Conferences are a major activity of the Association.  Professional and scientific presentations generally take place in the evenings to allow full daylight hours for surfing, exploration and relaxation.  These meetings offer an opportunity to re-connect with old colleagues and to meet new ones.  Many participants join the SMA primarily to be able to attend these events, which are almost always booked up early.

ANNUAL CONFERENCES
Month Location Description Contact Current Status





March
(9 days)
Maldives
(Indian Ocean)
This is the main gathering of the Australian contingent
of the SMA
Harry Gatt
maldivesmedicalconference@msn.com
Openings for 2009 to be announced this fall





July
(7 days)

Tavarua
(Fiji)
This has been the primary meeting for the entire SMA tribe for the last 20+ yrs. Paula Smith
SMACentral@aol.com
Fully booked for 2008 but openings may occur due to cancellations





September
(10 days)

Mentawais (Indonesia)

This is a new boat trip Bill Jones
bjones_surf@yahoo.com
Fully booked for 2008 but openings may occur due to cancellations





October
(10 days)
Biarritz
(France)
This is our third annual European Meeting Dr. Bob Speers
speers@lava.net
Openings now available. See FEATURED CONFERENCE below





November
(8 days)
Maldives
(Indian Ocean)
This is the 2nd meeting of the Australian Chapter Harry Gatt
maldivesmedicalconference@msn.com

Openings now available for 2008 (Non-Aussies okay!)


FEATURED CONFERENCE

SMA:  BIARRITZ


Our third annual European meeting will be held in the south of France from October 5th to October 14th, 2008.

The all-inclusive (except airfare) conference fee of US $3,000 per person includes:

  • One ocean-front room (based on double occupancy) for 10 nights
  • Continental breakfast plus lunch and dinner every day at French restaurants
  • Local surf guides and daily ground transport each day to selected spots du jour
  • Exploration of the entire Cote des Basques from Hossegor to Mundaka
  • Daily cultural excursions with local guides for nonsurfing attendees
  • A contribution to support SMA’s work in developing countries

We will be based directly in front of the most consistent breaks in France with only a short paddle out to the legendary peaks where surfing began in Europe.  The nearby coast features a wide variety of setups, ranging from mellow sandbars and challenging point breaks to outer reef power spots.  We will be there during the best time of  the year for waves and offshore winds.  There are two ASP events scheduled close by during this period.

Cuisine par excellence, continental culture, and networking with our international colleagues all await attendees.  Our conference program will feature scientific and professional presentations by all participants as we update the status of the surfing/health-care interface.

Space limitations may preclude late registrations.  To reserve your spot, you must send an initial deposit of US $1,000 per person, as soon as possible.  Make check payable to:
SMA: BIARRITZ and mail to: 1330 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste 2101, Honolulu, HI  96814

If you have queries or need additional details, contact the chairperson, Dr. Bob Speers, at the above address, at speers@lava.net or at (808) 593-1330.

A bientot (See you there!)

 
HOME - ACTIVITIES & OBJECTIVES - VILLAGE PROJECTS - CONFERENCES - JOURNAL / RESEARCH - JOIN SMA - FORUM - STORE
Copyright © 2006 Surfer’s Medical Assocation. All rights reserved.
Created by LavaNet.