Snapshow

Bintang Barrels 24 Aug 09

What a Dream! Indonesia for two weeks with my girl, surfboard, cameras and quality cheap beer everywhere you look. My experiences on the islands of Bali and Lembongan were incredible. It is truly wave paradise up there.

The first few days back at home after an 'all time' holiday aren't so bad, get the washing done, lounge around the house and contemplate whether you should ever work again. As you see your tropical holiday tan shed off your shoulders quicker than Fannings' surfing, reality sinks in: you are home and it is still winter. The water is cold and that damp wetsuit that is still hanging over the bath is going to accompany you on several more surfs this year. Ouch.
When you live on the Northern Beaches, reality is not that bad. We have our own little slice of paradise here, so no real complaints from me. Maybe we could have some swell soon though? That would be awesome.

If you haven't yet been to Bali, start planning your trip now. Anytime is a good time, the price is right and the waves are pumping. I have no idea how to describe my recent trip, so I will keep it brief.
Bali is chaotic. From the moment you step off the plane people will be carrying your bags and expecting to be paid. Work is scarce and the locals all want their piece of the pie, so be prepared to be hassled a bit. Everything else in Bali is nothing but good times.

Nusa Lembongan is only thirty minutes from Bali by boat, but once you arrive it feels like a world away. The vibe on Lembongan is so chilled out, great waves, incredible beaches and none of the fast paced mayhem of Bali. So whether you are after a few days in the middle of your trip to really chill out, or a longer stay, Lembongan is the place for you. The locals there are absolute legends, making us feel at home from the second we arrived. It was no surprise to me that most of the visitors I met there have been going back every year since they were kids, for several months of the year. Big thanks to Ketut, Robot, Skipper and the rest of the crew at 'Tomo's.' We will be back.

Lucky for me the stars aligned and a perfect Padang Padang swell hit on my last day in Bali. The 'Rip Curl Cup Invitational' organisers made the call and the event was on! Yeeew! I watched the comp, camera in one hand, Bintang in the other from 8am till 5pm. Jamie O'Brien claimed an epic victory, demonstrating his expertise in left hand barrels. Jamie racked up an incredible four perfect 10's over the course of the day. Inspiring stuff, must be all that Red Bull.

Enough words, checkout the snapshow for an insight into these two incredible islands of Indonesia.

Wanna win a new board for summer? Check out the details here.

Another run of flat surf for us this week people. All we need is waves to go with this spring-like weather.

See you on the longboards.

Cheers,

AL