Mentawai Surf Charter July 11-23, 2009
Want more photos? See the slideshow at the bottom of this post or check out the Photographer’s Light Table in our Archive at SaltyCamera.com.
Thanks to Indies Trader for a great trip!
I was stoked when I heard Martin Daly would be guiding our surf charter aboard the Indies Trader 3 during the height of Mentawai surf season. On the trips I have had with him in the past we have always found good uncrowded surf and was confident that he would come through again. On this trip he did better than that.
I woke up on the first day and looked out the window at a spot I had never seen before. It was a picturesque point and the waves reeled flawlessly towards our boat in the channel. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Next thing I know boards are flying out of bags and being waxed while the jet ski and tin boat were being loaded into the water by crane. The session would be one of those surf memories you go back to when you are stuck at work daydreaming. Everyone got great waves. That was the very first day.
We would call Martin ‘the Wizard’ for the rest of the trip. Over the next 12 days he would find us lonely surf when the swell was small and crowded, and pick the right spot when the swell was pumping. Martin discovered most of the waves we surfed over a decade ago, which helps him know where to go, but people forget that he is a talented and keen surfer. Most days he was on it before anyone else and taking advantage of his knowledge. The wizard was on fire and I was stoked to be a part of it (that’s Martin in the lower right photo above).
Our group included surfers from Los Angeles that get together every year for an annual surf trip. Indonesia is always at the top of the list because, as one guest put it, ‘we get epic waves everytime’. Everyone took advantage of the 2 weeks by getting involved in all the Mentawais had to offer- great waves, good diving, adventures on the beach and fishing. We caught dinner for most nights and enjoyed delicious seared tuna after several of our surf sessions. I just received an email from one of the guests claiming it was his best surf trip ever. I think the others would happily agree. This is what dreams are made of.
The Indies Trader 3 is first class, the food incredible and the crew amazing. I say save your money and do it right when you go to the Ments. It is worth the extra comfort and, more importantly, the extra waves! Ok, enough shameless plugging already. Just want to say thanks again to Martin and the crew for their hospitality and sharing their secrets with us! Cheers!
Dave Collyer
Mentawai Islands Surf Trip- July 2009 – Images by Salty Camera Surf Images
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What up Dave. Looks like you had another unbelievable time. I wish I was there! South Shore has had some really good waves but I wish I had been there with you bro. Talk to you later.
Duf