By John Redmond
Contributing Writer
With spring, it seems that many of Korea's growing hardcore surfing communities are anviously awaiting the adventures of Seoul Boardriders surfing trips.
The east coast swells have arrived, with epic surf being had by the travel hardy just south of Yangyang.
What many are anticipating is the arrival of surf legend Cheyne Horan to teach surfing in Korea.
Cheyne was a professional surfer for over 10 years and now holds a master's level in surf coaching. He was inducted into the Surfers Hall of Fame two years ago and is one of only several people in the world who can certify potential surf instructors.
With this in mind, Seoul Boardriders set aside some dates for future ``Discovery & Learn2Surf'' surf trips. The old proven formula has had a shake up and now they are aiming to surf both Yangyang and Pohang more often, as well as Jeju and Busan.
There are also planned trips to Jeju and a Beach Party on April 17.
According to the organizer, There are two different kinds of trips planned.
The Discovery missions: They are more diverse in wave selection and usually members need to have their own board. With these trips, participants get in touch by phone on the Thursday night and work out which is the best place to catch the swell and then meet up late Friday night to take a private van/bus or catch a train/plane very early on the Saturday morning.
During spring, buying tickets a couple of days in advance should not be a problem. The club charges nothing for to join and those participating are welcome to book tickets/rooms with the Seoul Boardriders for discounted travel and accomodation. You could be surfing Pohang, Jeju, Busan, Yangyang or may be even the West Coast; wherever the swell is.
Learn2Surf: During these trips, the club caters to learner groups and takes them to either Busan or Yangyang to complete two surf sessions over the weekend. The only fee is for the surf Instructors, which is 10,000won per lesson or 15,000 won if you pay in advance for two lessons. If you borrow equipment from one of the surf shops, it usually cost 20,000 per board for the day. You can share boards and also use the showers and changing rooms at the club as well.
A great location, Seong Jeong Surf Club (SJSC) in Busan has recently renovated and has a great two-story club house with all the trimmings and the upstairs top deck has an awesome view where people can eat, drink and tell tales of the day's surfing as the sun sets over the mountain.
Members usually take the KTX from Seoul station down to Busan early Saturday morning and then grab a private van/taxi to Seong Jeong Beach, 15,000 one way.
The dates for Seoul Boardriders over the next two months are April 10 Discovery, April 18 Learn2Surf and April 25 Discovery.