Frank Sets Sail

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Over the last few years Frank Solomon has made a name for himself as the new kid on the big-wave block. But it seems he's had enough of massive, ice-cold surf for now and has decided to beome a sailor. Chris Mason of Wavescape caught up with him about his upcoming sea-bound voyage accross the Indian Ocean.

Chris: Howzit Frank, what have you been up to lately? Getting any waves?

Frank: Hey bro, I’m all good thanks. Yeah have had a couple waves lately nothing amazing though. Had a couple of great dungeons sessions earlier this year and a couple good west coast missions.

Chris: So tell me about this trip, where are you going, who you are going with, what's it all about and what are you looking forward to most?

Frank: We are sailing from Richards’s bay to Madagascar, then Reunion then to the Maldives and Thailand. Going with James Taylor, his girlfriend (Cristina) and his brother. James's friend wants his boat in Thailand so we are sailing it there for him. It’s a 45ft cat that sleeps 8 people. Our mission is to hopefully find some amazing waves... I have NO idea what to expect the longest I have spent on a boat is 2weeks, so 2 months should be interesting.

Chris: So have you ever been to Reunion, Maldives or Thailand? What are you expecting to find in terms of waves? Is it the right season so score?

Frank: I haven’t been to any of those places yet. I have been to Madagascar though. I am going with an open mind I have no idea what to expect in terms of waves. I think we should get some waves though if not the diving is going to be amazing. I am going to Hawaii and Mavericks after so will be doing lots of free diving when I can!

Chris: Sailing across the ocean is quite intense, are you nervous? Have you ever had any experience like this, and can you sail a boat?

Frank: I am starting to feel the nerves now! I have never done anything like this before and have no idea how to sail, but I’m sure after this trip I will be able too!

Chris: If people want to follow your trip, how can they do so? Do you have a blog?

Frank: Yeah my website is www.franksolomon.co.za I will be trying to update it everyday. So if you want to know what its like to sail across the Indian Ocean check it out, because I certainly have no idea.