Surfing
In search of new waves in Madagascar
Slade Prestwich, Grant Baker & Frank Solomon go off the map on the wild north-east coast.
1 min
Exploring Madagascar coming soon!
Exploring Madagascar coming soon!
Madagascar is just a short hop from SA, so its wave riches are well known. The more accessible spots down south, anyway.
The north is wild... Pathless jungles, croc-infested rivers and uncharted reefs.
“This was the difference between a swell chase and pure discovery,” explains Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker. “This is as real as it gets... In the 21st century most people are doing swell chases and there is very limited pure discovery missions still on the go. I’ve also been guilty of that the past 10 years - it’s a lot easier to chase a swell. But I’m changing my tactics,” Twiggy says.
Twiggy discovers
© Alan van Gysen
“We had no idea what the reefs or the surf was like before we went. I don’t believe that there have been surfers there before. There may have been the odd yachtie who came past and gave one of the reefs a go, but I can’t see that guys have surfed there constantly.”
Slade flying Air Mada
© Alan van Gysen
Tents, jungles and crocodiles is far removed from what Slade Prestwich is used to on the World Qualifying Series, but for the young pro it was revelation.
Five star jungle accommodations for Slade
© Alan van Gysen
Did they find anything? Full feature coming to Red Bull TVthis Thursday 9 July.