Hi there everyone,
Well, just when we thought things were settling down a little after all the tragedy of the Boxing Day Tsunami, mother nature delivers another major quake just off Nias, wreaking havoc in the surrounding islands. Since then the crash of the Aussie Sea King chopper, the passing away of Pope JPII, and then the Bali drug busts have taken over the mainstream media and not a great deal has been reported about the area.
Nias Earthquake
For those of you interested in hearing what's actually going click here to find out. Scuzz and Slayer from Sumatran Surfaris have been recording not only their contribution to the aid effort, but that of everyone else, becoming along the way the most accurate, detailed and sought after news source. You can also find out how to most directly contribute to the aid effort through the various organisations working in the area. Like us, these guys are still running surf charters up there and are encouraging surfers to keep coming.
Simeulue Update
Willy's hotel on Simeulue took another hammering, undoing all the repair work just completed after the Boxing day quake, as well as lifting the island about 1.5 metres out of the water! Understandably people have been concerned about what's happened to the waves in the area. I got the following email from Will on the 18 th April, with some shots (see right):
Hi Stu,
I haven't had time to take many shots, but here is a few of a brand new right that is in our surf trip location, can't wait to get it solid, I surfed it for 4 days at 3-5' and it's perfect, before the quake it was a fat burger, the left point out from my camp is pumping now too, 100 meter rides. I have surfed Asu also, it is definitely not the same but is still a great wave, the first good swell will confirm it. We are trying to resume trips in July.
Take care, Willy.
So as most of the operators up there seem to think, the waves have changed: some will get better, some worse, some will disappear and some will appear. It's back to virgin territory. The 'Sjalina' is operating up there now and we'll have more pictures shortly. Areas south of Nias have are unaffected, and John McGroder, just back from a Mentawai trip on the Barrenjoey says it's business as usual , with good waves. John now has a fast new tender for better access to breaks and better fishing (see pic's). It's definitely quieter up there this season, so if you've been putting off that Mentawai trip because of crowds, now is the time to go. We have availability on both the Barrenjoey and Kuda Laut, so get in touch if you're keen to go
Nev's Bali Report
Hi from Indo, I've been here about 6 weeks now, most of the time in Bali. It's mainly been pretty small with wet season winds hanging till about mid-April, although there has been some solid swell come thru in the last week. Regular tourists are making their way back, the surfers having started to arrive earlier, particularly the Aussies, Euros and quite a few Japanese. I'll be checking out the Big Rock 5 Losmens in West Java and Sumatra shortly, and all reports are that the early birds are getting some nice waves to themselves and as yet there are not too many in the water.
Most tour operators are around, getting ready for the coming season and the ones I've had a chat with are looking forward to a good season. We're (Freeline) also getting plenty of interest and tours are filling. The Sri Noa Noa is going to be busy this year so if you're looking to have a trip east of Bali, Sumbawa, Sumba thru to Timor get on it ASAP. Now's the time to be confirming these winter escapes (OZ & NZ crew) and Indo surf season getaways, and don't be put off by the Nias quake and Bali drug busts. Get back into the warm waves and hospitality Indo is known for.
The visa on arrival hassle is still on amid talk it may be scrapped but the best advice we can give, if you want an extended stay, is to go to your nearest Indo embassy or consulate and apply for a 60 day visa with possibility of extensions for up to 6 months. Mentioning you're interested in studying the culture and language will help. Do this in plenty of time before you're due to leave. There's no chance of extending the VOA without leaving the country so go for the 60-day option. I've had plenty of queries about this subject and that's the best we can tell you.
I've been busy here in Bali shaping boards for guys who are coming over to Indo and want to pick up a new stick on arrival in Jakarta or Bali. This service is growing and takes some of the hassle out of travelling. Your new stick is here waiting for a bunch of choice barrels and the airlines miss the chance to give you grief with travel damage or luggage tampering!
New Surf Shop In Jakarta
In Jakarta we've opened a new surf shop in Jl Jaksa and we'll have all the stuff you forgot to bring, eg, spare fins, leggy's, guide books, wax etc. We'll have a range of boards and clothes, and souvenirs etc for the folks back home. Anyway, if you're in the area call in and check it out.
Well, that's about it for now, hope to see a few of you in Indo this year.
Photo Competition
Winners of the Annual Customer Photo Comp are Damien Kennedy (Turtles, West Java), Jamie Hurley (Ujung Bocur, South Sumatra) and Brian Fisk (Bankvaults, Mentawais). See pics to the right. Prizes of a copy of ‘Rubber Time 2' DVD plus a new leggie will be posted by mail to you. We'll be running this comp again this year so those of you already booked, don't forget your cameras!
Surfboard Giveaway
We're also happy to announce that Michael Pring from Victoria is the winner of a brand new board, having been chosen at random from all customers who sent in their 2004 trip Backwash Questionnaire. We'll be in touch to arrange pickup.
That's it until next newsletter in a couple of months, until then good surfing...
Cheers Nev & Stu.
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