Adventure #236

Captivated by Samoa, we
immediately began offering guided
cycle trips there. At first, these
involved everyone bringing their
bikes, but I got tired of packing
them up at the end of each trip, and
we bought a small fleet of rental
bikes that we kept at a local motel.
It became known that we had
bikes, and requests for freedom
rentals increased without any real
intention or marketing. Before
long, we found we had 35 bikes in
Samoa and needed a better plan
and maintenance system.
Initially, we rented a motel unit for
three months, planning to only stay
for the peak season. But being
based in Samoa meant more time
to explore, and it wasn't long before
I had convinced Frances that we
should buy the local kayak tour
business.
The kayaks provided an opportunity
to explore the coast better. We
had some challenging adventures
with friends and clients as we
discovered turtle breeding grounds,
offshore islands teaming with
seabirds, uninhabited islands with
palm-fringed lagoons and remnants
of an old leper colony. We even had
close encounters with whales.
With the kayaks, we needed
more storage space, so gradually
expanded over the next few years.
By 2019 we had 100 bikes, 25
kayaks, and permanent residency
in Samoa. Our part-time hobby
business had become a full-time
job for both of us.
Our focus had gradually changed
from running large, challenging
guided trips in the Himalayas and
South America to almost solely
Samoa tours.
Looking back over the last 16
years, it has been a continuous
adventure. Not just an adventure in
the outdoors but in understanding
a different culture and running a
business in a developing country.
Some events have been highly
demanding at the time but more
enjoyable on reflection. Building our
house involved navigating a different
building consent process, dealing
with an often minimal and constantly
changing range of building materials
and learning to work alongside local
builders. Desperately attempting to
float off the concrete floor before it set
under a baking sun on a 34-degree
day was as tough as a typical
adventure race day.
The rewards have included listening
to clients when they return from their
trips, often lots of little things went
wrong, as is inevitable in a developing
nation, but so often we would be told:
"it's the best holiday we have had".
I still love watching people as they
spot dozens of turtles or seeing them
step out of their comfort zones and
conquer their fears. Teaching one
of our young guests to snorkel and
watching her worry turn to amazement
as we floated over coral gardens
remains a cherished moment.
Sunset at Falealupo Beach
It has been satisfying to see our staff develop
new skills as guides and bike mechanics
while learning new ways to build, repair
and cook with different and often limited
resources. Although I still can't cook an umu
or efficiently husk a coconut.
The 50:50 Plan remains a goal. We expect a
hectic year with the country fully open after
Covid. Making time for new adventures will
require some discipline, but there are many
opportunities for new activities in Samoa and
many places to explore in New Zealand.
A perfect lunch swim spot
"Looking back
over the last
16 years
it's been a
continuous
adventure."
Siva afi with two flaming knives while
the support band beat out an ever
increasing tempo.
Beautiful Samoa awaits you, and we are welcoming our international aiga
with open arms! Experience Samoa’s untouched beauty, unique cultural
experiences and rich heritage. Self drive, bike or stroll through the wonders
that make this island life one to cherish just like the locals do.
Contact Ross and Frances at: office@outdoor.co.nz to organise a custom tour or to join a group.www.outdoorsamoa.com
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