The Surf 47

About STC

STC is a name that is synonymous with international surfing and travel adventure and has been since it pioneered the fledgling industry 20 years ago. Every surfer that has ever been on a trip to Indo, the Maldives, PNG, the Pacific or any far flung surfing destination owes a small legacy to STC, because without the foresight and dedication to the travelling surfer, such opportunities would remain only for the hard core explorer. There are now many who imitate, but there is only one Surf Travel Company.

The Surf Travel Company was established in 1987 by a visionary surfer who had a hand in discovering many of the Indonesian breaks that are known today and was one of the early pioneers in dedicated surf charter boats.

A change of ownership occurred in 2002, and the company came under the direction of David Hutchinson who, like his predecessor loved Indonesia for its people, beauty and awesome surf! David lived in Indonesia for many years and has travelled through most of the archipelago, including the regions of Lombok, Bali, Java, Sumbawa, Sumba, Timor and North Sumatra. David has owned and operated various charter boats in the Mentawai Islands and surrounding region, has a wealth of experience in and around the area and also understands the necessary requirements of a quality Charter Boat. David has also surfed in various parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Lord Howe Island, Rottnest Island, Cocos / Keeling Islands and like the rest of us loves to get away from the crowds and continue the search for the perfect wave!! David is now the Product Manager of STC and specialises in continually sourcing and providing great new destinations and charter boats for STC’s clients to experience. As new and exciting destinations become accessible and demographics of the travelling surfer change, David is sourcing new destinations to suit not just the hard core surfer but also destinations and alternatives for partners, families and friends.

In October 2006, The Surf Travel Company came onto the radar of another couple of passionate surfers, Adrian Bouris and Ian King, who are two of the founders of BBB Capital*. After STC had experienced a couple of hard years in the industry due to world events, BBB Capital sought to become involved in re-establishing the Surf Travel Company brand, business, service and reputation for excellence in surf travel and adventure. The business of STC has now been re-established under the name Surf Travel Company Holdings Pty Ltd (STCH). It is worthwhile emphasising that none of STCH or any of its founders or shareholders are associated with, or related to the original owner of STC. Supported by BBB Capital, STCH now has some amazing destinations and product, the majority of which have been experienced by the new owners who have a very ‘hands on’ approach within the company. The company is now managed by Ben Phillips who has worked for many years within the Travel Industry providing thousands of clients with unforgettable trips. Ben has travelled and surfed throughout various parts of the world such as Brazil, Peru, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, Bali and the Mentawai Islands. Ben, like all our staff is passionate about ensuring our clients get their bit of “Exotic Medicine for the Soul” from every trip!

The new Surf Travel Company remains focused on providing our clients with excellence in customer service. We ensure we take the time to identify our customers’ requirements and needs, ensuring that their chosen surf travel adventure meets expectations, no matter what their budget or surfing standard. We have selected all of our charter boats and land camps based on them having superior value and quality. All of our staff have a passion for surfing and love to travel. They are all fully trained on all of our products and the chances are that if the person you are dealing with hasn’t been where you are going, one of us has!!! The packages that we provide at STC are often unforgettable trips of a life time. Let us change your life ...

* Check out their website, www.bbbcapital.com.au for more details on BBB Capital.