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Hi there,
It's probably getting a little late to say this but a happy New Year to everyone and we hope you had a great festive season. Seems like an eternity away now as February is just days away and our thoughts start turning to the 2010 Indo season.
A special thanks to everyone who travelled with us in 2009. Despite all the early economic turmoil it turned out to be another good year for us keeping Nev, Ani, Sue, Andi, myself along with our many operators on our toes. It was a slightly unusual season surf-wise with a couple of lean spells early-mid season, but late season pumped, delivering swell after swell right through to mid-October.
2010 season looks like it will continue the same way as 2009, so if you're thinking of doing a trip, book earlier rather than later to avoid missing out on your required dates.
Enjoy the rest of the newsletter. We've included some Flash slideshows. Hope you like them. And lets hope we get more swells like the one that hit east coast Oz last week.
We'll report back again after a short trip to catch up with Nev in Feb.
Until next time, safe surfing,
Stu & Nev |
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Nev's Report
(Nev is managing Ombak Indah Losmen and this it taken from his Sep 2009 news update on the www.ombakindahsurfcamp.com web site).
2009 has been the busiest year we've ever had. Good work by all our agents has ensured that most of the year was fully booked and we never had to sit around waiting for walk in crew to fill our rooms. In fact when crew did turn unannounced up we invariably had to send them down the road to other camps and losmens.
As usual, our guests were a regular united nations bunch coming from many countries and backgrounds which allows for many surf stories and understanding of other peoples lives.
Thanks to new agent True Blue Travel in Sth Africa. |
Ombak Indah pics from 2009
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I got to meet more SA surfers than ever, they just seemed to keep coming! Unfortunately for the Aussies and Kiwis at the camp, we had to put up with a lot of jokes and bagging about the state of our rugby teams. In the main the Saffers were a credit to their country being a very friendly and laid back crew who got on real well with the other guests and can claim to be the most successful fishermen we've had here.Continued below
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Stu's Report
2009 was a pretty busy year for me and I was lucky enough to spend about 3 months in Indo throughout the season.
I started early May with a short trip on Sri Noa Noa with my brother Richard to Lombok. We got some waves at Desert Point and Shipwrecks, but the highlight was cruising the little islands tucked in behind Bangko-Bangko, in particular Gili Nanggu. The views from Rinjani to Gunung Agung on Bali were spectacular, as was the snorkeling.
From there I continued on to Ombak Indah to catch up with Nev and get a few waves (see pics in slideshow above). Ombak Indah is a great place to meet new friends, to surf, talk, drink Bintangs and generally kick back. Among a Freeline group of ski-instructors was a 62 y.o. who was charging as hard as anyone, especially when Sue and Dave
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Bali-Lombok-Sumbawa 2009
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'Messiah' Custer arrived, bringing with him a solid swell (as usual). More on this certain 62 y.o. a little later. This was Sue's
first trip to Ombak Indah and we were stoked that she enjoyed her stay and also got to meet Andi, our main man in Jakarta. Sue, now an integral part of the team, is an expert on this destination and we are stoked with great service she is providing. |
Next trip was in August, when is spent about 3 weeks between Ombak Indah and West Java. While at Ombak Indah I got to check out some local attractions that I'd heard about but not yet visited - the elephant treks about 1.5 hrs south and the jungle treks about 2 hrs north, just before Liwa. Sumatra his home to the largest unbroken stretch of natural rain forest in the country, covering the mountain range starting at the southern most point of the island and continuing all the way up to Aceh & still home many species of wild animals, including tigers. Well worth a visit if the surf is small or you need a break.
Next stop was West Java, my first trip there in just over 2 years. For some reason bookings in 2009 to this area were very quiet, so it was a good reason to have a look and catch up with Agus, our under-employed surf guide. When I got to Cimaja the swell was big so I took the opportunity to surf some of the other breaks in the Pelabuhan Ratu area. Not that many crew around, apart from Euro punters, most of whom seem to be beginners
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West Java - Aug 2009
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As the swell dropped Agus and I went round to Turtles to find it almost empty, and scored it at its best. It was great to catch up with Pipih and the Batu Besar 'family' and although the main building stands only as a relic of the early days, the place retains it's peaceful character, the trees are getting huge and Maryati's world famous cooking is now served right to your door.
My next trip was in September on Sri Noa Noa doing the Rote-Sumba circuit with 'youngsters' Pete Foreman, Ben Gray, the certain 62 y.o. ski instructor mentioned earlier, Tony Wright (aka Nude Guy) and his best mate John Bacheldor, of the same vintage. Well, what a blast we had. Plenty of surf, record breaking fishing, excessive alcohol, bat caves and nudity! The grommet of the trip was Johnny, first in the water every time and caught more waves than anyone - something to aspire to. Pete summed the trip up nicely in his feedback - thanks Pete.
I did a final non-surfing trip late October, which I'll touch on next issue - suffice to say here that Indonesia is a place that never ceases to amaze me.
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Rote-Sumba on Sri Noa Noa - Sep 2009
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New Packages - Rote Land
Adding to our Sri Noa Noa charter, we're happy to add a land based option to the beautiful island destination of Rote staying at Malole Surf House, right on the beach at Nembrala.
Accommodating a maximum of just 10 guests, the package includes all transfers from Bali, zodiac rides to the main break Nembrala (T-land), spacious, comfortable rooms and exquisite cuisine.
This destination is perfect for couples and families: the surf breaks in the area suit beginners right through to advanced surfers, the fishing is very good, there's snorkeling, traditional villages to visit and plenty of white, sandy beaches to explore.
Your host are Filipe Pomar (1965 World Surfing Champion), Diego Arrarte and his partner
Maria Pineiro, the chef. Click here for more info.
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NEW Rote Land Package
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Thanks very much to everyone who sent in photos from their trips. For the shots used I've tried to credit everyone, and if I have missed anyone, my apologies.
Backwash - free board draw
Thanks to everyone who submitted feedback on their 2009 trip. Overall the feedback was was very good, and we received many good suggestions on how to improve our service. The draw for the new surfboard for 2008 season (we're a little behind) will be made next newsletter due out late February.
Nev's Report - continued
The season got off to a sad start on 12th march with the tragic loss of on of our guests out in the surf. Michael Glanford from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland caught his last wave ever out front in some good head high waves at Ujung Bocur. No one really saw what happened, he scored a long ride down into the bay, and in the absence of any injuries we can only assume that something happened when he pulled off the wave and caused him to drown. It was a terrible day for everyone especially his lovely girlfriend Caroline, who though devastated, handled it all bravely and with dignity. RIP Michael and all the staff and management at Ombak Indah wish Caroline all the best for the future.
The camp has been pretty much fully booked since May and it didn't ease off until late October. Our best season ever and judging by the positive feedback we've received we can look forward to much the same in 2010.
Though the surf hasn’t been always up to the same quality of previous years, it’s been consistent and guests have been catching waves almost every day. Way Jambu, Jimmy’s Point, Jenny’s Right and Krui have turned on some great sessions and taken their toll on boards and bodies, nothing too serious though. The beach breaks too have fired and not many days have passed surfless.
Young Callum Lipscombe, probably our youngest surfing guest put on a fearless and mature show back in April and impressed the crew both in and out of the water. Well done bro! They breed ‘em with big nuts in West Oz.
Another stand out this year was Bryden Galbraith who charged the biggest day of the year out front on his own. The waves he caught were well overhead, in the 12’-15’ range and Bryden had the crew of spectators on the platform hooting and yelling on some of his ballsy takeoffs. Cameras were clicking (check this website in the near future) overtime at this gutsy show by the likeable Central Coast, NSW surfer.
Also we were stoked to have young Hawaiian girl Bethany Hamilton come and surf Ujung Bocur. She ripped the waves out front on a couple of sessions and impressed with her skill and go for it attitude. She was staying up at the Secret Sumatra camp near Krui but it was a pleasure to have her visit Ombak Indah and to watch this inspirational young woman cutting loose out the front in true champion style.
Along with the usual assortment of nationalities and interesting guests we had a couple of honeymoon couples come to stay. How do these guys talk their new brides into coming to a surf camp in the bush in remote Sumatra, kilometers away from swimming pools, nightlife, shopping and Pina Coladas etc? Congratulations and thanks to you all for choosing Ombak Indah Losmen for such a special occasion and we look forward to seeing you on anniversaries.
Since we’ve had the 4 new rooms in operation we’ve had quite a few couples stay with us and it’s real good to see. Ani has become the tour guide for the girls with sightseeing trips and visits to the markets.
Poker has been popular this year and a crew of Saffers, Warren, Mike, Ollie & Clint, who came in Sept introduced beer bongs and firestick performances to the entertainment and encouraged other guests to join in. No one got burnt but a few suffered hangovers.
I’ve noticed a change in the make up of the crew coming to stay at the camp these days. Most are the usual surf travelers and aware of where we are but we’re getting increasing numbers of guys expecting to stay in resort style facilities. We’re a surf camp out in the bush away from civilization as we know it and although the facilities are the best we can provide they’re not the same as you’ll get in Bali or other tourist type areas. Most adapt to surf camp life OK but it’s very different to staying in a losmen in Bali or some resort. Just remember where you are.
Also, how many guys travel these days with out tie downs? They should be an essential part of your equipment, along with first aid kit, torch, spare leggy, wax and sunscreen. Oops! Did I say sunscreen? Can’t believe how many crew rocked up with out any, along with towels, ipod and phone chargers and power point adaptors and booties. Sunscreen in the tropics is essential and should be packed at the same time as your first aid kit and tie downs etc.
Coming to a surf camp on the edge of the jungle is way different to a holiday in Bali or the Gold Coast and is heaps more enjoyable if you don’t forget the basics. A lot of guys tell me they did their ‘research’ before coming but I’m amazed at how many didn’t read the bit about NO ATM in Krui and arrive with insufficient cash and I’m constantly explaining about the ATM up in Liwa and how there’s no money changers. The bank in Krui, since July, is a sometime money changer, but unreliable and the rate isn’t very good. Don’t be scared to cash up before you leave Jakarta. There are 24hr money changers and ATM’s in Jakarta.
We have plans for the off season to replace the viewing platform, and several other projects and general maintenance eg; cleaning, painting etc. All with the aim to improve the service and comfort of our guests. As we’re in the best position on the point our aim is to be the premium surf camp in the area providing the best service, facility and comfort to our guests so not only do you enjoy the longest and most consistent wave on the coast right out front but while on land you have a relaxing and good time.
Well, that’s about it from me for now. On behalf of the staff at Ombak Indah, Ani & I would like to say thanks to all who visited this year, we look forward to seeing you again some time in the future. If you’re thinking of coming for a surf in 2010 we’ll be ready to look after you.
Take care and good surfing ..Nev
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