While “surfing” the TGT site, have you said to yourself, “I want to create and enjoy something like this!” You can and we are here to help. We believe, so ardently in what this will do for you, and those who join you, that we want to help. Of course, It doesn’t need to be about surfing; the theme can be anything that is common to your group. The TGT crew have varied backgrounds and careers but surfing was our original glue. What is yours?
Navigating budgets, destinations, schedules, and other obstacles can be challenging, but it should never deter you from launching what will make your valued friendships and connections deeper, and even life altering.
Want to know the process and how to start a group while ensuring that it thrives? Who does what? How do you divide the responsibilities? How do we pick a location?We are here to assist you and maneuver the challenges!
You can and should, bring together and foster the friendships you have!
Review out FAQs and CONTACT us for support. Deeper friendships await!
How do I plan a trip and choose a destination?
Did you know TGT is scientifically proven to improve your health and relationships with your significant other and co-works, Yep, its FACT Baby.
According to Danny Agnew’s study he states, “while women are able to maintain close friendships via non-face-to-face communication (phone calls, email, etc), men tend to require in-person contact and physical bonding to prevent growing apart.” This is substantiated by Oxford and Harvard studies.
Now, as I look back over the 20+ years of “Bro Time” better known as “TGT Time”. I concur that regular time with your Bro’s clears the mind and increases awareness of relationships at home and at work. I don’t need a study to prove that because I’ve lived it and experienced it!
So get your bags packed, grab your bro’s and hit the road! Wait, what do you mean you don’t know how to plan a trip and destination?
Okay, I am going to keep this very simple for you. First, it really doesn’t make a difference where your trip takes you, it’s the experience of getting there, being there and having a cold brew with your friends. For me, I love to travel and throwing five or six places in a hat and pulling one out is the way to go. Others may have different methods but this one helps me avoid paralysis of analysis.
A few things to consider while picking your location:
- Money – Set a budget! The more it costs, the more likely fewer can afford it and join the trip, so keep it reasonable. A week camping in Big Sur versus a week in the Galapagos can mean the difference between five guys going, or ten. Both will be, awesome TGT trips, and both affected the pocketbook differently.
- Length of the trip – like money, time away from home has to feel comfortable for everyone. The last thing you want is feeling you’ve been gone too long. This can clearly cause stress making any trip difficult to enjoy. We have found that 7-10 days has worked for our group over the past few decades. Communicate with your wife/significant other! Make sure they know they’re safe, you’re safe, and that the value of getting away with the guys will bring home a better man, refreshed and ready to take on whatever life throws!
- Weather – This is an important one. Take time to see what the weather is going to be at your new destination. Watch the seasonal norms in the location your considering. Really, how hard is it these days? We have the web and not just the Farmers Almanac. Back in our day…
- International versus Domestic travel – This seems like an obvious point, but remember, if you leave the U.S. you will need a passport and that can take up to six months. Also, if you have a passport now, you should renew it if you’re six months from its expiration. Hint: If you do leave the U.S., spend the time and money to get your Global Entry card. This can save hours clearing customs when coming back home. It only costs around $100 and if you have an AMEX Platinum, they’ll credit you back for the charge. Click here to apply.
Once you have narrowed down the variables, you are good to go. Write down on a piece of paper five or six locations and put them in a hat, then pull your next adventure out!
Cheap or fancy – chill or action-packed?
Trips should be moderately priced in order to encourage the greatest level of participation. It is true that we’ve gone a little nuts over the years with “once in a lifetime” destinations, but that is generally the exception and it certainly does cuts down on numbers. Other years have been very inexpensive and close to home, which encourages more to join in. Each trip will always have the flavor of the person planning the trip, whether more relaxed, action-packed, cheap, or fancy.
How to overcome the challenges of making a trip
For years I was asked to attend TGT Trips. I got exceedingly talented at coming up with excuses, after all, excuses are easier when there are plenty of “other” responsibilities. Besides, I have work and I have a family that needs me. Before my first TGT, I believed it wouldn’t be fair for me to spend hard earned money on a trip spoiling myself and not the family. In reality, I was just being lazy. It wasn’t until I finally attended my first TGT trip that I realized what I was missing! Money and other excuses were no longer going to be a factor. With proper planning well in advance, I was going to make TGT a priority. I finally understood and realized that getting away for a week was giving my family a well needed and deserved break. They needed a break from me, and I even needed a break from them. I took this reality for granted. I have now encouraged my lovely wife of 32 years to go on her own girls trips. Consider how you can make your own TGT trip and you’ll discover that the investment returns far more, in dividends, than you can measure! With proper planning and a little saving each month everyone benefits.
Getting a hall pass
In Junior High getting a hall pass was all about messing around with a few close friends in the halls to avoid the annoying teacher. In High School, it was the same friends but by now you figured out how to turn a hall pass into a short off campus adventure, even if it did mean detention at the end of the day. In college, NO PASS necessary, just grab your buddies and go raise some hell anywhere, anytime. No matter your age reading an article on getting a hall pass today seems like an oxymoron. Maybe you googled and landed here because those buddies mentioned above just offered you a “Once in a lifetime” trip!
Hell ya, I’m in! just went through your head and just a few moments later you thought, “how am I am I going to tell my spouse?” Here is where The Hall Pass takes on a more meaningful definition. You with me? Okay, so just stop with the stupid ideas going through your head right now. No, this will not be a once in a lifetime trip, as a matter of fact if you play your cards right it will be a once in a year for life trip. No, you will not cash your kids’ college funds to sponsor yourself to the Galapagos Islands, warm waters, cold beer, and perfect waves. This is a trip for true meaningful male bonding with those close friends who go through the same ups and downs of life and the daily grind you do and your significant other will soon learn you will be better for it.
Ask yourself, if you want a raise at work, do you whine, complain and ignore your co-workers and boss? Hell-no and well, if your that guy at home, guess what, you are not coming on the next guys trip either. Man up, be the guy you need to be for your spouse, kids (if you have them) and even your neighbor. That’s it, no silver bullet boys, Be a man, be a better you!
How to deal with someone who doesn’t fit
Every year the TGT group winds up with about 6-8 guys attending. Budget, timing and other factors influence our abilities to attend. Most of the guys have been on nearly every trip, but new friends join – and others fade away. A rule established early on requires that any newcomer has to be invited by one of the established guys. That established guy asks the group if their new friend would be welcome, and everyone needs to be in agreement before an official invitation is extended. There have only been a couple guys over the years that have joined us, and have not fit in. Nothing severe, but who wants to spend a precious vacation week dealing with a freak, right!? The odd friction is tolerated during a trip, but that person simply isn’t asked back the following year.
It’s often wise to consider avoiding the obvious “hot topics,” that include politics and other divisive subjects. While the TGT crew has contributed to faith based organizations we always strive to appreciate our varied backgrounds and remain sensitive to what makes each of us unique. You get it!
Keeping the stoke alive throughout the year
It’s all about friendly banter and text chatter. The new HM tends to start their reveal about 4-6 months after they’re chosen… or 6-8 months before their trip. This includes sending out emails to nail down availability, hinting at activities, or even what critters we might encounter. You don’t want to let the comms die down for too long, instead, trickle out “info-goodies” every couple/few weeks until you make the big reveal which tends to be around 4 months before the trip.
Helping a brother who can’t afford the trip
TGT is a highlight of everyones year. The destinations are always fabulous, but that is not what makes these trips great. It’s the fact that you get to hang out with your buddies for a week.
The bummer is that life is busy and we all have responsibilities. Each year, due to many circumstances, not everyone can make TGT. The reasons very greatly, but we don’t ever want it to be about finances. If one of us can’t quite afford to make it, then others have lent help to make it happen.
I have been personally been on the receiving end of this brotherhood. During the TGT fishing trip to Alaska I just couldn’t afford it. I messaged everyone that I couldn’t make it that year. Ian Mackenzie called me and said you are going; I have enough airline miles to pay for your flight. At that point I was in and had a great trip. I can’t thank, Ian enough!
The generosity of this group of guys is amazing. They are so willing to help you make the trip that they will do anything to get you to go. Everyone needs friends like these. Thank you my brothers.
How did our TGT group come together?
We all have different and varied connections, our friendships are mostly rooted in our TGT history. Some of us are childhood besties, others met in college or through work later in life.
What does an ideal crew look like? It’s as simple as any crew that has good camaraderie and chemistry. Our rapport started around the common love of surfing. There has always been an “esprit de corps” with our group. We are all comfortable expressing our thoughts, opinions, concerns, and and everyone is heard, accepted, and respected.
When considering members, ask yourself how they fit in enough not to disrupt the balance of the group and how also they might contribute something to the crew.
Custom Stickers? T-shirts/hoodies? Hats? Trophies? Poker chips? Dog tags? Shot glasses? YES PLEASE
Guys, can you all send in pics of TGT tchotchke?