Meet the Team
Behind AWAVE Travel
Behind AWAVE Travel, there is a team of passionate surfers who want to share their knowledge for surf travel and help you get to surf the best waves possible! From surfers to surfers, we are here to help you plan the trip of your dreams!
AWAVE Travel has extensive experience in all the regions where we offer surf trips, deep knowledge or our products, and our Best Price Guarantee. All of AWAVE Travel’s partners have been hand-selected for quality, value for money, and reliability.
Contact AWAVE Travel today for your next surf trip!
James Colston
Having spent years working in the luxury surf and snowboard industry, James knows exactly what AWAVE Travel’s clients are looking for in a perfect trip. Originally from the UK, he has spent his adult life chasing waves and riding mountains.
When not busy with AWAVE Travel, you’ll find him looking for backhand barrels, spearfishing, and playing guitar.
Carlotta Longo
Carlotta is Italian, but a true citizen of the world: after working in the luxury hospitality of Dubai’s greatest hotels, she decided to embark on a new chapter and follow her passion for the ocean, which led her to Portugal, where she fell in love with surfing.
When not busy planning exciting trips with AWAVE Travel, you can find her practising yoga, climbing, or scouting for waves!
David Wallace
Originally from England, after a decade of working around the beaches and mountains of Europe, David has decided to make South West Portugal home and dedicate himself to helping people find their perfect surf trip around the world.
When not busy with AWAVE Travel, you can find him in the line-up surfing or behind the lens on the beach taking surf shots!
Ciar Coleman
Giulia Manfrini
Ex-pro snowboarder, originally from Italy, Giulia’s passion for surfing led her all over the world to chase waves! She loved a good mix of adventure and luxury and she always made sure that all AWAVE Travel’s clients came back from their trips stoked!
Giulia passed away in October 2024 and is sorely missed by all at AWAVE Travel.
James Colston
Having spent years working in the luxury surf and snowboard industry, James knows exactly what AWAVE Travel’s clients are looking for in a perfect trip. Originally from the UK, he has spent his adult life chasing waves and riding mountains.
When not busy with AWAVE Travel, you’ll find him looking for backhand barrels, spearfishing, and playing guitar.
Giulia Manfrini
Ex-pro snowboarder, originally from Italy, Giulia’s passion for surfing led her all over the world to chase waves! She loved a good mix of adventure and luxury and she always made sure that all AWAVE Travel’s clients came back from their trips stoked!
Giulia passed away in October 2024 and is sorely missed by all at AWAVE Travel.
Carlotta Longo
Ex-pro snowboarder, originally from Italy, Giulia’s passion for surfing led her all over the world to chase waves! She loved a good mix of adventure and luxury and she always made sure that all AWAVE Travel’s clients came back from their trips stoked!
Giulia passed away in October 2024 and is sorely missed by all at AWAVE Travel.
David Wallace
Ex-pro snowboarder, originally from Italy, Giulia’s passion for surfing led her all over the world to chase waves! She loved a good mix of adventure and luxury and she always made sure that all AWAVE Travel’s clients came back from their trips stoked!
Giulia passed away in October 2024 and is sorely missed by all at AWAVE Travel.
James Colston
Giulia Manfrini
Carlotta Longo
David Wallace
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is AWAVE Travel?
AWAVE Travel is a specialist surf travel company creating tailored surf trips to the world’s best wave destinations. We focus on quality over quantity, working closely with trusted boat charters, resorts, and local operators to deliver exceptional surf experiences. Whether that’s a private charter, a resort stay, or a hosted group trip.
- What makes AWAVE Travel different from other surf travel companies?
We are not a volume booking platform. Every trip is curated by people who surf, travel, and know these destinations personally. That means honest advice, realistic expectations, and access to the best options — not just what’s easiest to sell. We also limit how many trips we take on so every client gets proper attention.
- How long has AWAVE Travel been operating?
AWAVE Travel has been operating for over five years and has arranged thousands of surf trips worldwide, with a strong focus on destinations like the Maldives, Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, and other premium surf regions.
- Do you only offer surf trips?
No, we also offer workd class ski and snowboard trips. Surfing is at the core of what we do, but our trips often include much more — from yoga, wellness, and adventure activities to luxury accommodation and private experiences. Many clients travel with non-surfers, and we tailor trips so everyone gets value from the experience.
- Is AWAVE Travel suitable for all surf levels?
Yes. We work with beginners through to highly experienced surfers. The key is matching the right destination, accommodation, and surf setup to your level and goals. If a destination or charter isn’t suitable for you, we’ll tell you — even if it means recommending something else.
- Do you organise group trips and retreats?
Yes. We regularly organise group trips, hosted charters, and retreats for friends, surf clubs, creators, and coaches. These can be fully private or shared, depending on the setup, and we handle everything from logistics to accommodation and surf planning.
- Are your trips guided?
Some trips are fully guided, some are semi-guided, and others are independent. It depends on the destination and your preference. In places like the Maldives and Mentawais, experienced surf guides are often included, while other trips focus on flexibility and local knowledge rather than formal guiding.
- How involved are you once a trip is booked?
Very involved. We don’t disappear after payment. You’ll receive clear pre-trip information, arrival details, packing advice, and ongoing support before and during your trip. Many clients book with us repeatedly because they value this level of service.
- Do you work directly with resorts and boat charters?
Yes. We have long-standing relationships with carefully selected resorts, charter boats, and operators. This allows us to give accurate advice, secure availability, and ensure quality standards — rather than relying on generic listings.
- Is AWAVE Travel more expensive than booking direct?
Never. In all cases pricing is the same as booking direct, and sometimes better due to negotiated rates or added value. More importantly, you gain expert advice, trip planning, and support — reducing the risk of costly mistakes or mismatched bookings.
- Can you help with flights, transfers, and logistics?
Yes. We assist with flight timing advice, transfers, boat connections, domestic flights, and arrival coordination to ensure everything runs smoothly, especially in remote surf destinations.
- Why do so many clients return to AWAVE Travel?
Because we’re honest, experienced, and genuinely care about the quality of each trip. Many of our bookings come from repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals — which we see as the strongest endorsement of how we operate.
- Is AWAVE Travel a registered company?
Yes — AWAVE Travel operates as a registered UK company and works with licensed and insured operators worldwide.
- Do you offer support if plans change?
Yes. We help manage changes, reschedules, and issues where possible, and always act in your best interest with suppliers.