Surf-Trip on the Pan-American Highway: A Roadtrip Like No Other

Motorcycle roadtrip dreams usually come with maps, mountain passes and endless asphalt. Sally and Tom took a different line: a surf-trip on two wheels, chasing waves along the Pacific edges of the Americas. They left the UK, paused their jobs for a full year, and built a simple routine made of fuel stops, sea breezes and dawn patrols. Planet Ride met them on the road.

“Hi Sally and Tom—can you introduce yourselves?”

Sally & Tom: Hi! We’re a British couple and we’re both surfers. We left the UK last October to start a long adventure: over one year, we decided to follow the Pacific coastlines of the Americas. Tom is a photographer and filmmaker, so he’s documenting the whole journey—photos, videos, the lot.

“How did this roadtrip/surf-trip idea come to life?”

Sally & Tom: It grew slowly, from a mix of things. Last year we spent the summer in Indonesia riding small bikes in far-off places, and we loved it. We also realised how easy it was to travel with all our gear—yes, even surfboards—on motorcycles.

Life in England was comfortable, but we wanted to surf better waves, more often. We wanted to change our lifestyle and priorities: live simply. Tom was teaching and didn’t feel fulfilled, which pushed us further. This project also gives him a real chance to build a photography portfolio—an amazing opportunity.

“Why choose the Pan-American Highway—and why do it by motorcycle?”

Sally & Tom: Honestly, we didn’t fully know what to expect when we chose the Pan-American Highway. Our roadtrip is different from the typical route because it’s entirely surf-driven—so we stick close to the coast to reach surf spots.

We considered a car or a van, but fuel, insurance, ferries and repairs didn’t make sense for us financially. On a motorcycle, everything is simpler. With a 10-litre tank, we can ride around 360 km, which is pretty good.

Planet Ride field reality: riding coastal stretches often means slower average speeds—towns, heat, crosswinds, and salt air. On many days, “360 km” can translate to 6–8 real hours once you add surf checks, food, and border or police stops.

“Have you been surfing for long?”

Sally & Tom: We’ve both been surfing for about ten years. We live on the coast and surf near home whenever we can. We actually love cold-water surfing, so warm water is new for us. It’s great—but it’s also busier in the lineup, which we’re less used to.

“How is the roadtrip going so far?”

Sally & Tom: I hope I don’t jinx it, because we still have months to go, but so far it’s been incredible. We had some administrative issues early on when we arrived in Chile, but aside from that we’ve been lucky.

You always hear stories about corruption, theft—everything you worry about when travelling. Right now, we’ve logged 20,000 km and haven’t had problems like that. Fingers crossed.

What helps on trips like this: keeping valuables split (one part on the rider, one part deep in luggage), avoiding late arrivals in unfamiliar towns, and planning your last fuel stop before nightfall.

“Let’s talk accommodation—how do you manage it?”

Sally & Tom: We’re travelling on a tight budget, so we try to live on about $16 per day. Some places are more expensive, so we stay less time and then find somewhere within our means where we can stay longer. Sometimes accommodation is really cheap and we can get our own room.

Otherwise, we camp a lot—probably half the trip has been in a tent. The rest is in a hammock, dorms, or sometimes rooms that aren’t always very reassuring. Camping is the best way for us to save money, but in the tropics nights can be extremely hot, so it’s not always easy.

Planet Ride craft tip (fatigue management): if you’re camping and surfing, avoid stacking “late-night camp setup + dawn surf + long riding day.” Build a rhythm: every 3–4 days, plan a shorter riding day to recover and reduce mistakes on the road.

“Did you have a favourite place?”

Sally & Tom: Yes—so many. For many of them we felt like we were the only ones who had found them, and we wanted to keep them to ourselves! In the end, the internet is the worst enemy of adventure and discovering new surf spots.

It’s nice to know some places are still less affected by technological change. For us, the happiness recipe is: good surf, cheap shopping, quiet places, and eating local.

“What’s next after this surf roadtrip?”

Sally & Tom: We’ll go back to the UK and work hard on our photo and video project. We need to become more self-sufficient. Sally and I will work through winter to get back on our feet—after a year of roaming, it’s not always easy. And of course, we’ll surf as much as possible.

“What message would you share with future roadtrippers?”

Sally & Tom: You can give yourself a million reasons not to go on a roadtrip. But if you think you’re the kind of person who can get something good out of it—don’t hesitate. Choose your next destination before you find excuses not to leave.

“Any tips or good deals to share?”

Sally & Tom: Go to Japan! In developing countries, everyone rides small bikes (max 200cc). They’ve got it right: life is economical, everything is cheap, mechanical problems are easy to fix, people are charming and don’t judge you—and they’re very clean. It’s really fun.

There we rode a Honda XR150—amazing little bikes. We were faster than most old trucks. And we truly believe taking your time matters: it’s how you make a place yours, immerse, and really learn where you are.

Mini-FAQ (practical questions riders ask)

• Is a surf roadtrip on a motorcycle realistic with luggage? Yes, but you’ll need a stable luggage setup, disciplined weight distribution, and frequent checks on straps—salt air and vibration loosen everything.
• How do you avoid exhaustion on a long coastal route? Keep riding days flexible, plan earlier stops, and build regular “short days” to recover—especially if you’re surfing at dawn.
• What’s the biggest hidden constraint? Heat and humidity when camping near the coast, plus the need to manage fuel, water, and secure parking without relying on constant mobile signal.

Thanks to both of you!

Photo credit (original article): Tom Bing @driftervisual

To keep following Sally and Tom’s adventures, visit their website.