So we’re underway in Indonesia in what has to be one of the most highly anticipated trips on our calendar, so much so that we’re running two trips back to back given the demand. It’s not hard to see why this trip is so desired, Indonesia is a surf mecca and is a MUST destination for any surfer.
Arriving here last week after my two year absence, jet lagged and having somehow lost a day in my week I stepped off the plane into what can only be described as a sauna.. It’s hot and humid here! The strange yet familiar smell of the air filled me with excitement, I got some of the best waves of my life here in a trip with Ticket to Ride back in 2015 and that unique Bali smell got my engine revving and I was ready for more. I wasn’t traveling alone though, this time I would get to share the experience with my good friend and work colleague from the South Africa trips, Jarred Veldhuis. This is his first time traveling to Indo and he’s probably one of the most amped humans i’ve ever met, he loves surfing more than anything. This goofy-footed Quiksilver endorsed athlete was mimicking his turns on the plane already, so its safe to say he was as excited as anybody.
Jay getting stuck in at Kuta Reef earlier this week
Jay joins Chris Bond as the trip leaders for the first group of riders who arrived last week, the dynamic duo have over 40 years of surfing experience between them (trying not to give away Chris’s age here haha), with both also being seasoned competitors. Chris recently coached Jarred to a 3rd place finish in a WSL QS1000 event in South Africa so group 1 are in privileged company for the duration of their trip. They’ll be joined in a few days by Gwilym Thomas from our snowboarding division and by telling from the comments feed of our Instagram page he is coming in hot with the good vibes and stoke!
Chris Bond being Chris Bond.. Nuff said
The first group is a mixed bag of age, gender and ability with some familiar faces in the mix from previous trips in other destinations. Everybody has settled in and overcome adjusting to the new time zone and tropical heat, putting plenty of time in the water as well. We’ve based ourselves in Canggu at Echoland Bed & Breakfast which is only a short walk away from three classy waves, something on offer for surfers of all skill levels. We regularly got to see the likes of Taj Burrow, Jack Freestone and few other pro’s out in the line-up.
We’ve had a great time so far getting to know each other and enjoying the very social area of Canggu. The area is packed with travelers and surfers from all over the world. There is a lot on offer with plenty restaurants and places to explore. My personal favourite restaurant is the world renown Dues Ex-Machina which just seems to have the right mix of everything, we enjoyed a dinner there together recently and the conversations and laughs were flowing, thats the moment I knew this group were going to have the some of the best times of their lives together in the coming weeks.
http:/https://youtu.be/GaDIM0y69rs
We’re a week in and still have plenty on the cards before we head into the Island hopping leg of the trip. River rafting, Yoga with Claire, a sunrise hike up a volcano and plenty of surfing and exploring the island. For myself, I’ll stay on the island and will be joined by the master of stoke himself; Max Hepworth-Povey, in welcoming our new arrivals for the second group joining us. We look forward to having you 🙂
Nothing but good vibes in Bali
I’ll leave you guys with this awesome picture Chris took with his drone of the line-up at Uluwatu a few days ago.
Uluwatu from the sky
Cheers!
Luke