Big trip to WA

Hello everybody,

Im planning a big trip to WA and hope to get some help and tips from locals or others who already had the opportunity to take it.

Im leaving from Amsterdam at the end of October 2012 and will be staying till I want to go somewhere else.. I will have a working visa so will be allowed to stay for a year.

When I arrive in Perth I would like to buy a minivan and just fill it up with supplies and my gear and drive to Geraldton. Can any of you please tell me what will be a good way to find such a van, what kind of gear I really have to take with me..

In the Netherlands I am more of a freestyler than a die hard wave surfer, but I have lived in Mauritius for 6 months and sailed a lot in the waves over there so my trip will mainly focus on waves and just improve in wave sailing.
I am currently considering to only fly with my sails and mast etc. and just buy a good wave board when I arrive.. This will allow me to fly relatively cheap to Australia instead of paying alot of money on my bagage..

I hope you guys and girls can help me!! It will be appreciated a lot and if you help me I hope we can share some beers after a nice session!!

Cheers,
Joris

"Im leaving from Amsterdam at the end of October 2012 and will be staying till I want to go somewhere else.. I will have a working visa so will be allowed to stay for a year."



Did you miss the plane ????

Yep Joris, I'm the same.
Start of the new year I concentrate to put in 2013.
A few months in and I write down 2012 as I slip back into old habbits.

If you get over here at that time (October) head north. The suns out and the wind starts up there earlier than down south.
Follow the sun and the wind south as the summer comes on then head north again and chase the last of the seabreeze as summer fades away.

Hey Joris,

Plenty of excellent spots to sail, and boards are readily available - just be aware that the exchange rate makes everything a little expensive at the moment if you're traveling on the Euro. Cars and vans are not cheap here anyway.

As well as the minivan idea, consider a Holden Commodore Wagon...

www.gumtree.com.au/s-automotive/perth/commodore+wagon/k0c9299l3008303

Massive enough to sleep in with your kit, a bit safer (in my opinion) and every aussie mechanic can work on one in his (or her) sleep.

If you're going to be based in Geraldton then you may want a freestyle board as well as there are some great options around for when the swell isn't in.

Enjoy!