For most surfers, the idea of scoring perfect, empty waves on a remote island is the ultimate dream. Now, imagine combining that with the freedom of sailing—anchoring beside an untouched reef, paddling out to a glassy left-hander, and knowing that no one else will be dropping in on your wave. That’s exactly what Max and his crew aboard Elixir, a 1970s Swan 37, are living as they explore the Vava’u group in Tonga.
Sailing into the Dream
Max, originally from the UK, set out to sail around the world, chasing not just the adventure of the open sea but also the kind of surf sessions most of us only see in magazines. With his crew, including California surfer Maddie, Elixir has been navigating through the South Pacific, and their latest stop in Tonga has been nothing short of magical.
The Vava’u group is a dream destination for sailors, offering protected anchorages, deep bays, and countless small islands. Unlike many other parts of the South Pacific where long offshore crossings are required, here they can hop between islands while staying in relatively calm waters—an absolute luxury for any sailor.
But what makes this place truly special? The waves.
Scoring Perfect, Uncrowded Waves
One of the biggest perks of traveling by boat is access to waves that are impossible to reach by land. After anchoring next to a remote reef, the crew found themselves staring at a perfect but shallow left-hander breaking just offshore. No crowds, no surf schools, no locals competing for sets—just them, the ocean, and endless rides in paradise.
For Maddie, the Californian surfer on board, it was the dream setup. Armed with longboards and shortboards, they spent days scoring fun, clean waves in crystal-clear water. They even joked about claiming an island for themselves, naming it “Fro Island”—where only frothers (stoked surfers) are allowed.
More Than Just Surfing—Life Aboard Elixir
While the surf was firing, the sailing lifestyle isn’t always effortless. Life aboard Elixir comes with its challenges—repairs, navigation, and the constant battle against saltwater corrosion. At one point, they had to fix a faulty fridge, learning that creativity and problem-solving are just as essential as good wave selection.
Navigating these reef-filled waters also required precision. Using a mix of navigation apps, depth sounders, and visual spotting from the deck, the crew carefully picked their way through unmarked coral heads to avoid running aground. This kind of hands-on navigation is a lost art in modern surfing, but for sailors, it’s a daily reality.
The Next Chapter: A Race Against Cyclone Season
After two days of perfect waves, empty beaches, and living completely off-grid, it was time to move on. The crew set sail for the town of Neiafu to pick up new crew members and prepare for their next big passage—sailing to New Zealand before cyclone season hits.
For Max, this journey is more than just a surf trip—it’s a lifelong dream come true. And for those watching from afar, it’s a reminder that the perfect wave isn’t always found at the end of a dirt road—it might just be waiting for you beyond the horizon, where the only way to reach it is by sea.
Follow the Adventure
Want to experience the sailing-surfing lifestyle yourself? Elixir takes on new crew members through their Patreon, offering a chance to join the voyage. Follow their journey on Instagram and YouTube for more dreamy South Pacific sessions.