G'day to you all, and hope you like the new look
of the Newsletter.
Bali Bombing
Our surf season ended with a
horrific bang as the Bali bombing ensured that surfing in
Indonesia and travel in general was blown off most peoples
agendas for the rest of 2002 and probably early next year.
A successful 2nd half of our tour season had us full of plans
and hopes for next years activities in Indo, but the cowardly,
lowlife fanatics put paid to, not only our plans for fun in
the sun in Indo, but destroyed so many other peoples lives
and dreams.
I was in Bali , luckily not on site,
at the time of the bombing but I saw first hand the carnage
and destruction on the night and the shock, horror and despair
that followed. Along with our sympathies for all the injured
and families and friends of all the dead, from all nationalities,
we also really feel for those Balinese and other Indonesians,
in areas far from Bali who's lives will also be affected by
any downturn in tourism due to the fallout from this mindless
act of hate and stupidity.
The good people of Indonesia (and
that is by far the majority) need us to put our fears aside,
look at the situation rationally and not let those cowards
and their bigotry, with their twisting of what is really written
in the El Koran, stop us from doing what we enjoy most, that
is, surfing great waves in the sun, meeting other people and
enjoying and learning about the culture of Indonesia away
from politics, hate and intolerance. Not only will we be getting
our own enjoyment in the surf but we'll be showing support
for the good people and helping them continue with their jobs
and hopes for a good and peaceful future. Don't let the fanatics
put you off (win) they only comprise a very small minority,
and the vast majority of Indonesians enjoy our presence, are
happy to see us, and need the boost to their economies that
we provide.
Sumatra Land
OK, back to the good news, the
Sumatra tours had the first full season staying at the new
Ombak Indah losmen on site
at what we've called Ujung Bocur for the last few years but
is now commonly referred to as The Point or it's local name.
The losmen is a real upgrade from the Sempana Lima hotel we
used to stay in town and the few crew who complained about
the beds or pillows being a bit hard, or the heat or the lack
of variety in the food, should've been there last year, or
earlier. It was really hardcore adventure then (just ask Garry
Harrison of the Surf Shop on the Central Coast, he first came
with us 6 years ago and has seen conditions improve greatly)
The waves are always the main attraction and we shouldn't
forget where we are. We're on the edge out there, there's
no other tourist infrastructure in the area, no internet cafe,
supermarket, reliable phone system, public toilets, tourist
restaurants, rental cars or motorbikes or other western style
facilities. We've just got basic facilities, good food, staff
and top quality waves.
We had a few relevant comments and
suggestions put to us about the Freeline crews needs etc and
we welcome that. We'll work on that and will always do our
best to ensure we give as good a service as we can. It's funny
when some guy is telling me about the food variety or the
bed/pillow was a bit hard or whatever, while his mates are
digging the uncrowded waves and the adventure of the place
we're in, I think about how it all was the last few years
and wonder why they didn't go on holiday to Bali, the Gold
Coast or on some luxury yacht, at twice the price. We never
promise western style luxury, just the best we can provide
with what is available. Most guys are stoked on the whole
deal, enjoy the interaction with the staff and the locals
and this year were lucky, as usual, to score plenty of good
waves, usually on our doorstep and from time to time when
conditions allowed, other locations in the area. The break
in front is the most consistent in the area and very rare
are the days when there's nothing to ride.
We were host to quite a few birthdays
at the losmen this year, with plenty of parties resulting
in some radical haircuts, hangovers, a choir, and some strange
party attire, to the amazement of the locals. The biggest
party would've been that of Scott Hurley with even some of
the male members of the losmen staff fronting up to be shorn
by the drunken, gay looking hairdresser in his lycra bike
pants and middy top.. Also on the party front, Taren Harrison
gets the points for instigating the Ombak Indah choir, which
kept everyone entertained, whether they wanted to or not,
until about 3.30 am when the idea of a pre dawn, dawn patrol
was luckily canned. Amazing that at that times some sensibility
remained. The losmen had plenty of good times and the vibe
picked up even more when Cici took over as manager in mid
August.
Sumatra Boat
Mentawai trips went off with plenty of quality waves, and
next year a new boat should be on service. See next
issue for details.
West Java Boat
The Panaitan tours were down a bit on last year but
those crew who went on the refitted Casuarina all reported
great waves, plenty of barrels and good times. Mumuh, our
intrepid and popular tour guide was a bit disappointed at
not getting out there as often as he did last year but said
the groups he took this year were all great guys and he was
stoked to share plenty of good tubes with them. He's looking
forward to seeing some of them again next season.
West Java Land
Agus reported that Cimaja had
plenty of hot days this year, not too crowded and good vibes
in the water. Some good days at Sawarna too and Agus went
beyond the call of duty when one of the guys suffered a broken
leggy and his board was in danger of being lost forever. Unfortunately,
several waves later Agus did lose his board. Heavy place!!
To the guys who brought this incident to our attention, we'll
make sure Agus gets a new stick and the pat on the back he
deserves.
Finally, Turtles. I was there in
early April and we got quality but not too much size. Pipih,
the manager at Batu Besar Losmen tells us that everyone was
happy with the surf and Andi reports that everyone was stoked
with the waves they got. As usual there was a few broken sticks,
and plenty of hot barrels. I got there again mid season and
also at the end of my stay in October, both times it was cranking.
Turtles is a bit of a wave magnet too and it's not often flat.
Bali Yacht Charter
Guys on the Bali Yacht tour reported
great times and some top waves aboard the Sri Noa Noa. Stu,
who has taken over the business, took it for a test run down
to Rote late September / October with a bunch of regular customers
from Hawaii, including surf legend Joey Cabell. "He's
65 years old and still charges hard... inspiring", Stu
reports. They scored good waves. The Rote charter will
be on offer for 2003, details in the next issue.
Draw For FREE Tour
We'll be doing the draw for the free
tour to Sumatra in the next issue. We've been held up
a bit with fallout from Bali, but one of you lucky punters
from this year will be getting a freebie to Sumatra next year
courtesy of our 10 years of Indo tours. Watch this space for
the winner who will be notified personally by us.
New Tour
Next year, we're starting a tour
for guys who don't want to contend with heavy reefs etc, it'll
suit guys who're just off the beginner thing and also guys
who want to relax a bit more, maybe with their wife or girlfriend,
surf, have fun, check the culture and do a bit of other stuff
as well as getting a few waves. Let us know if something like
this is of interest.
Next Issue
Well that's about it for now, I'm
back in the pit, shaping a few boards, sucking in some more
resin fumes and adjusting to life back in OZ. Stu's
working on the new version of Rubber
Time and the soundtrack. So far it's looking good!
Should be out early in the New Year. We'll send
out another newsletter shortly to finalise details & prices
on all the packages for next season, plus give you news on
Freeline's next big step!
A special thanks to all of you who
have sent in photos and video clips. More in next issue.
OK everyone, have a great Crissy,
hope Santa brings you what you want - plenty of tubes, sun,
and an end to the bush fires and talk of war and all that
crap. Spread the word of peace, and set a good example
to all the wankers out there
Catch you all next year....cheers & good surfing...
Nev & Stu
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