For globe-trotting surfers in search of uncrowded waves, there is a surprising new destination on the radar – North Korea.
A tour company in New Jersey wants to put North Korea’s waves on the map as an up-and-coming surfing destination and plans the first ever surfing expedition and training camp there in September.
NJ-based Uri Tours is planning an eight-day tour and is inviting foreign tourists to be among the first ever to surf its waves.
The surf trip is being led by Italian Nik Zanella, a representative of the International Surfing Association and current coach of the Chinese National Surf Team.
"The DPRK will not become the next Malibu, but it receives enough swells to sustain a vast surf community," Zanella said.
Zanella said the pioneering trip will include mapping wave patterns for future visitors along with an intensive surf camp.
The trip runs from September 13-20, 2015 and is priced at $2,400 including flights from Shanghai, visa fees, sightseeing and all accommodation.
"With the support of the local tourism authorities, we’re excited to be offering this. Our long term vision is to create a local surf community that both visitors and locals can enjoy. We received permissions to have local North Koreans participate in the surf camp."" said Uri Tours CEO Andrea Lee.
