A flight to east, maybe two
It’s time to travel in the northern hemisphere.
So load your backpack, check the forecast and set the compass to the incoming swell.
Nicolò and Colby took these dogmas so seriously that they did it exactly.
Two moons ago, bored from windy and mushy European conditions, they booked a flight to east just straight to an incoming solid swell.
To reach their goal they took any kind of vehicle: big airplanes, small airplanes, motorcycles, pedal risciò, crazy taxi, friendly donkey and comfortable flip flops.
Sometimes it was a bit hard, especially the crazy taxi, but the first barrel canceled all efforts and started to hypnotize their soul through the marvelous blue.
They spent thousands of kilometers checking every single surfable reef, the mission was so smart: surf incredible endless waves and test the new collection of our products:
Nicolò uses a 7.0 coffin full loaded with 2 boards and photographic equipment.
Colby traveled with his 6.3 with two boards inside.
We were happy to hear that feedback was so good, all stuff and toys traveled safely during the entire trip. Especially when the crazy taxi driver drops off the coffin on the way during the run. Don’t worry, the 22 millimeters of closed cell foam absorb all the shocks saving surfboards and cameras, not so bad.
PS. Nicolò was so addicted to this trip that after 28 days at home he decided to go back there and book another flight to the east. He left Europe a few days ago, the adventure continue…
7.0 coffin stress test
When we started to talk about 10th years of guarantee to our products the entire team loved the idea from the beginning.
After several brainstorming the biggest challenge came out was: how can we check and test quality and durability products?
So we decided to reflect and follow the approach that drove all our design decisions: a strong mix between analytic computable data research and a freedom instinct on human behavior.
That was the decision: a real stress test in real condition and use.
Starting from this we took a final prototype of the 7.0 coffin model, we loaded it with 23 kg of wood plank and we hung it on Sahara sun for one entire year!
Some stress test data
- Test location: 28°40'42.4"N 13°55'57.6"W
- Duration: 8760 hours (365 days)
- Sunburned exposition: 2920 hours
- Weight loaded: 23 kg
- Day temperature (average) 24,5°C
- Night temperature (average) 18,1°C
- Humidity (average): 70,5%
- Wind speed (average): 21 km/h
- Plus: punched by everyone that came to visit us during the test period.
Last but not the least this model was also used by the team for some missions in Central Africa and East Asia with this motto: "please use it in the worst way possible and record what's happening".
What's come out
- Recycled fabric after 2920 hours of sun burn lose a bit its color
- 22 mm of extra protection work very well to protects boars (our riders was so happy)
- Define some handle points to reinforce
- Plastic hooks need to be changed
- The 7.0 could be also use as outdoor furniture design : )
Results
- We changed the plastic hooks using another more resistant model that is loaded with nylon fiber to improve resistance.
- Reinforce stitching structure in some focus points to guarantee load performance.
- Extra handles approved
- YKK zip pullers confirmed
- After 2920 hours of sun the fabric loses a bit of color but thanks to its ripstop structure maintain its mechanical properties
After all this long process we are proud to give you 10th years of guarantee, but more important at all we are happy to tell you:
”Relax and enjoy your surf, we take care of your boards”.
PS. if you have any questions of suggestion feel free to write us: hello@migrasurf.com
Behind our design process
As surfers born in Med we were and are used to burning miles looking for some peaks, we have a travel approach in our DNA.
Our design process is driven by our roots, that thanks to technology and human experience we transform ideas in products.
Each decision, shape, detail or material has its specific function, we believe into a contemporary dogma: essential is more. Not too much noise, basic identity and easy to recognize, design functional and durable.
Why have we added extra protection to the rails?
To protect our boards travelling, especially by plane, we load all foam possible to preserve any damage.
Thanks to the construction shape and stitching, rails, the nose and tail are well protected.
We craft our bags like a pillow and then we reverse it, with this construction surplus fabric remains inside and gives another extra boost to save our toys.
Real environment friendly products.
Using recycled fabric from the beginning was a clear way to go and not a decision to take.
For us to produce eco products is not a plus, but is a must. We cannot continue going ahead without knowing what's happening behind our actions.
We have to think about our planet and preserve our playground, that's why with all new collections we introduced another important step for us: 10th year warranty.
Can you imagine a surfboard bag with unlimited use?
A product for eternity, no more production, no more waste when it is over. Of course this is a hard challenge but is what we are dreaming of.
Tools for surf without thought.
Funcional, sustainable and durable are our three dogmas that drive all our design processes. Starting from these we set the standards at MIGRA SURF.
We thought to all traveling/daily use surf experiences, and maybe it could be a bit like kooks but our surfboard bags are designed also when are not used: wrap it and save space.
Made by 100% recycled fabric
We constantly work to reach quality products and focus to preserving our environment and our playground.
That's why all our surfboard bags are made by 100% recycled fabric from post consumer PET bottles.
For each bag realized we recycle more than three hundred bottles.
This process allows to save 41% of energy and reduce 32% CO2 emission compared with "standard" bags production.
One surfboard bag is made by 308 recycled PET bottles
Photo credit by David Edmondson, follow him on Instagram.
Marta Perales
Marta comes from the biggest island of Canary.
When she is not in the water you can catch her climbing a new vertical or on the way to the airport ready to take off for a new trip.
Marta's essential life is easy: surfing, climbing, arts and a deep love for Mother Nature. She is always looking for travel and experiences to fill her soul.
Follow @Marta on Instagram.
Erwan Simon surfer explorer
copyright @surfexplore and John S. Callahan.
Erwan Simon is absolutely a real surf explorer. From the cold-water Celtic coast of Brittany he plans, studies and researches new spots to discover and surf.
Together with famous photographer John S. Callahan and other travel partners founded the SurfEXPLORE group.
Discover new waves around the world is its addiction, every mission is planned by a mix of elements: weather forecast, maps analysis and local culture.
In these years Erwan has discovered and surfed so many waves in remote locations like Bangladesh, Libya, west coast of Africa and offshore islands of Papua New Guinea.
Follow @ErwanSimon and @surfexplore on Instagram.
Thoughts of a cold winter
With the arrival of winter the Mediterranean Sea opens its doors to the surf season, and moving along the coast by van you can find some of the most beautiful waves of Italy.
The cold clouds accompanied by a freezing offshore wind draws the sea as stripes like velvet.
The surf tribe back in game, the family of vans slowly becomes bigger and more colorful. Each surfer has customized his van, and in the morning the aroma of coffee heated by the stoves unites and connect every surfer.
We are in Italy in the country of beauty, the waves take a back seat, yes, because behind every bay there is a town with its millenary traditions.
The waves don't last long like in the ocean but I can guarantee you that the energy that you breathe among people is incredible, they are all electrified ready for the start of a great day of surfing.
The snow-capped mountains are the guardians of a fairytale scenario, and slowly as the sun rises the colors begin to take bright, the waves arrive from the northwest after a great storm, the wind blows away all even the bad thoughts in people.
A step forward into 2022
We spent all year developing the new collection and expanding a strong team to test the limits of the products.
We are so proud of these results and we can wait to show you all the new products before the end of next month.
These results would be impossible without all the creative minds that we are lucky to be surrounded by.
Thanks to all surfers, explorers, crafters and ocean addicts that helped us during this path.
All MIGRA SURF teams wish you a 2022 full of wonderful waves and wild adventures.
Relax and enjoy your surf, we take care of your boards.
Black Sea strike mission
MIGRA SURF ambassador and surf explorer Erwan Simon is a real wave hunter. He spent many hours studying the forecast and fetch before making the right decision: take a flight to Istanbul.
As like a big lake the Black Sea is an unknown location by most of the surf population and that was exactly what our explorer was looking for.
Erwan has a huge background surfing Med and thanks to his knowledge it was in the right place and right time.
A 1.4 metres swell coming from the North within a 7 seconds period and correct wind direction were a perfect mix for this mission around the north coast of Black Sea.
credit @bengisuyalvac
If you want more follow Erwan on Instagram.
New collection on the way
During this past year we put all our energy into developing the new product collection.
Thanks to every feedback you sent back to us and working around design experience we improved every single detail of our new bags collection.
New fabric, new zip, new design but same approach: create sustainable, functional and durable surf stuff.
The new collection will be enlarged with mid length and longboard bags and also with a coffin to load up to four boards.
Waiting is almost finished, stay tuned!
Teiva Joyeux collection back in stock!
We are so proud to announce that MIGRA 3.0 backpacks customized by waterman Teiva Joyeux are back in stock.
This time Teiva chose grey to represent his Polynesian design and his love for Mother Nature.
Each backpack is customized and signed by the hands of Teiva in person, don't miss it!
Follow Teiva and his brand Brothers of Tahiti on Instagram
Surf Saga Egypte
MIGRA's friend Erwan Simon is use to travel into remote place to discover new spots.
During last two decades with team of Surf Explore Erwan covered and filmed many remote waves, for our team their job is really inspiring.
This latest adventure around Mediterranean coast was a blast, a deep jump into recent born Egyptian surf culture.
A perfect mix between research, adventure and waves.
Absolutely to watch it!
Support local business - Wenzel Surfboards
We are glad to announce a new partnership with Canarias local shaper Wenzel Surfboards based in Fuerteventura.
Order a new custom surfboard for only €399.00 and get one MIGRA 3.0 dry backpack for free!
We believe that support local business is the best way to help our economy to restart after this stormy time.
Wenzel Surfboards doing great stuff from early 1997, more then 20 years of art craft and passion into hand shape design.
DETAILS
One custom board + MIGRA 3.0: €399.00
Time to realize custom order: 2 weeks
Delivery: to entire Europe
Shipping cost: from €65 to €135 depend by country
For any question on just to say hello DM to Wenzel Surfboards
First and second photos by Andrea Ru, follow him on Instagram.
Ceylon patrol
Before worldwide lockdown we spent some weeks between rice fields, palm trees, jungle and many spots to explore.
This is what we found in Ceylon Island aka Sri Lanka.
Not famous for big and perfect waves, this wide island has a few ingredients that’s create a perfect mix for our mission.
Focused to improve current products, we also did spicy brainstorming and designed some innovation that coming soon.
We tested some new products and did amazing shooting with photographer and perfect travel mate David Edmondson.
Tropical latitude is always a good choice, nice weather, warm water, fresh fruits and many waves to discover and ride.
All photos by David Edmondson, follow him on Instagram.
Looking for tailor-made?
We design bags to save your board in any condition, that's why dimensions are so important for us.
In case of impact if there isn't air between rails and layer protection your surfboard will be safer, for this important reason we design slim fit bags.
Starting from today with a little add for our local handcraft (€39.00) you can have your tailor-made MIGRA bag up to 22" wide.
We takes 15 days to realize and dispatch you custom order (free shipping worldwide included).
Adriatik's Trip
After explored and surfed many countries in Med, Erwan Simon realize that Albania was still a mystery.
There are really few swells per winter there, so when last march he saw good forecast he took a flight with the photographer Thomas Deregnieaux to check Balkans area.
© 2019 - Thomas Deregnieaux
Adriatik's Trip is a short movie about 36h of swell, waves searching between great landscape and friendly culture.
Surfer Erwan Simon
Credit Thomas Deregnieaux Photography
© 2019 - Thomas Deregnieaux
© 2019 - Thomas Deregnieaux
Did you ever ride a surfboard bag?
Every surfer know how could be boring summer flat season, that’s why when Gianluca call me with an insane idea I started to be excited.
Gianluca: Hi Marco, I would like to test one of you bags into waves.
Me: Are you kidding me? Do you want try to surf a bag? Ok, let’s do it!
I love crazy idea and also it will be a good opportunity to check how materials and stitching react stressed with new forces.
I know Gianluca since many years and I love how much passion he puts into surf world and into all strange ideas comes out his mind.
Here some tips from Gianluca's test drive:
01 - Choose a surfboard with a bit of volume will help you with floating.
02 - Cut the fabric to have fins out and keep control.
03 - Remember to keep out shoulder pad!
04 -Don't be shy to paddle out.
05 - Involve a photographer otherwise nobody will believe you (thanks Moncho Gil for capturing this moment).
06 - Don't care about reef or rock, your board is always safe!
Follow Gianluca Veglianti and Moncho Gil on Instagram
@marco.de.santi
(MIGRA co-founder)
Mark Iomal collection
We are ultra happy to announce our first collaboration with Mark Iomal.
Mark is a freelance artist and passionate surfer, he travels around Europe with his old Ducato caravan, his wife and their marvelous black cat.
We spent a lot of time together, had several meeting at bar counter and, of course, some nice surf session.
Always talking about surfing culture and creative world, during one of these he come with a small piece of paper and told me: “this is my vision of MIGRA, what do you think about it?".
Named “Everywhere you want to go” went out looking to MIGRA approach by Mark’s eyes.
He created a happy eco mobile with all you need in, a minimal must have for ocean lover folks.
Hand printed with water based inks on 100% organic ring-spun combed cotton.
Tee shirts are available in limited quantity on our online store.
Follow Mark on Instagram @bodasurfcaravan
Where I Belong
Where I Belong is the recap of Loïc Michel about latest four years around Canary Islands. The latest work of french born guy grow up in Fuerteventura.
Many great surfers and awesome waves filmed by eyes that knows well every single rocks of these magical arcipelago.
Are you looking for some fresh frames? Don't miss it!
Locations
Fuerteventura
Lanzarote
Gran Canaria
Surfers
Aday Perdomo
Benjamin Sanchis
Lazi Ruedegger
Manuel Lezcano
Manu Miguelez
Octavio Gonzalez
Pablo Claveras
Ruyman Rey
Salomon Moore
Tim Boal
Ocean gift
One of the thing I love of surfing is that every single day is different.
Even in the same spot and similar whether condition you never know what to aspect.
Until you stand on the beach looking at the lineup, you don't know if it will be a good day or not and then, even when you are out there, you can't really figure out what is going to happen.
When you are out there, every single wave could be the right one... even a single moment could make the difference between having fun and living something you will never forget!
That morning we were on the north shore looking to the lineup from the beach, there were clean lines rolling out there, a strong off shore wind blowing on the sets and few people around.
As soon as we reached the lineup we realized that we were really lucky to be there and we started screaming and laughing as child lost in a candy shop.
The wind was strong and the waves were powerful, the spot was working great, the water was deep blue and the sun was shining, every element was right, it was amazing!
We had really fun for the whole morning sliding trough those long walls made of water and then, in an undefined moment, the magic became reality: another set came in, I was sitting alone a bit further than the other guys in the lineup and the lines started growing up right in front of me. I paddled against the wind and I stood on my board looking at the wall I was up to ride off, my board was gliding fast up and down the line until I came in the last section of that long wave and, in a while, I realized that a fat lip was up to roll right up on me.
It has been amazing and almost unreal, I stood in that fat barrel thinking I could not came out, looking at that raw mass of water rolling around me...and suddenly my board got faster and the wave blew me out!
I could not believe I came out of that barrel, the other guys out there were stunned. My friends looking from the beach saw me and my 7'4” totally disappear in the barrel and then, when they saw me coming out again, they all started screaming for that unexpected bomb!
Till that undefined moment it had been a day like many others and then suddenly and as if by magic I got one of the best barrel I could ever imagine.
I will definitely remember that day for the rest if my life and not only because of that awesome barrel... but especially because I could share that joyful moment with my friends.
So don't trust your eyes, trust your heart, go out there and stay wet, ocean's gifts are always coming!
@Marco Milone
(big waves lover)
Photo credit Daniele Deiana