Why I Love Surf Travel: One Man’s Inspiring Story

The words and the video by TPW New Zealand client, Matt Berridge

I have only been surfing for 2 years and I have only surfed on trips. This video shows my fourth surf trip. I live in Columbus , Ohio and work as a registered nurse. I live very far from the ocean, but I am love with being near it none the less.

A couple years ago my Dr. diagnosed me with depression/anxiety. She wanted to give me drugs to help me with this. I declined. I made the decision to heal myself through learning to do something that I always wanted to do, surf. It was indeed the right choice.

Now these surf trips have evolved into so many wonderful things that I could have never imagined and gave me a fresh start that I desperately needed. There are too many positive aspects to list about why I love surf travel, but I will share a couple that are at the core of why I do these trips.

First, I travel alone. I have no doubt that traveling with a crew of good friends would be a blast. But I have learned that I truly have friends all over the world that I just have not meet yet. Being honest and open with the people I encounter regardless of culture or language has always resulted in unique and special friendships and really good times.

Secondly , I have found that I am at my happiest when I am learning. As soon as I get off the plane everything around me is all new. This always wakes up my spirit and activates my brain and I immediately start learning about new food, language, culture, people, nature, waves and life! Even now as I write this I can’t help but smile when I think of all the interesting things that I have encountered just because I wanted to learn to surf 🙂

Every one has their own life scenario and their own reasons for wanting to do things. But for me, I can not speak highly enough of the positive aspects of surf travel. So no matter what your situation, I say work your ass off, save some money and GO!!!  And be sure to smile and say hi to me outside in the line up, that is if I don’t smile and wave first.

Thanks again to Glen, and everyone at The Perfect Wave for helping me find another trip that I will never forget! Now… lets talk about my next one!

Sincerely, Matt Berridge