Drift Theory: The Custom Surf Charter Navigating Central America This Spring

Originally posted on SURFER | By Chris Dodds | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 7:00 PM ET

Kelly Foote is a surfer, filmmaker, fisherman, and, above all, he's a sailor. Over the years he's done numerous oceanic crossings and has owned and worked on over 20 vessels. To put it simply, he know's what he is doing on the water.

Torren and Aiyana Martyn invited Kelly to come along and help when they first started their journey on Calypte. Now, Kelly and his partner Hunter Hulett, have their own ship that they're currently sailing from Panama to California and they've got weeklong spots for people to join along.

With a shared background in professional filmmaking, and a lifelong passion for the open sea, the two decided to bring their production house to the water and offer spots along a dream journey-- of traveling by boat and surfing and fishing at the best spots along the way. This is Drift Theory.

In a recent conversation with Kelly and Hunter, as they were posted up Bocas del Toro, Panama, brought the scenario into perspective, "We're anchored here with immense beauty at our fingertips and great waves all around. We caught up with Scott at Red Frog Bungalows and had an absolutely insane day of fishing and there's more swell on the way."

"From the spotted islands on the Panamian isthmus, to the tropical jungle coastlines of Costa Rica, the prolific waters of Mexico, and then northbound to the rugged Channel Islands in California, we’re welcoming small groups and curious individuals to join us for one-week sailing adventures."

The best part is, you don't need to know how to sail. Just an open mind and a sense of adventure--you're go-to surfboards and an appetite for fresh seafood, too.

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The boat is fully equipped with freezers to stock fish and supplies for over a week and parts of the journey involve linking up with local farmers to source fresh ingredients. "Surfing is an attraction but food is our passion. This is about exploration while combining those two things to the highest potential. That's the goal.

Upcoming Voyages

For the next three months they will navigate their way from Central America to Southern California with the waves and fish as their gudes. Throughout this time Drift Theory is available for custom charters, just drop them a line on Instagram to inquire.

San Blas Islands, Panama: April 13-20

Pacific Coast, Panama: May 1-8

Costa Rica: May 15-22

Baja, Mexico: June 5-12

Channels Islands, CA: TBD July