Also did a trip to northern sumatra few years ago (bit more off the beaten path) at the ripe age of 48. We did a land based camp and surfed a variety of waves from soft fun rollers to reef scraping pits. You can definitely find waves to suit your ability, it's not all death pits. If I went back I'd do a boat trip, although land based has it's advantages. My biggest rub on Indo is that it is so god-damn far away, literally on the other side of the world from here. It took 35 hours of travel to get to the island we surfed. Great experience, but now I mostly hit up central america - catch a morning flight, in the surf by 2pm.
I kinda remember this from NE Surf. What a trip. I'm not sure I could survive 35 hours of travel. But looking at that bottom pic... maybe I could.
so expensive of a trip and mostly urrybody's been. i'm against Indo, but maybe if i lived closer to there than i would consider. it's obv personal decision, and congrats to ya guys with $ to burn, but i'd go the ocean break less traveled to make the trip that much more unique. There's nothing about the Indo culture that i'm attracted to
I have a friend who goes to indo every year. He stays near Uluwatu and raves about it. He is a good goofy foot.
It's really not THAT expensive. Rough estimate for me and wifey would be 6 Gs. That includes travel, food, drink except alcohol, boats to go to various breaks. Obviously there's a few more costs so it might be a little more but that's minor stuff. Rough estimate. But yeah me and wifey don't want kids. Sounds selfish but we want to live OUR lives. No doubt having kids is a blessing, and our minds may change. A trip a year is nothing in comparison to having children. There's so many places we want to go, most being surf related but not all. PR is cool, only just got back from CR for the first time and it was great. But there's alot of other off the beaten path places to see. Diffrent cultures to see. Im not well traveled yet, but even with my little experience it's obvious that things are so much diffrent out of the US. Indo may be next on the list, but it's not like this will be the only trip. The next year there will be another. Then another.
It will be worth every penny. You could do 2 or 3 CR trips for same price and IMO they would not compare.
I know it will be. Im a surfer man, indos the holy grail. The price don't even matter. I don't spend money on much of anything except surf gear and essentials. Iv always wanted to travel to sooooo many places, I'm finally at a place where i can make those dreams come true. In my mind 2 weeks in indo with everything included for 2 people.. 6 grand is a steal
I have never done Indo, But I did the Maldives and without a doubt well worth it. Jay is def right. Central America trips are great, but you will have a spank bank full of waves you'll never forget when you leave.
Surfed there 2 yrs ago. Very long paddle out to the break. Everyone on yuge longboarts. Combo platter of ripping locals, good-surfing expats who believe they are locals, and a number of total newbs who will drop in on you & nearly hurt you. Not on purpose, just total kookery. Saw one woman ride her 11' boart right over a guy's head who was, actually, dropping in on her. Stay woke lol Corky Carroll has a place there. I had New Year's dinner at an expat's place near the beach @ Saladita, sat next to Corky @ dinner. Awesome. He's deaf as a post. Whenever someone would say something to him, he flashes a big grin & says, "I can't hear you!" really loudly. Superb technique for not having to deal with inane convos! He's a good SUP driver, catches a bunch of waves & then paddles off to points unknown, every morning. The local family who runs the beach there are pretty interesting, to say the least. You probably know all of this. Anyways, great wave, crowded, have fun Chavey
Never been... always wanted to do a boat trip. I told myself I'd only go (and spend that much money) if my boys wanted to go, but as it turned out, they really don't surf... enough. The waves and crowds seem totally manageable, considering you can go find perfect surf for just about any set of conditions that might present itself. At this point in my life, I'm more into Europe and the Carib for easy travel and accommodations. Probably never go back to CR again... probably never go to Hawaii.
Surprised on that perspective LB. especially with your experience. Indo has the most perfect waves in the world (I guess...probably). I have never seen Euro or Caribe that offers up such an experience (euro is on my shortlist though so maybe it would change “my “ perspective). I will definitely do CR again...it’s just so easy. I could see where Hi is not a bucket list contender on the one hand but I have a love for the place. I can’t wait to go back...
Jay, tried to DM you but couldn't so have to ask here. You seem familiar with HI, any tips for a guy planning a trip in Winter 2020 to the islands? Old lady is coming with me so won't be able to surf 24/7. Any info is appreciated. That goes for anyone else familiar with HI.
Id probably do playa grande CR again just because i really enjoyed my time there with the people i met. Made friends. Waves were fun. But there's definitely other places id want to go. I also want to do pavones. The ones i want to do in the next coming years is indo, australia, camping trip in halifax, and the galapogos islands (don't know about surf there, but i want to go anyway). I'd do Hawaii, but it's not on the top of the list. I really only have one friend who surfs good enough to go on a legit trip with. So most of these will most likley be with wifey. Which makes dedicated boat trips unlikely for me unfortunately. So many spots though. Lots of things to see. To many to count
We actually went to that camp when we left airport on the way to boat to hang out until the boat was at the dock. I was there for about two hours just cruzing. We launched not far from there. I knew that right was what I saw that day. It was about that size. That camp seemed pretty cool.
no DM. I would plan to go for at least two weeks. I think there is a thread on this already but, there is plenty to do and see outside of surfing. I would plan on doing multiple islands. Really depends on what you want. There are a ton of AirBB options now in Hawaii. Or do resort style, or both. I would probably stay in Honolulu for a few nights and go to North shore for couple of day trips. Then go outer island (Kauai or Maui or both). I would start by learning all of the areas of the different islands, and what you want to do. there is some amazing hiking on all islands. YOu can get some history at the cultural center and/or pearl harbor, skydive, golf, and surf. Hawaii is a place you can be super touristy or go super mellow and just enjoy each day island style. I tend to do the later. Fresh smoothies, plate lunch, fresh sashimi and other game fish for dinner. Many longboard lagers. Sunrises/sunsets. DP's and evening sessions. Beachside barefoot bars. Dial in the surf/buoys/swell direction and travel around island looking for surf. Chill on the beach and get irie….
Thank you sir! Will def be staying a few days on Kauai, staying with a friend right on Hanalei Bay. Def doing a few days near the north shore. Was debating on doing some time on Maui, probably will. Appreciate the info.
