Surfers can donate their old surf boards to a charity project run by the Saltmotion Gallery to give to the people of the Solomon Islands. Additionally, we are also showing a film on the biggest screen in Manly to help raise money for the cause.

In 2011 a group of friends from Saltmotion went on a surf trip the Solomon Islands. The trip turned out to be one of the most amazing, eye-opening experiences of our lives (we also scored perfect surf).

The Solomon Islanders live a unique, subsistence lifestyle and the business of tourism is only just beginning to reach them. The locals are natural water people who grow up in dug-out canoes and have an amazing ability to take to the waves. The only thing missing is surfboards.

The Solomons are a wave rich area, which has the potential to become the perfect example of properly managed surf tourism where the local communities benefit from the travelling surfers and numbers in the lineups are well managed.

Before they can understand what overcrowding and foreign investment in surf camps and charter boats can do to an area, they need to understand what surfing is all about. By donating your old boards you can make this possible.

While the boards are donated, the cost of shipping them there is around $5000. This also allows for buying school books and stationery that is also desperately needed. To raise the funds required, we are running a film screening event along with a corresponding Raffle.

On Tuesday 27th March will be screening the documentary 180 Degrees South at St. Matthews on the Corso. This is an amazing opportunity to do some good as well as see a surf film in a very unique ‘theatre’. Tickets are available from Saltmotion or at the door for a minimum donation of $10. Please arrive by 7pm for a 7:15 start.

There will be raffles and prizes as well as live music and a teaser of a new film from local film producers, Good Cheer Productions.

Prizes Include: $1000 Perfect Wave Travel voucher, Patagonia Backpack, 3 Month Power Yoga Pass, Carver Surf Board Rack, Sea Shepherd T-shirts signed by Paul Watson, Musica Surfica DVD signed by Derek Hynd and Sage Joske, Manly Kayak vouchers, Private Yoga Session.

To get involved and donate your board, please drop off between 10th to 18th February at either of the drop off points:
Saltmotion Gallery, Market Place Manly 10am – 6pm
Patagonia Manly, 24 Darley Road, Manly 10am – 6pm
The Perfect Wave, 3/20 West St. Brookvale  9am – 5pm

I can’t wait to see you there…
Joel Coleman.