Surfing in Mauritius: Brendon Labonne
Exclusive WCS Interview
Earlier this year (pre corona world domination) our team had the pleasure of meeting Brendon Labonne aka Bart. Founders Mac and Nadia were kicking it sea side in a remote region of Sumatra when Bart and his buddies arrived for a 10 day surf trip. Not only is Bart a ripper but a wealth of knowledge and proud Mauritian. Within moments of meeting Bart, he had taken us on an adventure of ridiculous stories and mesmerizing underwater photos of whales and turtles; which he assured us is just another day in the life as a tour guide in Mauritius. Bart has a contagious enthusiasm for the marine environment and the ability to unlock all of the wonders of Mauritius to his clients. Checkout this full exclusive WCS interview, we guarantee it will make you want to consider Mauritius for your next surf trip.
Not everyone knows where Mauritius is, as a local could you help paint the picture of this beautiful paradise and share a little about Mauritius and what makes the island country so special.
"Mauritius is an island East of Madagascar, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with approximately 1.5 million inhabitants. Mauritius is a very multicultural island with white beaches and palm trees, mountains and of course great waves. The crystal clear water is warm all year round, and home to hundreds of dolphins, whales and sea turtles. It is paradise!"
What is the surf culture like in Mauritius?
"The surf culture in Mauritius is getting bigger among the younger generation, and the surfers here are very protective of the waves. Local Mauritians love surfing, the community of surfers is growing and even local board shapers are getting bigger on the island. If surfers from outside Mauritius want to surf here, it is always important to respect the locals and it is highly recommended to surf with a local guide."
The ocean is a very special part of your life, at what age did you start surfing. How was that experience? Any specific memory of learning to surf?
"I started surfing when I was 12 years old, because I grew up in a family and community of surfers. My uncle and dad were always hanging out with the Australian surfers, which created the movie ‘Forgotten Island of Santosha’ in 1974. I started teaching myself with my best friends, we both started surfing at the same time and learning from each other. When I first started to catch small barrels I was sold to surfing and knew I would pursue it."
What is the surf like in Mauritius? Does it break all year? Is there a wave for all levels?
"The most perfect left wave only works about ten times per year, which makes it one of the best waves to surf, located in Tamarin. Then there is Le Morne, which is perfect for surfing as well as for kitesurfing. There is One-Eye, a famous wave which is a reef break, attracting many experienced surfers from all around the world. The view from the wave is magnificent: the Le Morne mountain, a UNESCO heritage site. There are waves the whole year through but the best time of year for waves is from July until December. The waves are for all levels, which is great for beginners up to advanced surfers. As a surf coach I teach from small children all the way up to their grandparents!"
You started your own business that bring people closer to nature and closer to the Marine environment. How did you get the idea to start your own business?
"I went to South Africa to participate in a leadership and sport coaching course a few years ago. One of the people there was working for an NGO called Waves for Change. He inspired me because he was about my age and he started his own surf school, because he was so passionate about surfing and coaching. This gave me the idea to start my own business, as I wanted to share the same feeling with people in my own home as well. I have always been passionate about ocean, I volunteered at the Mauritius Marine Conservation and have always loved ocean activities such as scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, free diving and of course surfing."
Besides teaching people to surf, what are some other activities you do with your clients?
"The mountains on the island are the best for hiking and exploring, however the ocean related actives are my favorite. I take my clients on dolphin- and whale watching trips, fishing for tuna, kitesurfing, snorkeling and of course a beer on the beach after a long day of adventures."
We have all heard the saying "there is no place like home". Is that true to you? Is Mauritius the perfect surf paradise to you?
"Yes - 100% true. It is such a safe place, it is the best to surf with your friends and you know your homespot so well. These are the waves I grew up with, there is no place like Mauritius for me."
Frothing Yet? Follow Bart on Instagram and hit him up directly to help plan your next Mauritian holiday.
Contact info:
Instagram: @surfschool_mauritius
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Surfmauritiu
E-mail: brendonlabonne@gmail.com
Website: https://surfschoolmauritius.business.site/
Not everyone knows where Mauritius is, as a local could you help paint the picture of this beautiful paradise and share a little about Mauritius and what makes the island country so special.
"Mauritius is an island East of Madagascar, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with approximately 1.5 million inhabitants. Mauritius is a very multicultural island with white beaches and palm trees, mountains and of course great waves. The crystal clear water is warm all year round, and home to hundreds of dolphins, whales and sea turtles. It is paradise!"
What is the surf culture like in Mauritius?
"The surf culture in Mauritius is getting bigger among the younger generation, and the surfers here are very protective of the waves. Local Mauritians love surfing, the community of surfers is growing and even local board shapers are getting bigger on the island. If surfers from outside Mauritius want to surf here, it is always important to respect the locals and it is highly recommended to surf with a local guide."
The ocean is a very special part of your life, at what age did you start surfing. How was that experience? Any specific memory of learning to surf?
"I started surfing when I was 12 years old, because I grew up in a family and community of surfers. My uncle and dad were always hanging out with the Australian surfers, which created the movie ‘Forgotten Island of Santosha’ in 1974. I started teaching myself with my best friends, we both started surfing at the same time and learning from each other. When I first started to catch small barrels I was sold to surfing and knew I would pursue it."
What is the surf like in Mauritius? Does it break all year? Is there a wave for all levels?
"The most perfect left wave only works about ten times per year, which makes it one of the best waves to surf, located in Tamarin. Then there is Le Morne, which is perfect for surfing as well as for kitesurfing. There is One-Eye, a famous wave which is a reef break, attracting many experienced surfers from all around the world. The view from the wave is magnificent: the Le Morne mountain, a UNESCO heritage site. There are waves the whole year through but the best time of year for waves is from July until December. The waves are for all levels, which is great for beginners up to advanced surfers. As a surf coach I teach from small children all the way up to their grandparents!"
You started your own business that bring people closer to nature and closer to the Marine environment. How did you get the idea to start your own business?
"I went to South Africa to participate in a leadership and sport coaching course a few years ago. One of the people there was working for an NGO called Waves for Change. He inspired me because he was about my age and he started his own surf school, because he was so passionate about surfing and coaching. This gave me the idea to start my own business, as I wanted to share the same feeling with people in my own home as well. I have always been passionate about ocean, I volunteered at the Mauritius Marine Conservation and have always loved ocean activities such as scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, free diving and of course surfing."
Besides teaching people to surf, what are some other activities you do with your clients?
"The mountains on the island are the best for hiking and exploring, however the ocean related actives are my favorite. I take my clients on dolphin- and whale watching trips, fishing for tuna, kitesurfing, snorkeling and of course a beer on the beach after a long day of adventures."
We have all heard the saying "there is no place like home". Is that true to you? Is Mauritius the perfect surf paradise to you?
"Yes - 100% true. It is such a safe place, it is the best to surf with your friends and you know your homespot so well. These are the waves I grew up with, there is no place like Mauritius for me."
Frothing Yet? Follow Bart on Instagram and hit him up directly to help plan your next Mauritian holiday.
Contact info:
Instagram: @surfschool_mauritius
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Surfmauritiu
E-mail: brendonlabonne@gmail.com
Website: https://surfschoolmauritius.business.site/
