Getting an insight into the great diversity of the oceans and their associated human cultures has changed the way I look at surfing and what I think about surf travel.

It’s scary how easy it is for us to grab a cheap flight to an exotic destination, armed with multiple boards, MacBooks, new camera and a credit card.

In some of the destinations I’ve visited the locals have never left their home community, let alone have iPhoto to load their daily surf shots.

I often wonder how they feel watching us getting merry in bars, eating out at restaurants then moving onto the next destination?

If there is ever some way you can give back to the communities you travel to I’d always say, “Just give it a go!”.

Next time you’re in a third world destination stay an extra fortnight and volunteer at the local school, or help them build a well so they can have drinkable water.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t speak the language, a smile communicates universally. Even if you just surf the waves on your doorstep, find out when your local Surfers Helping Surfers day is and go along!

For me, surfing is the lifeblood of everything I do.

It teaches you to explore – explore the world and explore yourself. So get out there! There is a wave going unridden right now!!

Check out some of Thea’s work on the Yahoo Surfboards website here.