The Directors:

Tahitian Surfaris was formed by Ben Holland and Ian Stewart who have both been surfing in French Polynesia since 1995.

Ben Holland is a respected bodyboarder on the world stage being runner up for the world title more times than he cares to remember.

Ian Stewart is a professional photographer/film-maker who has produced over 20 surfing and bodyboarding films that have been viewed by audiences all over the globe. His photography has graced the covers of over 30 magazine covers worldwide.

Both Ben and Ian grew up surfing the reefs and beachbreaks of the Central coast during the 80's and 90's and were lured overseas to pursue their search for uncrowded perfect waves as crowds continued to grow on most Australian surfing beaches, especially in their own backyard with the regions close proximity to Sydney.

The pair have travelled together to Hawaii, Tonga, throughout Indonesia and Australia but their travels over the last decade have been firmly focused on the islands of French Polynesia.

It is with great pleasure that they present to you the opportunity to come aboard Vigilant and experience their Tahitian dream. You too can now understand true paradise.

 

The Crew:

Your Captain / Co-founder - Mike Sanford.



Tahitian born and bred, grew up surfing the reefs and beach breaks of the Papara region. Mike is a qualified boat skipper and has spent time working aboard some of Tahiti’s larger Tuna fishing boats and was one of our skippers for the crossing of the Pacific from Australia to Tahiti. Mike speaks French, English and Tahitian and knows his waves and island as only locals do. Tahitian Surfari’s Turtle based logo has been inspired from a Tattoo that Mike has between his shoulder blades on his back, Tahitian to the core.

Your Tour Leader / Co - founder / Deck Hand - Ben Holland.

One of the Cental Coasts favourite surfing sons, Tahitian veteran of over 10 years, runner up for the bodyboarding world title three times. Ben has won world tour events in Brazil, Hawaii, Portugal, Japan and Australia. Ben is a likeable character with a great sense of humour and will make you feel at home in comfort within the waters of French Polynesia.

One of Bens First waves at Teahupoo, Tahiti in July 1995