and cultural exchange, paying tribute to the resilience of local communities who thrive in such an isolated maritime wilderness.

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    11 mins
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