Up until 1980 Vanuatu was known as the New Hebrides, named after the Hebrides island chain off the west coast of Scotland. With palm trees, blue water and coral reefs Lord knows how the early explorers saw any similarities between it and cold, windswept Scotland.

Anyway, the local mob gained their independence in 1980 and ditched the ridiculous name - now Vanuatu it is.

Tom Jarratt recently spent his honeymoon there and slipped a board into the luggage. Lucky he did because he scored great waves that he surfed alone or with a small group of locals. Rather than being protective of their spots the locals kept asking him to 'come back' and to 'bring his friends'. According to Tom it was 'the best vibe ever' and there was plenty of potential on all the coasts.

Something to think about when you plan your next trip...

All photos by Tom.// STUART NETTLE