Ticket to Ride

Plettenberg Sessions

2009-05-21T01:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all. So much seems to have happened since the last blog it’s hard to know where to start this one. Our time in Plett has been absolutely wonderful and we’ve taken full advantage of everything this beautiful area has to offer.

Our first few days were spent with Jon and Dona Henry from the International Surf School. The steeper and more powerful waves of the Plett coast together with the intensive coaching by the Henry pair proved just perfect for the guys to take their surfing to the next level. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though, as some of the guys had to bounce back from a few good wipe-outs, but that’s all part of the game, as they say.

On Saturday we finished off our lessons with the Henry’s in decent conditions at Solar beach. Everybody managed to get a few good waves, particularly the girls who all had an absolute screamer of a session. For the afternoon our initial had been to do the long awaited bungee jump, however, strong winds from a closing front meant that we had to put our plan on hold. Instead, we visited the nearby Tenikwa small cat sanctuary. As a nature guide I relish any oportunity to get back into the bush so this outing was just as much a winner for me as it was for the guys. Tenikwa looks after a number of threatened and endangered species of cat including Caracal, Serval, Cheetah and Leopard. Our guide took us for the grand tour of the enclousures, taking us in with some of the animals. It was quite something to have a pair of cheetahs, creatures normally found hunting game on the wild, African plains, playing at your feet without a care in the world.

We woke on Sunday morning to an ominous set of weather conditions. The wind was howling and the clouds were moving in fast. The swell readings were off the charts which meant we had to spend the day on land. By Monday though, the weather had cleared and it looked like we were going to be in for a classic day! With sunny skies and gentle winds we decided to revisit our bungee plans and made our way to the Bloukrans bridge on the border between the Easteren and Western Cape. At 216m the Bloukrans bungee is the highest commercial jump in the world. The only thing more scary that the anticipation of throwing yourself off of one of the highest bridges in SA is actually throwing yourself off of one of the highest bridges in SA. It was a daunting prospect, but everyone put on a brave face as, one by one, they made the plunge. It was all smiles as everybody came in off the bridge. It’s not everyday you get to something as crazy as that!

After the jump we made our way to the Tsitsikamma National park for a hike in the reserve. Our trek took us along a portion of the Otter Trail, a famous 7 day hike that takes you through rocky enclaves, sandy beaches and indiginous coastal forests. Our hike took us to the top of a cliff overlooking the reserve and the Storms River mouth. It was quite a long haul getting up there, but well worth it for that view! On the way home I took the guys along a scenic detour, showing off a few more of the natural beauties of the Garden Route. Just another epic day in Africa!

This morning we were back on the road in search of waves. With the swell still big from the storm we headed out for one of the protected bays nearby. Fortunately for us, the angle of the swell was such that the brunt it moved out to sea while the waves that got into the bay were small, gentle breakers which peeled down the point and onto the beach. Perfect for our little crew to get in a good few hours in the water. We spent the rest of the afternoon meandering our way back to Plett, stopping at a few of the view points along the way.

And that brings you all up to speed with what’s been happening here on our African Road Trip. Never a dull moment as we make our way east along the most beautiful coast in the world! Well I think so any way. Till next time…

Take Care
Bevan

Life is good here at Ticket to Ride

2008-06-18T07:13:00.001-07:00

With Nikki settling in nicely, and July now within touching distance there is an exciting buzz in the ttride HQ.

In fact nearly everyone we speak to seems to be pretty be ecstatic with their situation having either just finished exams or in some cases decided to take well earned time out from what some describe as ‘the grinding routine of everyday life.’

Either way these are exciting times for our potential Riders and I am always the first one to tell people that the whole dilemna of “where to go? and what to??” is in reality one of the best dilemna’s out there.

Tim is all set to jet off out to South Africa and straight into their prime surf season. As head of Ticket to Ride trips to South Africa, Tim is going to be leading our 1 month African Road Trip this July. Looking over the group we have lined up and ready to hit some of South Africa's most famed surfing locations, I am pretty sad not to be on this one.

In fairness I am fairly sorted for my fix of sun, sea and surf as I am off to Portugal in 9 days for 3 weeks. Here I will be running our School Up and Riding Courses. Both the enthusiasm and seemingly unlimited energy of the boys and girls on these courses is incredible, however as long as don't over do it over the next 9 days, I am fairly confident that I can give these whippers a run for their money when it comes to energy.

Looking further ahead to our September Career Break Instructor Course seems to be a forefront of everyone's mind as far Rider recruitment is concerned. We already have a fantastic group lined up for this one with just a few spaces remaining. Having met most of them in person a week or so ago in Ticket to Ride's favourite London watering hole I have no doubt that this career break course will be an epic. The fact that some of the group travelled right across London to get to know their fellow Riders bodes extremely well for a trip where everyone is super keen to really make the most of everything offer and with our man Tim at the helm of this one, this one is predicted to raise the ttride bar even higher. And with high standards in mind I thought I would put up some surf shots of TTRide trip leaders.

Our January 2009 Course to South Africa and Costa are filling up as fast as ever, this must be in part due to the fact that A-level exams are almost over.

The TTRide website makeover is also on track as well as the the new TTRide movie. These two projects have so all in all…

Exciting times…

Ticket to Ride 'Worldwide Surfing Aventures'

2008-05-14T03:57:00.001-07:00

Hola

It has all been about more of the same in TTRide land over the last few days. The weather been 'frankly quite wonderful i'd say' meaning there is a summery buzz about the place. Filling trip 1 of the Jan 09 trip with a load of super excited Riders is something we are of course extremely excited about. Our move towards Rider recruitment rather than a hard core out and out sales approach mean we are able to ensure each of our Riders are in the best position to get the absolute maximum out of TTRide Surf Trips.

Ben (TTRide Webwizard) is on track for the official launch of TTRide Costa Rica on Friday. We have decided to limit numbers on this trip to a select 10 Riders for Jan 09 as it will be our maiden trip and we want to get it absoloutely right. The July 09 6 weeker will have space for the usual 20 Riders. Learning Spanish alongside side learning to surf and then teaching English in the local school sets up a fantastic travelling experience.

Linley is off out to Costa Rica on Sat for 2 weeks, I am pretty keen to get out there again soon, Tim lived out there for 2 months during one of his uni summers in 2005. George is planning to settle out there permanently so between us all we have go the place pretty wired. The position of trip leader is still with me and George, however I am ready to fend off any challenges made by the rest of the team which I have no doubt are being carefully thought about.

Other developments have been new TTRide super poster that incorporates everything that we are at Ticket to Ride.

TTRide Summer 08 surf clothing is beginning to over dominate the TTRide HQ, so we need to get that out there.

With this in mind I propose a mini competition to send out one of new TTRide T-shirts to anayone who correctly answers the all too easy question below as I often who is taking the time to read these TTRide updates?

Graduate Rider's? Riders waiting for there trip to come round? Potential Riders? Other travel companies? Friends? Family? or just us???

What is the Capital of Costa Rica?????

Please email answers to info@ttride.co.uk
adding your address.
colour preference (see past blogs for photos)

and I will send a free t-shirt out to you today.

adios amigos e amigas (spanish classes for me please)

W

Ticket to Ride 'Worldwide Surfing Aventures'

2008-02-25T04:25:00.001-08:00

Just thought I would say a quick hello from the TTRide Office that has a strange monday morning feel to it. It is now 2 weeks since I landed in back from sunny South Africa and I am now back in the UK routine... (different).

At the beginning of each year we start off with each TTRide team member's travel plans, who's going where, who running each trip (not the worst meeting to attend), one of the more boring priorities that always puts a dampener on the meeting is the question of who will be manning the the TTRide HQ in sometimes sunny London.

Having single handedly taken care of things in London for the past month Linley has just jetted off to SA to join trip one for their final 3 destinations. These locations make up the business end of the trip as they are focused on Rider working on final training and research towards their Surf Instructor and Surf Lifesaving qualifications.

Anyway, that's South Africa talk, and like you my updates come from the trip diary blogs which I check on a daily basis with fingers crossed that our trip leaders have had time to upload the latest news. March is my month to take care of everything back here and without wanting to sound too dramatic things are already piling up.

Next weekend we are Sponsoring the British University Student Surf Nationals on Fistral Beach. Having enjoyed competing in the event throughout my 3 years at Newcastle Uni I am so pleased to be going back down. The Student Nationals is Europe's largest surfing event and we are extremely proud to be a sponsor.

The rest of March is all about travelling the length of Britain on a regular basis attending promotional events in the TTRide Truck. For me it is not just about showcasing what we offer to those looking to join us on one of our adventures, it is also about meeting all the representatives from all kinds of different travel organisations. What is so nice is that whilst it is competitive there is still a good vibe amongst all the companies because almost without exception, everyone truely believes in what they offer and from a potential traveller's point of view there is an incredible choice when it comes to deciding what to do with precious time out.

2008 is already shaping up to be an excting year for us with all our trips reaching max capacity, and our current SA adventures going better than we could have ever hope for mainly due to fantastic leaders and most importantly a fantastic group.

From a development point of view we are continuing to grow in a way that concentrates itself about the recruitment of exceptional TTRide staff to manage key areas of Ticket to Ride and recruit the right the kind of people to join us on the kind of adventures that make a monday all alone in TTRide HQ a little easier to manage.

W

Day 9 on Ticket to Ride "Worldwide Surfing Adventures"

2008-01-17T01:44:00.001-08:00

I am pleased to say that we here in summertime South Africa are 2 hours ahead of you there in 'fresh' Britain and i think we are 7 hours ahead of the US. This gives me time in the morning to get something up on the site.

As you will have noticed from all my previous blog entries, the Cape Town leg of our South African surf adventure is 110% action. The group's 12 day intro to Ticket to Ride is all about seeing and doing everything, finding their feet and then as we continue around the coast settling into their own style of Ticket to Ride.

One of the fundamental roles we instill upon ourselves is to guide our Riders through what is for many their first travelling experience. We hope that everyone who 'graduates' from our course leaves not just as a surfer, but also as a well rounded traveller that has been somewhere, experienced a different culture and lived a unique lifestyle.

This for me is the essence of taking on a travelling experience, taking everything in and returning home with lasting memories and experiences to refer back to as I continue through life.

(Please excuse my temptation to go off on tangents, I have deliberately put lots of different sections in making it easy to skip sections where I repeat myself or take you on an unnecessary journey to nowhere as you take time out of your day to read this)

There are 11 official languages spoken in South Africa and for the those not sure what kind of language I am (grammatically) writing in I should mention that we here at Ticket to Ride are evolving our own....

Things to report on yesterday's activities would be the morning's wine tour of Klein Constantia (one of South Africa's most historical vineyards). Adam (head wine maker) always shows us around because our man Tim did a season on the vineyard before joining Ticket to Ride. We are hugely grateful to Adam for taking time out to show us how it all works.

Something I find particularly interesting when talking to Adam is that if you gave two accomplished wine makers the same grapes and the same manufacturing tools, the wine that each maker will produce will most probably be different due to their respective styles of making wine.

These guys are so passionate about what they do, and it is great for our guys to get this kind of personalised treatment on what for many is their first wine tasting experience.

With the wine tour in the morning and the largely ignored calls from trip leaders Sam and Chris to 'swig and spit,' we were back with the Kahuna surfing academy in the afternoon. Dene's experience as South Africa's most qualified surf coach is really showing through with everyone surprising themselves about their own improvement over the last 9 days.

Steve Pike's wave and weather prediction course is something that the guys will use for the rest of their surfing life, whether it be out here in South Africa, back home or perhaps on their next surfing adventure. Everyone received a signed copy of his latest edition of Surfing South Africa. This will be a great tool for scoping out South Africa's endless surfing opportunities not to mention act as a great souvenir of the trip.

After all this, all eyes were on Max as we celebrated his birthday at Cape to Cuba.

As days goes, yesterday had it all.

Today starts off with a surf lesson, with a plan to scale table mountain in the afternoon. Those of you that have been to Cape Town will understand what I mean by saying that there is presently a table cloth on the mountain. Blue blue sky with a medium SE wind today, not a cloud in the sky except the one neatly lying over table mountain. Fingers cross that it lifts, because when it does the views are spectacular.

I feel that i should also mention that without exception everyone on this trip continues to be an absolute pleasure to travel around with. Everyone seems to be happy and relaxing nicely in the Cape Town routine which for us is great because this is 'what it's all about.'

Its off to Plett for trip 1 on Sunday meaning new place different routine. Leslie and Mirjam (their hosts in Plett) are looking forward thier arrival. Surf is looking pretty good for next week aswell. How can we tell?? Because we were listening last night......

Day 2 on Ticket to Ride

2008-01-09T11:21:00.001-08:00

Day 2 has been the first opportunity for everyone to settle into the TTRide lifestyle.

Having welcomed our the group to South Africa with a traditional Braii, everyone was ready for some sleep at last, in preparation for the day ahead.

Our first surf lesson of the trip is what we call ‘the leveller.’ Everyone gets on beginner boards for 2 hours of fun in the warmer (Indian Ocean) waters found at Muizenberg.

I am excited to say that the standard of this group is right up there, and here I am not just talking about ability, I am mainly excited about the over all attitude of this group that is already clear to see. Super keen, really smiley and just generally excited about what lies ahead.

Trip 1 leaders Chris and Sam have got a fantastic group and they are the perfect two guys to toke their surfing to the next level, not just because of their own proven surfing ability but also because of the professional approach that blends perfectly with their promotion of the TTRide lifestyle.

Lucinda (the group’s cape town mum) has cooked up a storm for the Riders and they are now kicking back in front of a movie ready for an early start tomorrow.

The plan is, another Surf lesson in the morning, followed by an optional TTRide session and then beach football with the local township kids and finally assuming the guys and girls still have some energy left, a few well deserved cold bear/glass of South African wine at the local bar.

See you tomorrow

W

Zero to TTRide Hero 2008 has landed!!

2008-01-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

This morning has been all about airport pick ups from Cape Town International. Flying over Cape Town is awesome, especially on a day like today when there is not a cloud in the sky. Hopefully the guys and girls were able to spot table mountain, as they rounded it on their way in.

Everyone looked pretty tired, it seems that no one slept. However, now that they have all had some food and some of them have already tapped into their first beer they are already looking relaxed and happy to be out here in beautiful South Africa.

We have recommended that they chill out this afternoon, whilst we set up the welcome braii.

We've got boerewors (SA sausages) lamb chops, steaks, some line fish, salad baguettes, cold beers, locals wines and lots to talk about. This has to be my favorite meal of the year.

First surf lesson is tomorrow 9.30am

Ticket to Ride Gap Year Reunion

2007-12-19T09:27:00.000-08:00

One week left of 2007 in the office and lots to look back on.

Working backwards over the last 2 weeks, lots happening over this festive season. “No one does Christmas better than us Brits in my book.”

Last Saturday saw TTRide Staff and the 2007 Riders reunite in London. 9 months on from an emotional Durban departure and 12 months on from an exciting arrival, the night started a 7.30pm and to be quite honest, never looked back. Great to see everyone again and with the turn out at near 100% same time, (maybe) same place next year.

Christmas is a busy time for us, finalising plans, talking to our Riders an just generally getting everything ready for the our 2 Zero to Hero 3 month Adventures.

Portugal Trips have been pretty non stop with Exeter University enjoying great waves all last week and with Plymouth University also enjoying offshore winds and pumping Atlantic swell as right this there is plenty to smile about for our TTRide European Uni Adventurers.

Linley and the Nov Road Trip crew have arrived back with plenty of stories about their travels. It was pretty obvious to see who the wintered workers were as Linley strolled in last week having spent 6 weeks in SA loving the TTRide Lifestyle with a what Linley and Chris described as an epic Road Trip with an amazing group of people. Time for me and Tim to head south to sunny SA shores next and with a full house of new Riders and an action packed itinerary we cant wait.

School holidays has seen a dramatic rise in the number of bookings for our July 08 Summer Road Trip and with one of our Jan 09 Zero-Hero Trips already reaching max capacity with all remaining places either already sold out or on hold over Christmas, the second trip is expected to fill out just as quick.

As always, lots of exciting developments with regards to future plans coming out of the TTRide HQ. There never seem to be enough hours in the day. All I know is that with the right people, the same TTRide approach and the levels on interest in what we do, watch this space as we look to move Ticket to Ride into a New Year, because as far I can see, we are already there.

TTRide UK Staff Christmas party tomorrow night, always a good one and with the amount of early starts and late finishes throughout 2007 we deserve it, even if we do say so ourselves.

Reading back through this, it has turned out to be rather a long update, so if you’ve got this far, thanks for taking the time, and if you are booked to come with us this Jan, then see you on the sunny side,

Happy Christmas

W

Beautiful Weather and Playful Waves in Plettenberg Bay

2007-11-18T23:53:00.000-08:00

Two days in Plett have passed, and you are quickly reminded why this town is such a popular holiday destination with the South African population. We've had nothing but clear skies and constant sunshine, met with a gentle swell producing perfect waves for everyone to take their surfing up a step. Whilst having a spot of fresh sushi after a morning surf yesterday I even saw a Mother and child Southern Right Whale cruise past about 1/2 a mile out at sea, life really dosen't get much better!

We've spent a lot of the time in the water, and John Henry has taken the bull by the horns and is giving lessons with so much enthusiasm and energy that it's hard to imagine anyone doing a better job. The water's a lot warmer up here, and wetsuits are starting to become optional with board shorts and bikini's becoming the flavour of the day.

The date for the sky dive has been booked, and it seems as though we'll be having a full compliment taking to the skies. The bungee jump is met with greater anticipation, and this will be done one afternoon but no dates have been set, as it's good to keep this as flexible as possible.

So all is well from Africa's most Southern country, and it seems as though the smiles are here to stay.

Over and Out, L

Projects underway as we take a Birds Eye View of Cape Town

2007-11-13T01:08:00.001-08:00

Increbible view, originally uploaded by Ticket to Ride - Worldwide Surf Adventures.

Day 5 on the Adventure, and we're maintaing the spead and high energy levels that we started off with.

Sunday...

An early morning session down at Africa's famed learn to surf spot of Muizenberg, this is the third lesson of the trip, and with the group all starting at a similar standard it's great to see them develop from session to session. None of the group had much if any surfing experience, so these early sessions are vitally important. We need to make sure that every session takes on something new, but that we don't go too fast and let people get left behind. We covered the basics of turning today, which everyone took to like a cheetah on a lame Springbok.

The wind swung the wrong direction for the afternoon which meant that we couldn't head in for our second session, but we instead went to watch some of the countries top young surfers battle it out in 'The Volcom Qualifying Series' contest at local beach 'Long Beach'. With the sun shining, a hot dog stand close at hand, and some high performance surfing this was not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon!!

Monday...

Early start today as it was the first of the many Community Projects that we get involved with, and being situated in the middle of Cape Town this meant a drive right through local rush hour. This project is called The Salesians, and it is an institute set up by Don Bosco in the late 19th Century. Among other things it is a haven, and educational facility for the homeless street children of Cape Town. The owner was telling me some horrendous stories about what these young children have been through and experienced. Our aim here is to not only broaden their minds and give them the opportunity to communicate with people from overseas, but also to realise that there are people out there who care what they are up to, a lot of these children are highly involved in street crime, but after spending the morning with them you quickly realise that they are just young children as we all once were, but they have had to fend for themselves in desperate measures. There smiles are very touching, and it is always a warming and eye opening experience getting involved with them.

After a quick bite to eat outside on a sunny Cape Town boulevard, and a tour around the shops and local African market we headed over to Table Mountain. We had planned to climb it, but a lack of footwear, and a tight schedule meant that we had to grace the Cable car, something which everyone seemed happy about! Table Mountain has to offer one of the finest views in the world, not only can you see all over the stetching suburbs of the city, but you also have one of the finest sea views and are able to see 2 oceans, the Indian and Atlantic, on either side of the Peninsula.

We rushed back, as we had an appointment with the 'Cape Town Juventus', a small local football team. This is one of the most heart warming projects we get involved with, a local man Thomas, runs this team, and they meet at 6 every night to play football on a small patch of land covered in stones, rubbish, too much glass, and it is so uneven that you can't see how they don't beak their ankles in every session! They only have 1 ball, no whistle, and are all in the same kit as when we were last here, in January. But despite this lack of facilities they absolutely love the game! They are all smiles, and laughter, throughout the session. Last night we had a quick 5 a-side tournament, with the 4 TTRide boys on each team.

We're back there tonight and will be bring a handful of footballs, a whistle for Thomas, and will be arriving an hour early with various gardening tools to remove all the rubbish, and try and even out the ground as much as possible.

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Today we've got a surf session in the morning, and then we're off to Klein Constantia one of Cape Towns finest vineyards, before heading back to the football field for another training session.

For all the photo's have a look at our flikr account, http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttridesurf/, or our Facebook group "Ticket to Ride - Gap Year Surfing Adventures"

Trip off to a Flying Start...

2007-11-11T01:26:00.001-08:00

Lesson, originally uploaded by Ticket to Ride - Worldwide Surf Adventures.

Where to begin? It's day 3 of the trip, and we've managed to squeeze so much in that it feels like a weeks gone by!

Friday...

With all the group arriving safely we decided that the best way to clear any drogginess that a flight may have given was to get straight into the sea for our opening surf session.

This was a huge success, the conditions were perfect, and the setting ideal. The first lesson's always important because it's one that you'll never forget, and we certainly never will. Energy levels were at an all time high as the group charged through the waves, all eager to start the trip off with a memorable session.

After returning before we let the tiredness sink in it was time for the Welcoming Braai. A traditional South Africa feast, that really puts to shame the British Summer bar-b-q's! Afer such a busy day you're very happy to eat to your heart content knowing that you earnt all the food, and that you'll be buring it off in the surf the next day.

Saturday...

An early start as the sun was shining, and the waves looking absolutely perfect. We all headed down to the beach for the second session of the trip, which saw everyone make a huge development. Every person has now got to their feet and enjoyed a lengthy ride; so as you can imagine the eager excitement for surfing is being shared by all.

In the afternoon it was chill time, and with the sun shining a good chance to remove the Winter glow! We spent the afternoon relaxing in the sun at one of the local surf spots, soaking up some rays, and enjoying the locals performing on the huge Atlantic rollers.

This day of sunshine was followed by a couple of sundowners at the local bar, before we headed home for some food, and then off out again to enjoy a party that was being held underneath the local lighthouse.

A very busy start to the trip, so may it continue. We've got 2 more surf sessions today, a day in Cape Town centre tomorrow, and in amongst the waves we've got a tour of local vineyard Klein Constantia, and not to mention a variety of Community Projects which will kick off tomorrow.

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For a look at the photo's taken so far see our Flikr account at www.flickr.com/photos/ttridesurf/

First few arrive for the November AFR

2007-11-08T08:27:00.001-08:00

Local beach, originally uploaded by Ticket to Ride - Worldwide Surf Adventures.

It's the day before the start of the African Road Trip, and with over half the group having arrived this morning it might aswell be the first day.

I picked up the group bright and early from Cape Town Airport, and they were all greeted with typically beautiful Cape Town weather; all seeming rather tired from the long journey they all had a bit of rest time, and then we went out to grab a bit to eat in Kommetjie.

This was followed by a tour of the Cape peninsula from Dene Botha, who has sponged up all the knowledge from his pioneering Father Paul. Taking the tour along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world quickly cleared all the cobwebs. This is where it all begins, the start of a lifetime in surfing starts here, and it's SO EXCITING!!!

We had a quick tour, and then went down to the local beach watching all the local kids shred the waves of Long Beach after a day at school. We all watched on in eager anticipation, and its easy to see that as soon as they felt the soft Cape Town sand in between their toes they wanted to be nowhere else than in the water, learning the sport that they have travelled so far to master!

We haven't got our first surf lesson until tomorrow, so I've left them all to take 5 in front of a surf DVD, and build their ever increasing surf knowledge. Before we head out for some pizza's later, then we've got the remainder of the group coming out tomorrow, when we'll head out to the water for the first of many lifechaning surf sessions.

For a full gallery of the photo's please see our Flickr account (click on the image above.)

TTRide takes off

2007-11-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

It's all go here today as our 4 week trip takes off to sunny South Africa. The riders are in for quite a welcome with one of the swells of the year predicted to roll in and spark up the various big wave spots around Cape Town. With a bit of luck they'll get to witness Cape Town's finest charging Dungeons and then nip away to the many sheltered spots for an afternoon of surfing - not a bad start.

I'm off to talk at St Edward's tomorrow and then i'm loading up the boards and heading off for a week's holiday. The plan is to cruise around some of the lesser surfed areas of the UK. There's a big old swell coming to so i'll be throwing in the big boards - get them ready for the cyclone swells in Durban next April! Will's coming along for the weekend and then he's back down to HQ to keep things ticking over - he may need an extra pair of hands given how the last few weeks have gone.

So it's back to doing what we love most, running trips. Can't wait to get this one on the road, it reminds you of what TTRide is all about and where all the work goes. Keep your eyes out for Linley's latest blogs. I just spoke to him on Skype, he cut me off rather quickly due to the fading light and the building swell, one last wave before it gets dark. Priorities......

Shot Bru's.

Feet firmly on South African soil

2007-11-06T10:16:00.001-08:00

Stage 1 of the journey successfully completed (my ugly mug above in Jo'berg airport waiting for the connection.) I nearly missed my flight out here though, it was a close call. After spending far too long in the departure lounge at Gatwick I was fairly oblivious of the time, ipod in, relaxing in the food hall, thumbing various magazines etc. only to look up at the screen and see my flight flashing in big red letters “FINAL CALL” I left for a nervous sprint to the gate, which needless to say was absolutely miles away. When I arrived out of breath and with a sweaty back the gate as empty as all the other passengers had boarded, it hadn’t left though so it just meant I was one of the last on the plane, much to the irritation of the other flyers.

Nationwide is like an airline out of the 80’s, and apart from the man who was shouting in his sleep I don't have any complaints. Good food, and a couple of trips with the drinks trolley, the TV was a big one but I'd never seen Oceans 13 so it wasn't a problem.

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I've ARRIVED!!!!!! 20 hour of travelling (my connecting flight was stupidly delayed), and I've finally made it to Kommetjie in Cape Town. First port of call was obviously the beach. Yes there's swell, and yes I had to go in before doing anything else. Nothing like a surf to clean away the cobwebs after a long flight!

Things are looking great for when the group arrive, the sun's shining, there's good waves, and on the day they arrive it's been forecast as "The swell of the year", so I'm thinking we'll head around the coast, take in some scenery, acclimitise to the S.A lifestyle, and watch the local Hellmen charge into some giant Atlantic Rollers at Dungeons, not a bad arrival!!!

Busy couple of days before everyone arrives, and off for supper now. Early night for me!

Over and Out, L

Dark by 5 so where's my Ticket to....

2007-11-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

Pic: TTRide Cape Town Instructor Dene Botha in the shade during a memorable TTRide Durban Dawny.

Dark by 5 is a depressing thought...... true if you have no plans until May.

Winter here means that all the planning, marketing and Rider selection trip logistics is nearly finished for our 07/08 TTRide Adventures and the best bit of Ticket to Ride upon again

Linley landed in Cape Town today, and the surf is there to greet him, his team of Riders fly out on Thursday and the closest I get to the action is meeting Riders at the Airport.

We were featured in City Magazine this week which will give our Career Break Trips a further boost. The September Zero to Hero trip is aimed at those taking a Career Break, and as alway we take extra special care in our selection process to make sure that all our Riders are well suited to our Adventures. Anyway enough about that....

it's dark already, Linley is in South Africa running the TTRide Road Trip, Tim is taking a week off next week, this leaves me with the prospect that EVERY TTRide HQ job is now my job!!! or to be more positive ANY TTRide HQ job is now my job!!!

Pub Lunch anyone????

W

Off to the airport in 1 hour...

2007-11-05T05:47:00.001-08:00

The time has finally arrived. The past few weeks have been spent in excited anticipation preparing all the necessary details so that this 1 Month African Road trip goes as smoothly as possible, but it always comes round sooner than you think!

Checking the surf report, and looking at the weather forecast it looks like we'll be in for a great start to the trip. The swells on the way, as is the sunshine, and with a bit of luck the wind will be perfect to create those imaculate lines that have gained a reputation as the best learn to surf spot in Africa down in Muizenberg Corner.

I'm travelling out there on Nationwide Airways, which none of us have tried. Starting to worry as to whether they will be showing the latest feature length films, and whether or not I'll have the choice about which film I want to watch, and at what time, will the food be good, free booze, what about a bag of nuts when I board? All these questions are starting to become a main priority in my thought pattern. Tim and Will could not be less interested.

I'll be getting a load of photos up over the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for constant updates.

My next post will be from the Southern Hemisphere (how good does that sound!!), that is unless I get board in the departure lounge, or maybe on the plane without my first choice of films.

Over and out... L

TTRide Wednesday Blog

2007-10-31T05:04:00.000-07:00

Ah bliss,

Got the office to myself this morning. Will and Linley are out for a meeting so i'm holding the fort and getting a few things done in their absence. About to head out for lunch so thought i'd put a quick blog up there.

I experienced the full Ying / Yang of London life for the first time last night. Having never spent more than a few days here at a time, it's taken a while adjusting to actually living here but i've now just about got my head around it. Anyway, i went up to Kings Cross last night to catch some live music. A really good night watching a fella called Seasick Steve - some good old fahioned hillbilly blues with some old friends - one of the many reasons for living in the Captial. We went on for a few beers and returned on a high after a good night only to round the corner into our street to see my bike, so kindly lent to me by Linley, had been nicked. The culprit vaulted my garden fence, cut the chain and made off with all £40's worth - what's the point? City living......

So there you go, no doubt Will or Lin will post something this Avo. Linley is now flat out putting the finishing touches on the 2007 and 2008 rider diaries that will be heading out to our lucky riders in due course. More checks coming in for our 2009 trip today, it seems word really is spreading quickly!

Bye for now,
Tim

TTRide Surf Instructor Trips selling out!!!!!!!

2007-10-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

18:15

Just me in the office and with Linley's blog entry for the day coming in so efficiently early this morning, I thought I might sign off this Monday afternoon with another.

We took our 20th booking for our Zero to TTRide Hero (Trip II) this afternoon meaning that this trip is now full, and knowing who we've got on this one, it leaves us super excited about it. This trip is being lead by Tim and Nikki who you can read all about on our team pages. Nikki is rejoining the team from being a 2007 Graduate and now a trip assistant to Tim. Nikki will add an exciting new edge to the trip having worked with the Animal Surf Academy in Plozeath for the past 6 months. As a professional photographer she will no doubt be dominating the latest Rider shots with all her photos.

I uploaded a photo of Sam Millar (see latest shots). Sam is assisting Chris on the first Jan 08 Zero to TTRide Hero which only has 5 places left. He runs his own UK surf School called Freeride based in Perranporth, he spent over 3 months in SA last year living the dream and can't wait to be out there with us in January.

It is amazing to think how we have grown in the last 2 years. We put our life and soul into what we do and count ourselves lucky to spend our days living in the Now doing what we love.

It is becoming clear to us that in order to grow in a way that doesn't compromise our Rider's development as a surfer and experience as a traveller, we will need to think about bringing in new people. This is something we are all really excited about as it means new ideas and even more energy pushing Ticket to Ride to go beyond limits.

Happy Days

W

African Road Trip getting ready to head South

2007-10-29T03:18:00.000-07:00

One week to go, and then it's off back out to South Africa for our inaugural 1 month Afrian Road Trip, which I have got the pleasure of taking.

I'll be heading out with a group of 5 people, the weather's just turned warm, the surf's looking uber consistent, and South Africa's top shaper has had the phone call to get 5 boards ready for the groups arrival, it's going to be EPIC!!!

We'll be spending the month travelling along the garden route, 1 week in Cape Town, 1 week in Plett, and 2 weeks in the surf mecca of Jeffreys Bay. Surfing, community work, and travel. We'll also be taking a tour around the illustrious vineyard of Klein Constantia, and the group will have the option of taking on the worlds highest bungee jump, sky dive, sand board, or get involved in any other activities that come our way over the 1 month Adventure.

For us taking these trips is what it's all about, taking people around a fantastic country with such huge potential, sharing in the lives of the African people, and ultimately getting people involved in what we believe is the worlds greatest sport, sharing a lifeskill that our Riders can take home, use around the world (or however they wish) the one thing we do know it will be enjoyed for the rest of their lives.

It should be a great month, and after this we've got the two 3 month trips in the New Year, so it's busy times for us all. But when it's busy like this, it's got to be good.

Linley, over and out...

Ticket to Ride

2007-10-24T09:01:00.001-07:00

It's been a good couple of days. The postal strike has relented at last and booking forms are starting to filter through again, some expected and some not which is always exciting.

Linley has also been in touch with our November riders preparing them for the trip. The main priority at the moment is getting the specifics for the boards we'll be having made up for them out in SA - even if it's not for you there's always something good about ordering a brand new quiver. It's also good for the guys to know that there'll be a brand new board waiting for them in South Africa.

Otherwise not too much to report. Had to don the gloves for the cycle in this morning. It's getting cold, time to think about heading somewhere warmer...

Attached is a Pic sent over from SA last week - lucky Saffas.

Ticket to Ride to follow the Cup to South Africa

2007-10-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

And so there it is, the Saffa's pipped us at the post. But at least we went down fighting.

It was a strange one, even though we lost the pubs were rocking into the early morning and there was a real party atmosphere wherever you went. Everyone seemed to bond with this team that fought to the end and made England proud which is all you can ask - something that has been so lacking in English sport for a while (I could go off on a rant here about English Football but it's been done to exhaution in the papers so i'll let it go).

We've obviously been taking a bit of a battering from our friends over in SA today. Not only have they regained the cup but they are also in the middle of one of their best swell seasons in years. Every e-mail seems to arrive with some Pom baiting text and a photo attached with one of our "friends" tucking into a perfect emerald barrel shimmering in the sun.

All's not lost though. Linley is preparing to head off on our November Roadtrip in a couple of weeks. I was in SA when they won the World Cup in 1995 and it was memorable to say the very least, Linley and the Crew are in for what should should be an unforgettable 4 weeks.

Meanwhile Will and I will be manning the office doing our best to stay friends. Without Linley here to mediate this could be a tall order so we'll be hoping the phone's stay as busy as they have been lately. We've had lots of interest in our trips for next year so the TTRide gospel is spreading....

And that's monday.

TTRide Mini Gap?

2007-10-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Another good week for ttride in the London HQ, getting some really exciting people on the trip and by this i mean, the kind of people that can't wait to join us out in SA, the kind of people that ring just because they feel like talking about their ttride trip. We love that, it gets us super excited aswell.

I am in Cape Town for New Year this year, taking my girlfriend, brother, sister and parents on a bit of a ttride expedition.
Can't wait!! Apparently the locals know what they are doing when it comes to celebrating New Year in Cape Town.

Been working from home today, because my poor girlfriend Lottie has had to have a minor operation, all a bit soar and if i could spell the name of the opp i would, but i can't. Anyway, I know she was cheered up a) by the gourmet lunch i cooked her and b) by her 7 week old nephew Max coming round for the day.

Now, obviously I am all man, and don't do babys, or atleast i thought i didn't. Little Max is gorgeous, loads of hair in a funky punk, really smiley and already signed onto the Jan 2025 trip, I told mum Louise that she couldn't even think Schools until the Gap Year is sorted especially as places on ttride trips are always in high demand.

Enough joking. What i actually said was that I would put a place on hold until Monday. "Cant wait to have him on".

Half-term this week for some schools, lots of potential riders booking a slot to come in and see us, will have to remember to buy a big box of biscuits.

Still holding my breath for saturday,

it's in the bag, even Max knows it.

Our Very Own Ticket to Ride with a piece of History in the making.

2007-10-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

The weekend that was prophesised to be the weekend of the year certainly didn’t disappoint.

And this is how it went!!!

Friday PM
17.00 Final Surf Check, “definitely still on!!!”
17.29 TTRide Truck loaded..
18.00 Rush hour beaten – next stop Cranking Cornwall!!!!
23.00 Touch down in Cornish HQ to competitively exchange journey times with other cars.
23.02 Into bed and ready for tomorrow.

Saturday AM
06.30 Wake up – Still dark – no worries time to fuel up with a coffee and prepare boards.
07.00 Misty morning, surf’s up in a big way, no one out and we’re on it.
07.20 After gruelling paddle out, it is even bigger than it looked through sleepy eyes on the beach. Guy Hayler takes off on a bomb and snaps his favourite surf board that he affectionately called “Sally”
07.30 Caught the next wave in, keen for a regroup, a little bit more energy fuel and with Costantine Bay slightly misfiring, a new location. Somewhere in Cornwall had to be on.
09.00 After a full English and some important knowledge digestion on what was set to be one of the rugby world cup semi finals of all time. Plans were finalised and we headed down the coast to a beach called Godrevy.
11.00 Arrive – sprint up the dunes – and yes, this was it, Cornwall at it’s all time best!!!
11.01 wetsuit half on and running to water. “the closer we got the better it looked.
11.06 Having raced out the back, the session was on and the ttride team were all over it.

Saturday PM
15.06 After a 3 hour classic Cornish session time for a refuel at the local Café.
16.03 Again ready to take to the waves, having relaxed, refuelled and most importantly, convinced ourselves that the boys could take down the French in their own backyard, it was again time for a few more slices of the rare delicacy that is Cornish Perfection.
18.00 lite fading, body aching, surf mind rejoicing and of course rugby looming, time to move.
18.05 We headed back to HQ feeling invincible ‘this has to be the best day ever, all we need to do now is win the rugby’
Which we all know went something like this…
20.00 God Save our……………………………………………!!!!!!
20.40 Half time…….France 9 England 8………………………………?????
21.25 JONNY!!!!!!!!
21.30 SWING LOW……………….!!!!!!!!!!!!!
21.35 Celebration till the early hours….

Sunday AM
09.00 Surf is firing, heads are a little hazy
09.30 Wetsuits on – (moving a little slower)
10.00 in the water and in tune with theme of the whole weekend, “we were again right where we want to be!!”
13.00 No trip to Cornwall is ever complete without a pasty.
13.15 HQ with a pasty in one hand a newspaper confirming last night’s heroics in the other. HAPPY!!
14.00 Load the truck , time to shoot back to London in time for what might have been yet another twist in the 2007 World Cup Tale.
21.30 No twists, Saffa’s win easily. However, ample reason for England to still believe it!!
22.00 A weekend of epic surf, a game of high performance, incredible intensity and true English nerve.

Asleep before my head even hit the pillow…

Smiling as I dream about whether this weekend could ever be beaten??

Personally and I'm sure I'm not alone, I’m gonna hold my breath for next weekend..

So Finally and quite rightly, a serious message to our South African friends, "the champagne is on ice, cos our boys have been here before!!!!"

COME ON BOYS!!!!!!!!

Thanks for tuning in.

W

Best for a while...

2007-10-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

Weekend's getting close, and there's nothing better than the prospect of a Rugby World Cup semi-final. That is great on it's own, but when Father Neptune decides that he's going to throw in some Atlantic rollers, and honour the Engligh shoreline with it's best swell in months on top of that it's set to be an all time mouth-watering classic!

All of us seem to be on the surf forecast sites every 10 minutes, checking that nothing's changed and the conditions are still set to crank up the coastline.

We're planning on getting some new banners and signs designed and printed; and with our Graphic designer being based down in Cornwall Will's leading the front running to hit the water first and get on that picture message to let us all know what we're missing.

Unfortunately I am unable to make it, as in true uncharactersitic surfer style I had pre-booked my weekend and am honouring my commitment (what an idiot!! - but I am going to be scoring South Africa for a month over November, so I'll have my hour.)

Anyhow whatever people are up to, with the prospect of epic swell, and the chance of England possibly getting to a second consecutive World Cup final, this weekend is set to be one of those dates that you simply have to remember just so that you can tell the Grand children how good life used to be.

So fingers crossed for the waves to come through, and for Jonny to find his firing line, and the front pack to be at their dominating best..... bring it on!

LL

Doing the 9-5

2007-10-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Afternoon,

Bit of a slow day today where everything that has been put off and avoided over the last few months has now got to be done.

Lots more exciting interest for our 2009 adventures, and our university all inclusive packages to Portugal are flying out.

As far as marketing is going, it seems that there is no substitute for running top quality trips and getting the ttride word out that way. I'll book my Ticket.

However, in the meantime, there are lots of plans that unfortunately need lots of research and thorough documentation. Worth it if it means the call is made for more research trips. Now that is hard work!!!!

Spoke to some of the Jan 2008 Riders today, who are working in all kinds of different jobs in preparation for their trip, I am not sure who is more excited. Either way, we're set to go!!!!!!!

Better go nearly time to go home???

W

Cheer up Linley!! Look at Tim!!

2007-10-04T02:56:00.000-07:00

Having just spent a week on the west coast of Ireland taking on all the Altlantic could throw a me, i am back in the office and contrary to Linley's depressing winter fears, there seems to be a real buzz in air.

Bookings for all our trips are ticking along nicely and we are as ever taking our time to make sure that all those that sign on to our trips know exactly what to expect and are as excited as us about the prospect of spending the winter in the sun, sea and surf with Ticket to Ride.

Lots of school talks and gap fairs to go to meaning Tim is a busy boy going all over the UK in the TTRide Truck. Which if you see him or catch him on the phone, don't forget to ask him about his antics last night when he decided to put 20 litres of unleaded petrol into our DIESEL TTRide truck. Nice work Tim!!

Nevermind, though Tim is highly embarrassed, and at the end of the day we've all done it???? Well i haven't, Linley hasn't, but my mum has and so have a lot of other people's mothers.......!

Finally i have an added spring in my finger tips as I write this entry on my new macbook which is all part of our office technology makeover. Lots of wires, flashing lights and shiny new databases, printers, fax machines, just gotta work out how to use it all. All very exciting though.

Better go, Tim needs his error highlighted again.( I think an hourly reminder is best)

W

October Days

2007-10-02T10:02:00.001-07:00

It's getting to that time of year when you slowly start to realise that any hopes of a late Summer resurgence have well and truly gone. The calendar's turned to October, the nights are closing in, and your journey home will be exactly like your journey into work, grey, cold and dreary (and perhaps your only time outside in the day.) The trees are now bare, leaving the pavements brown, skiddy, and damp. Your skins lost any hint of sheen, hairline more seemingly retreated, and your eyes start to sit upon a couple of dark little sacks.

The luxury of the "Endless Summer" lifestyle has not hit us here yet. We find ourselves inside, staring at computer screens, working past dark, pulling our hair out as our over worked computers fail to run at the same speed as frantic minds, and arguing over who has managed to spent the least on lunch but is sitting there the most satisfied (there's never an easy conclusion.)

October can be a tedious month, probably because September can be such a great month, the last chance to savour some sunshine, and ride the waves you've been waiting for all Summer; but with October the reality that you will not be able to take to the water without your 5mm, hood, and booties is starting to sunk in, and with the exciting prospect of a few Summer months ahead still fresh in the mind, it really can feel cruel.

Still we're not in the best position to complain, as we're fortunate to have the prospect of a few sun drenched months in the the Southern Hemisphere ahead so things are never that bad.

Will (fresh from his triumphant return taking on monster swells and litres of the black stuff in Ireland) and I are off to see our friends at the Surrey Enterprise Hub tomorrow, and Tim's taking the truck to Wellingborough School to find a handful of recruits, in the hope that this time next year we'll be riding the best of the Southern swells, and guiding people into the start of another Summer.

Linley, over and out...

Teddies Tomorrow

2007-09-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a good couple of days putting together the final touches for the coming Gap Year Season. It kicks off tomorrow with the Teddies show and we've just got our new posters and brochures through that are looking good. It'll be fun to get back on the road and back to meeting people again....It should be interesting to see how many new companies have popped up too.

Then it's into the weekend and it should be a fun one. Will's out in Ireland and has been for a while, surfing the known and lesser known spots. I'm over to Paris to see if England can cling on till the Quater finals and Linley will be watching at home on the Big Screen keeping the TTRide flag flying in the U.K.

We'll hopefully see you at the Teddies show tomorrow, otherwise there'll be another entry at the beginning of next week

Over 'n out for now

Ticket to Ride revamped Blog

2007-09-24T09:57:00.001-07:00

Linley at sunset, originally uploaded by Ticket to Ride - Worldwide Surf Adventures.

If you're reading this then welcome to Ticket to Ride. We've had this blog going for a while now but in truth, it's been fairly inactive so we've decided to pick it up. Hopefully whatever appears over the coming weeks, months and hopefully years will be of interest - there's lots of trips coming up and the aim is to share what goes on in South Africa with as many people as possible. Obviously we're not always out in South Africa and Ticket to Ride keep pretty active in the U.K surf scene - we'll be using this blog to bring you news from past and upcoming events throughout the year as we did recently with Earthwave down in Polzeath a few weeks back.

So what's been going on in the past couple of weeks? It's been pretty hectic in the office, obviously school's go back now and as a gap year company, things go into overdrive as we move back into the school year.

Obviously September means swell and we've been off chasing a couple of classic swells, nipping off early a week or so ago to catch some epic waves on the east coast and ducking out to the Cornwall office mid week to polish off the new brochure and catch a few waves. If you're prepared to spend a few hours in the car there are some world class waves to be had right on our doorstep, and usually they're in the last place you'd look.

Click on the photo and it'll take you to our flickr page where there's a few more photo's to check out

Earthwave - Global Surf Challenge

2007-08-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

Ticket to Ride ‘Worldwide Surfing Adventures’ in association with the Surf’s Up Boardriders Club to lead England’s bid to take the 2007 Earthwave Crown and the World Record for most surfers surfing the same wave at the same time.

Motivated by the record breaking attempt on the Guinness World Record for the ‘most surfers riding the same wave’ in Cape Town in September 2006, the Kahuna Surfing Academy (Cape Town, South Africa) has challenged selected surf schools, promoters and surfing organisations in virtually every time-zone on the planet to try and break the record – all on the same day.

Ticket to Ride ‘Worldwide Surfing Adventures’ has been directly approached to co-ordinate and represent England’s participation in Earthwave.

“We are delighted to have been invited to lead England’s involvement in the Earthwave movement and are pleased to have enrolled the support of the prestigious Surf’s Up Boardriders club. We are hugely confident when it comes to our chances of taking the 2007 title, and ideally securing the world record in England as well” said Ticket to Ride Director Will Hayler.

Earthwave - The Global Surf Challenge - is the first worldwide surfing event to be staged in one 24 hour period and arguably the first sporting event of any kind to be run this way.

“Polzeath beach is the perfect beach to take on this world record attempt. With my Surf’s Up Boardriders club forming the core of those taking to the water hoping to claim the record, I think we have a very real chance to take both titles” says Pete Craske (founder of the Surf’s Up Boardriders club)

The current record stands at 44 riders on one wave set by Lahinch surf school (Ireland) with the unofficial record standing at 73 and held by the Kahuna Surfing Academy (South Africa).

The inaugural edition of Earthwave is scheduled for 2 September 2007 – and on the first Sunday in September annually thereafter. The project is expected to grow into the world’s biggest annual mass celebration of the surfing lifestyle with surfers from every country with a coastline participating in future years.

“Record breaking waves are not renowned for visiting England, however, this is something we hope to change” says Linley Lewis (Co-founder of Ticket to Ride)

With all proceeds of the days event being donate to “Surfers Against Sewage” Earthwave intends to mobilize the global surfing community in the quest for greater environmental awareness and what each and every person can do to reduce their impact on climate change, and specifically its effects on our oceans and waves.

The global scale of EarthWave will be used to highlight the problem of Global Warming and allied to a ‘call to action’ on what can be done to prevent climate change and particularly its effects on our oceans and waves.

It is hoped that over 300 surfers will take to the water on Polzeath beach(North Cornwall) on 2 September 2007 all hoping to take their place on a wave that is set to roll in onto English shores and be ridden in to world surfing history.

For more info and for details on how to register your place on England’s EarthWave call the Ticket to Ride HQ on +44 0208 7888 668 or email us at info@ttride.co.uk with “EarthWave” as subject line. Registration forms can be completed by visiting http://www.ttride.co.uk/earthwave.

See you down there…

TTRide Tri for Leukaemia

2007-06-05T01:39:00.001-07:00

Linley Tri, originally uploaded by Ticket to Ride - Worldwide Surf Adventures.

Never one for sitting around, TTRide director Linley Lewis competed in the Blenheim Palace Triathlon last weekend. Along with a field of over 5,000 triathletes from around the country, Linley finished in good time and managed to raise a substantial amount of money for the Leukaemia Research Charity as they look to raise up to £100 million to improve treatment of Leukaemia and other blood cancers.

Running as a member of the “Banana Army”, the charity fundraising team attached to Leukaemia Research Charity, Linley completed an 800m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run. Having had a taste of the “Tri” he’s now looking for bigger and better things with tentative plans for a fundraising Land’s End – John O’Groat’s bike ride next summer. Keep your eyes peeled on the Ticket to Ride website for further developments and sponsorship opportunities.

Ticket to Ride would like to say many thanks for the organisers of the triathlon and a big well done to all competitors.

For more info check out www.banana-army.com.

Pippa at the Salesians Institure in Cape Town

2007-05-31T07:05:00.001-07:00

IMG_0453
Originally uploaded by Ticket to Ride - Worldwide Surf Adventures

Pippa meets one of the pupils at the Salesians Institue, Cape Town. Another of Ticket to Ride's community project on the 2,000 mile adventure along Africa's southern coastline. There is alot more to the trip than surfing

Ticket to Ride management in Brittany

2007-05-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about being a surfer is being let into the lifesyle that surrounds the sport. Once you've caught your first wave the search for bigger and better waves in weird and wonderful locations begins. With several of our 2007 riders still trotting through various exotic surfing meccas across the globe in search of their piece of perfection, it was time for the Ticket to Ride management to slip away to a quiet corner of France in search of theirs.

So often overlooked by surfers heading further south, a quiet peninsular in Brittany provided empty waves, crystal waters, deserted beaches on which to camp and a memorable week for all involved. It's amazing where surfing will take you and more often than not, it will be to out there locations, rarely frequented by your average tourist and will provide a real adventure. There is no better way to travel than as a surfer on the hunt for good waves, especially when you're on the hunt with your friends.

Happy surfing days! And with summer around the corner there is no better time to grab a board and get in the water.

They've got a Ticket to Ride

2007-05-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

Following on from 3 months of surfing in South Africa with Ticket to Ride this winter and with the help of Ticket to Ride's extensive contacts within the surfing world, 6 riders have now secured jobs as surf instructors at various surf schools in Cornwall and Portugal this summer. For these six it is a dream come true and the icing on the cake after an amazing 3 months of learning to surf with Ex World-Champs on some of the world's best waves in South Africa.

Of these 6 several had never surfed prior to coming on Ticket to Ride's 3 month surf adventure around South Africa. The idea of working as a surf instructor this summer was beyond their wildest dreams as they borded the plane for Cape Town in January. However now, having traveled and surfed the entire South African coastline and gained internationally recognised qualifications in both Surf instructing and Surf lifesaving in Durban, they are ready to pass on the stoke at surf schools around Europe this summer.

This has proved to be a life changing 3 months for those lucky enough to take part in Ticket to Ride's inaugural trip to South Africa this winter and the future looks bright for 2008 with the two trips leaving next January nearing the sold out mark already!

Ticket to Ride wishes its riders all the best for the future and looks forward to 2008.

See you out there!

Ticket to Ride - Gap Year Surfing Adventures

2006-12-27T03:19:00.000-08:00

Ticket to Ride is a new Gap Year company which launched in May 2006, giving young people the opportunity to learn to surf, get involved with community projects, and gain globally recognised qualifications in Surf Coaching and Lifesaving in

South Africa

. Students will also get the chance to travel the country and become involved in local community projects.

Will Hayler and Linley Lewis are the brains behind Ticket to Ride ‘Gap Year Surfing Adventures’, both 2005 university graduates with a passion for the waves and professional qualifications as surf instructors and surf lifesavers, they are using their youthful experience to take the Gap year market by storm. Sponsored by leading surfing brand O’Neill, Ticket to Ride combines all of the essential ingredients to provide energetic, active and eager students with the experience of a lifetime.

In January 2007 a team of 20 riders will, for the first time, develop their surfing skills throughout a three month adventure. Riders will stop off at eight of South Africa’s premier surfing hot spots between Cape Town and Durban including the legendary Jeffrey’s Bay, famed as the best surfing spot in the world.

“Three months in South Africa is the perfect way to learn to surf, with our riders benefiting from world class and safe instruction from South Africa’s elite coaches” says Will Hayler, Director.

Ticket to Ride is also committed to supporting the local communities of South Africa and is linked with a number of recognised community initiatives working with African Townships. These include the Salesian Youth Development Project where students will assist in the local schools and the Valley Development Project.

Community efforts involve strengthening and developing training in youth employment skills, assisting with sports programmes for the local kids while teaching them to surf too. Riders are on hand to help local kids of South Africa make the right choices in life.

“Combining a surf season with community work brings something new and unique to the gap year market while ensuring that students feel they are really making a difference throughout their adventure” says Linley Lewis, Director.

The first Ticket to Ride adventurers leave on 17^th January 2007. A three month surfing adventure costs from £4,850pp and includes all accommodation, transport from Cape Town to Durban, community work and all professional surfing instruction from a team of proven South African instructors, two with World Titles to their name.

Surf Instructor and Lifesaver qualification fees, video analysis, first aid course and social events are also included. Excludes flights, food, equipment and insurance.

For further information on Ticket to Ride see Ticket to Ride website - www.ttride.co.uk

Or you can go direct to the relevant pages by clicking here:

Ticket to Ride, learn to surf, community projects, Surf Coaching and Lifesaving qualifications , surf travel, South Africa.