Roxy’s

Motored pre dawn to Roxy’s surf break at the Christian village of Malakopa. Small waves at glassy Roxy’s this morning with some bigger sets coming through. Three boats with 15 to 20 max in the water. All Phillip Island boys revelled, showing the Novocastrians on Sibon Baru a thing or two. Michael just doesn’t get out of the water as he seems to be enjoying it so much, bad knee and all. Scott, Bob and Peter were getting a few on the inside until the local kids took over their spot. Tidak ada sekola? I said to them (no school?) - no they finish at 1.00pm, then go for a surf- bummer they have to contend with all of us invaders. But I guess without us they wouldn’t be surfing, and we provide some commerce for the town. There are some home stays popping up here for travelers. Plenty of surfing done from dawn to just before dusk before heading off nearby for the night.

Bangkoks

 Arrived near Bangkoks last night to go there in the morning. Wind was right, swell was right, sunshine was right, crowd was right (none) making for some beautiful waves especially for those competent to avoid injury. it can be a bit like that here (and is has happened) as the reef and rocks inside can be very shallow. That didn’t stop our crew of course paddling straight out. Captain Dee got some beauties ‘do do do looking out my backdoor’, then came in to spear a couple of beautiful ‘Big Eye Sea Bream’ or ‘Mu’ as the Hawaiians call them. German paddled to the picture perfect beach, Bob and Peter swam there. Michael snorkelled in between a couple of very successful surf sessions. Scott had to take it easy today as a mark of respect for Bec and their 21 years of marriage. Congratulations Scott and Bec. Everyone fared well today although Bob was spooked by the potential danger of the place while Bill, Michael and Tom spent time on the reef retrieving slightly damaged boards. German’s great patience was rewarded with some nice waves during his 3.5 hour surf, despite the effects of too many nasi gorengs.

Smaller Sanding, no sharks at sharkies

 Moored overnight close to Debuts, bit rocky (as in side to side, no rocks). No other Surf Boats around, only a couple of private sailors in the lagoon in front of Sanding. Woke to a smaller swell, but perfectly smooth conditions making for fun little waves at Debuts. Hung there enjoying the solitude of the southern Mentawais before cruising the little ways to Sharkies. Again, some fun waves to be had. Michael and the Hosking boys in particular found their groove while Bob and Peter are happy with their one or two.

Big surf big fish

 Engines started a few minutes later this morning. Motored south all the way past lighthouse to bloody big meat locker where the young boys hit it and it hit them. Jack excelled, Billy barrelled, brave Lee and Herman copped it. Other Heros watched from the tinny then back on the big boat to watch captain lee spear the biggest GT we have ever seen. Relaxed Afternoon session at Debuts right handed, enjoyed by everyone, although it has been known to be better.

Great first day

Engines started again when we set off for the Hole at 5am. Hole was windy and not it’s best but that didn’t stop the young hero’s from going in, including Herman. Next stop was Peter’s favourite of all places, Moots. All Heros had a great time despite lots of people and 7 boats and despite Bob snapping his longboard, unfortunately ending his first surf. One of the boats was the Raja Elang, our old friend Doris’s who joined us briefly later. The late session smoothed off beautifully and many fun lefts were had by all, Billy probably topping the wave count and the goofies going off.

Hello Addiction

 

breakie in the very familiar Mercure hotel Padang. Boat boys picked us up on time at 8am to take us to the boat on the same bay climbing way up the coastal mountain cliff then down the other side. Padang is much cleaner now, at least the rubbish on the streets has been picked up and probably just been spread out somewhere else. Now, welcome to the Addiction and our gateway to the Ments. So Good. Stoked to meet owner James Dickinson and captain Lee Clarke who greeted us warmly on the dock. Quick swim on the way out after setting off at 11am then chugged along on the high seas until around midnight with the Hole in mind for the morning.

Rendezvous at the Mercure

 

At terminal 1 Singapore Airport  Terminal 1the Hosking men together with Jack met up with Peter and all boarded the half empty pencil plane to Padang Indo, selemat datang Indonesia. Good flight, easy entry into Indo and checked in to Mercure after the slight hiccup on the way of the minor collision of our van with another van. All the Hero’s were there: Bob, Scotty, Tim, Bill, Jack, Michael, Tommy, German and Peter. Brief beer at the Bat and Arrow bar in the colonial part of town then early night.