Hi All,

So reports are still coming in from the Indian Ocean and it looks good – Damn Good! The whole 2011 season has been a corker as far as consistency and size has been concerned.  2012 is looking like another La-Nina year  (at least that’s what the Weather Bureau is saying). A lot of people have chalked up the surf and consistency throughout both Pacific and Indian Ocean to this atmospheric phenomenon so by all accounts its looking like 2012 is going to be another cracker.

But lets just get one thing down and clear! It’s the Indian Ocean, there is going to be surf no matter what, that massive wet gap between Australia and Africa tends produce swell regardless even on its worst day its still better than a good day at the local (definitely our local ).

So what now? Well its time to Get In Early of course.  World Surfaris have proudly launched their Get In Early Deals for 2012. Operator shave jumped onboard and now is the time to book Early and save on your next Surf Adventure.

To see all the deals – Click Here

PS- We’ve also created a really fun Facebook page full of Surf Stoke from the people that ‘Got In Early’ last year – Click Here (its fun)  Make sure you Get In Early this year sale ends Dec16th – If you need the inspiration check out the below from our participating operators.

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.

Hi All,

World Surfaris proudly introduce the Moon Palikir , our latest Surf Charter vessel in the Mentawais. Packed with creature comforts, spacious and well appointed , Moon Palikir takes the ‘Indo boat trip’ to a whole new level.

I could go on….. as with this boat it would be easy to ramble about style, engine size, owner guides, great menu, surfing, the waves in the Mentwais, expert crew, dedicated guides sparing no expense to see you in the right spot etc, etc …….. but you can get all that info by - clicking here. World Surfaris don’t offer a huge range of boats in the Mentawais as we are VERY PICKY about the products we represent.  This year we started working with Kadu and Marlon (owners and surfguides for Moon Palikir) and have been very impressed with their professionalism and ability to find clients uncrowded waves and offer a high quality product.

However there are 3 reasons which make Moon Palikir a stand out .

1. Owner Guides

Moon Palikir is owned by the guides . These owners, Kadu & Marlon are hardcore surfers with hospitality backgrounds and they work on a rotation basis with one of then onboard each trip. Your trip is their immediate priority. They are dedicated to getting you shacked and keeping you smiling for the whole trip they’re not tight fisted when it comes to fuel either and will go that extra mile if it means getting you that extra bit of quality. They will identify your surfing requirements and hunt down the waves you and your group desires.

2. Spacious Cabins

Moon Palikir is one of the few vessels up there offering several guest rooms to break up the group with 4 twin cabins with 2x single beds in each and a fifth cabin with 4 bunks and 1 double bed.  No cosy dorm style sleeping on this might vessel.

She will comfortably sleep 12 guests however smaller groups can pay a bit more to take the boat exclusively and the prices are very reasonable compared to some other luxury boats operating in the Mentawais.

3. Mentawais Surf

Okay so this is hardly unique to the Moon Palikir but its a strong sell point. The Mentawais region is deservedly called the surfers Disney land – that is to say….There are a hell of a lot rides and you’ll want to go on them all,  Goofy’s love it (so do natural footers but that doesn’t work as well with the metaphor), the people are lovely and its more fun with your mates.

Feel free to check out the product page and if you’re really excited click through and send an inquiry or e-mail info@worldsurfaris.com

Cost-

At only $3,334pp* Charter Only Moon Palikir Represents Great Value for a boat of its caliber.

Trip Includes

Meet and greet on arrival and return airport transfers

12 nights onboard Moon Palikir in air conditioned accommodation

All meals including snacks

All drinks excluding alcoholic beverages

Services of expert surfguide to find you the best waves with the least crowds!

Min. 8 passengers for Guaranteed departure

*(based on a group of 12 and not a massive amount more for Individuals or smaller group.  Watch this space for the release of our Get In Early specials!

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.

Hi All,

World Surfaris proudly introduce the Moon Palikir , our latest Surf Charter vessel in the Mentawais. Packed with creature comforts, spacious and well appointed , Moon Palikir takes the ‘Indo boat trip’ to a whole new level.

I could go on….. as with this boat it would be easy to ramble about style, engine size, owner guides, great menu, surfing, the waves in the Mentwais, expert crew, dedicated guides sparing no expense to see you in the right spot etc, etc …….. but you can get all that info by - clicking here. World Surfaris don’t offer a huge range of boats in the Mentawais as we are VERY PICKY about the products we represent.  This year we started working with Kadu and Marlon (owners and surfguides for Moon Palikir) and have been very impressed with their professionalism and ability to find clients uncrowded waves and offer a high quality product.

However there are 3 reasons which make Moon Palikir a stand out .

1. Owner Guides

Moon Palikir is owned by the guides . These owners, Kadu & Marlon are hardcore surfers with hospitality backgrounds and they work on a rotation basis with one of then onboard each trip. Your trip is their immediate priority. They are dedicated to getting you shacked and keeping you smiling for the whole trip they’re not tight fisted when it comes to fuel either and will go that extra mile if it means getting you that extra bit of quality. They will identify your surfing requirements and hunt down the waves you and your group desires.

2. Spacious Cabins

Moon Palikir is one of the few vessels up there offering several guest rooms to break up the group with 4 twin cabins with 2x single beds in each and a fifth cabin with 4 bunks and 1 double bed.  No cosy dorm style sleeping on this might vessel.

She will comfortably sleep 12 guests however smaller groups can pay a bit more to take the boat exclusively and the prices are very reasonable compared to some other luxury boats operating in the Mentawais.

3. Mentawais Surf

Okay so this is hardly unique to the Moon Palikir but its a strong sell point. The Mentawais region is deservedly called the surfers Disney land – that is to say….There are a hell of a lot rides and you’ll want to go on them all,  Goofy’s love it (so do natural footers but that doesn’t work as well with the metaphor), the people are lovely and its more fun with your mates.

Feel free to check out the product page and if you’re really excited click through and send an inquiry or e-mail info@worldsurfaris.com

Cost-

At only $3,334pp* Charter Only Moon Palikir Represents Great Value for a boat of its caliber.

Trip Includes

Meet and greet on arrival and return airport transfers

12 nights onboard Moon Palikir in air conditioned accommodation

All meals including snacks

All drinks excluding alcoholic beverages

Services of expert surfguide to find you the best waves with the least crowds!

Min. 8 passengers for Guaranteed departure

*(based on a group of 12 and not a massive amount more for Individuals or smaller group.  Watch this space for the release of our Get In Early specials!

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.

Hi All

We’ve just received some great shots from Togat Nusa Retreat, Mentawais. If you’re not familar with Togat Nusa Retreat yet here’s a brief run down. Togat Nusa is a mini Kandui resort not surprsing since John and Ainsley were part owners of Kandui after selling their share the couple then searched around the Mentawais and found small slice of paradise. Togat Nusa Retreat quickly followed  made with a similar look and feel to Kandui but on a smaller more personal scale, Togat Nusa offers guests a secluded wave paradise with a perosnal touch that will keep even the most discenring traveller at peace. Surrounded by famous line ups like Telescopes, Scarecrows and Icelands Togat Nusa Retreat is an ideal escape to wave paradise.

In Ainsley’s words “ Now we have created our new place, Togat Nusa Retreat, where we are focussing on small groups , quality service , a place to relax.  As the world is way too crowded and it’s getting harder find quiet places on the planet.  We moved to the islands in search of  surf, unspoiled paradise and to get out of the rat race and to live a good lifestyle,.. and we found it !! “We have created a sanctuary, peaceful , soulful and with waves! Please come and share our little slice of heaven.”

Togat Nusa Retreat is exactly that - A retreat, combining surfing and relaxing space to chill in between. We can’t talk this place up enough, great scenery, ultra comfy lodgings,  great hosts and of course some of the most amazing waves on the planet.

The below Pics came in from Ainsley from Togat Nusa Retreat and are the latest snaps of the bungalows and a couple of the scenery that the place disgorges daily…. Go on, make an enquiry and experience a real retreat today.

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.

Below is an email between Shaun Levings (MD of World Surfaris) and Kirk Wilcox (Surf Aid International) with snippets from Tom Plummer (Surf Aid Sumatra).

From: Kirk Willcox [mailto:kirk@surfaidinternational.org]
Sent: Thursday, 4 November 2010 10:14 AM
To: Shaun Levings; ‘Lauren Rudder’
Subject: RE: World Surfaris Surf Aid Donation

You’re a champ Shaun – as always!

And thanks to all involved who organised this and the donors – and please pass on our direct thanks to Keith.

It’s really grim out in the field – and the worst weather in years making deliveries super tough.  But we are getting through to the villages using our boat/surf knowledge.

Just got this below from Tom Plummer, who is normally our Mentawai Program Manager, but is managing our frontline response in the islands.

Below Tom’s note here is a clip we just cut of him in the field.  Feel free to post the youtube clip anywhere – it’s already on our site and we’ll be sending it to our databases today.

Thanks again for helping us help the locals in one of their greatest times of need.

Best wishes

Kirk

*From Tom Plummer in Mentawais.

Kirky,

Took our buddies from AusAID and NZ Aid Programme down into Sabiret village and trekked way back up into the hill where they’ve built their camp. Thigh deep mud and we’re having a mission getting up there. Arrive up the top of the hill to find a full blown mini village set up. And those legends have carted it all up the hill that we were slipping and sliding to get to the top of!

Wind came up during the day as it has done since the tsunami and would of been blowing 30-odd knots by the time we headed to Sikakap. Buried the bow half a dozen times and big green rolling up the windscreen of the Huey.  

And here’s our new clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F5SIaNrg0s

Talk soon

Tom

From: Shaun Levings [mailto:shaun@worldsurfaris.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2010 10:54 AM
To: Lauren Rudder
Cc: Andrew Spagnardi; Kirk Willcox;

Subject: World Surfaris Surf Aid Donation

Hi Guys,

I am pleased to advise that we have just deposited A$3000 into the SurfAid account (as per attached).

Please note that a substantial portion of this came from World Surfaris No.1 customer, Mr Keith Anderson from the Central Coast of NSW along with Gold Coast surfers who attended a film night at our KirraSurf office on the Gold Coast last week.

Keep up the great work.

Best Regards

Shaun

Shaun Levings

Managing Director

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.

What a year 2010 has been, the Indian Ocean delivered consistently throughout the season and the Pacific shot back to back swells onto south facing reefs as if in contest with its western oceanic counterpart. Surfers being stung by local frustrations were granted uncrowded relief as they landed on the shores of tropical paradises the world over and we were proud to put them there.

The following has come in from our long favourite budget Mentawais vessel the ever worthy ‘Santa Lusia’ and her skipper/guide Ryan. Check the pics out and if you feel the tugging of an international surf adventure calling then start planning for 2011. Visit our Get In Early page to see the specials. 

An important note on Mentawais 2011…… By now you may have heard of the Indo flagging issue, meaning that charter’s opearting in Indo waters now need to be Indo flagged those without the cloth sailing legally in the wind will have to pay hefty fees to operate. What does this mean for you?

- Basically it means that a lot of opeartors are bugging out, setting the sails and fading into the distance and the past, leaving Indo waters for less expensive seas.  So between now and when a horde of local fisherman catch on there’s going to be a lot less boats floating up and down the Mentawais. The crowds that arrived eager and willing from all corners of the globe to surf the hundreds of world class reefs that litter the region will be culled. Leaving even less crowds!  2011 and perhaps 2012 will be the years to get into the water for some truely epic sessions with no-one else around. Visit http://www.worldsurfaris.com/getinearly/ and get onto it today for a lot less!!!

……..So getting  back to Santa Lusia, this is from Ryan, thanks all enjoy

Another Epic season on Santalucia has come to an end. As usual we scored twice the waves for half the price:0, All jokes aside The season was a banger! Lots of tubes to go around I am not sure what the other boats did but the majority of the time We scored Uncrowded Barrels! I have a good feeling the next season will be very similar. Here are a few photos of some satisfied customers, and me hard at work.

 

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.

Hi All,

         For those who have been following the ’surf aid’ surfers 4 Padang story the below will be of interest to you. It can’t always be about hard core surf trips, amazing boat charters or surf resorts without a care to the host community. World Surfaris were proud to be a key sponsor of the Surfers 4 Padang initiative and stoked that we helped rasie $8825 for the victims of the September earthquakes.

The prize up for grabs was a spot on our Mentawais Surf Charter the Santa Lusia. Mat Butel the lucky bugger won the draw and he’s trip was a success read on for details.

Congratulations Mat we’re stoked for you !!!

The Surf Aid International “Surfers for Padang” fundraiser event at Cafe LaMonde, Kirra, in November 2009 was a great success. Over $8825  was raised for victims of the September earthquake in the Padang region. Throughout the afternoon great music from Beau Young, Matt Pitts, Matt McHugh and Ash Grunwald was at times almost drowned out by the increasingly lubricated local crew. As the evening progressed some of the conversations turned to plans for the raffle prize, “If one of us wins it, we’ll all go”, “lets pool our tickets and split the prize”. When drawn by SAI’s Kirk Willcox the room was dead quiet… Unbelievably, I had won a World Surfaris holiday on the Santa Lusia to the Mentawai islands! Kicks, punches and abuse followed as I stumbled up to claim my prize. “Rigged!” someone yelled out in reference to me helping spot bids for Andy Mac as he MC’d the charity Auction. Kirk calmed down the jealous mob with a few kind words and the celebrations continued with punching replaced by handshakes and pats on the back.

After setting a date for late May my plans were foiled by a shoulder injury courtesy of a one foot close out and a shallow Lacey’s bank. The popular Santa Lusia was heavily booked in advance so I nabbed one of a few remaining births in late July. Fortunately, the mostly WA crew were a great bunch and the trip went very smoothly. With my experience in sports injuries, there were some relieved punters when inevitable problems arose. On day one we were greeted with a decent swell at Lances which waned over a couple of days. Ryan, our Hawaiian skipper with a penchant for Aussie ethos, managed to find us plenty of waves in the varying winds and 2-4ft swell that spanned the majority of our stay. Our course took us from Katiet to Playgrounds in the North, Thunders and Macaronis in the South and finally back to HT’s and Lances Left. Despite fun times in idealic locations it seemed the trip was doomed for ‘just good’ waves as the swell forecast kept pushing the impending bump further away each time we looked.

As we pulled up to HT’s on our second last day, epic conditions were evident with solid sets doubling up from the ‘office’ and funnelling into the inside channel. Half a dozen boats full of cheering spectators hooted at deep tubes and whistled as sets approached. At days end, more than one boat skipper had concluded that we’d experienced some of the best HT’s in a couple of years. An early arrival at HT’s on our final day revealed pumping sets once again. A slight ruffle led Ryan to decide we’d best cruise around to Lances left for a day glassy conditions followed by a farewell HT sesh on our way back to Padang. We were all stoked to finish on a high note.

Thanks to the everyone on the Santa Lusia (It’s a budget boat but very comfy and was highly rated by everyone on board including those who’d experienced other boats in the region), World Surfaris and in particular David Scard and SAI for all their efforts and success in the region.

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.

This is going to come across as a shameless self plug but you should definitely keep reading if your interested…..we have some great deals on some great locations!

We have several surf charter boats and surf resorts operating in the Mentatwais / Sumatra region all offering something unique for all types of surfers on any budget. Give us a call ON 1800 611163 or send us an expression of interest via the links.  I’ve included a couple of pics of the boats and resorts that operate around the region in the hope that they whet your appetite.

Freedom 2: an extremely spacious and speedyocean cruiser that gets you to the surf in the out of the way areas that many other charters simply can’t get to spaces are limited and selling fast

Saranya: M.V. Saranya is a seventeen metre, offshore surfing and pleasure vessel that can accommodate up to eight passengers in air-conditioned comfort. Ideal for small groups.

Santa Lusia: The best budget boat in the Mentwais with on board experienced western surf-guide. Our most popular Mentawais boat -Great value and as always selling fast!

Freedom 3: Freedom 3 is for those who want the very best in a surf charter vessel. Her hull shape is specifically designed to provide her passengers with speed, comfort, safety and economy as you hunt around for perfect waves.

Nomad: The well appointed ‘Nomad’ is an decked out for the ultimate boys trip.  Your expert skipper will find you the best uncrowded surf in Sumatra (Mentawais or North). New speedboat allowing fast delivery to more surf options

Mangalui Ndulu: Needing no introduction the legendary ‘Mighty Mango’ offers an amazing Sumatran adventure. Due to it’s popularity with repeat guests space is limited – book quick.                                                  

Kandui Resort: Kandui Resort offers a world entirely beyond time and obligation. Suits adventurous surfers looking for a free spirited, relaxing vacation with world class waves

Resort Latitude Zero: Resort Latitude Zero has recently opened and it’s got it all; great surf, great food, great facilities and great hospitality. World Surfaris is taking bookings now! Don’t miss out- be one of the first guests

Telo Island Lodge: The Ultimate surf lodge located in surf central with max. 8 guests and first class service. Very limited space left for 2010 and 2011 selling fast.

Kind regards and all the best no matter where your travels take you

Grant – Marketing

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.

For those of you underneath the rock, the surers for Padang concert was held recently at Cafe La Monde, Kirra. The line up included some great acts;  Ash Grunwald, Beau Young and others. The gig was set up to donate to surfaid to help the recent earthquake victims in Padang. It may be out of the headlines now but the tragedy is still very real over there- So a big thanks to all who particpated-World surfaris was proud to be part of it.

So…. First of all a HUGE thanks to all involved with sponsoring the event !! without your support this event would not have happened!!!

Also a huge thanks to the musicians, Matt Mchugh, Ash Grunwald, Matt Pitts and Co and Beau Young. I think everyone who was there had an amazing night of entertainment, the boys went big !!

Sorry for the delay in this report but good news is always welcome. The final figure rasied came in at $8,825.00 for Surfaid International. A great effort that and sorely neeeded

Check out below the images thanks to Simon Williams.

Congratulations to Matthew Butel, the winner of the World Surfaris - Santa Lusia Boat trip with Airfares by Air Asia

and Dane Baldwin-winner of the JS surfboard

Thanks everyone for particpating and raising the much needed funds.

Keep up the good work all the crew at Surfaid International and we hope this helps with your important work.

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.

I’ve just returned from 10 days in Sumatra with a couple of mates.  Our destination was the Telo Islands located in Western Sumatra midway between the Mentawais and Nias.  I had heard plenty over the years from a few charter skippers about how good the surf is there.  Telo Island Lodge opened in 2006 and the secret is out now, however the remoteness of the region will ensure crowd factor is kept to a minimum that’s for sure.

Resort Latitude Zero beach and lagoon

World Surfaris VIP clients, Keith Anderson & Graham Elder accompanied me on the adventure.  We flew via Jakarta and overnight at the Airport hotel which is so handy as it’s located within the terminal.  The following morning we flew to Padang which recently was heavily hit by the earthquake.  There was no evidence of this at the airport and we were met by local operator, Rudi, who sorted out our domestic charter flight connection to the Telos.  We met our 4th amigo and travel companion, Marc Olivier a French Canadian geologist/surfer living in Borneo (on his 2nd visit to the Telos) and within 2 hours we boarded our charter flight and were winging our way to the Telo Islands.  1 hour flight and touchdown on one of the most spectacular runways I’ve encountered. 

Keith Anderson and our prize possessions

Dave Simons (ex pro longboarder from Crescent head) who is the manager at Telo Island lodge met us on arrival and after a short walk we were loaded onto their impressive speedboat for a 20 min ride to the Lodge.  I was immediately struck by how beautiful the islands were and upon entering the Lagoon of Telo Is. lodge it soon became obvious this was going to exceed my expectations.  The local boat boys ‘Virus’ and Gus made an instant impression with their happy faces and willingness to help.

Arrival at Telo Island Lodge

For the next 4 days, Dave and the friendly crew at Telo Island Lodge kept us surf stoked (even though huey was a little unkind with small swell, we surfed twice daily) entertained and well fed.  Dave was really on the ball finding us the best available surf according to the conditions and the vast array of set ups/reef passes blew me away.  The Telos is certainly surf infested !  A big mention to Gerry and Reso in the kitchen for their incredible food.  The late arvo beer snacks including sashimi, squid and fish sticks were washed down with an ice cold Bintang on deck of our overwater bungalow.  Telo Island Lodge has to be one of the most exclusive surf resorts in the world as it’s only catering to a max. of 8 guests in high quality accommodation.  The attention to detail was amazing and the ‘upmarket rustic’ feel/ambience they have created in this tropical paradise is a credit to them.  I can see why their 2010 season is nearly booked out and 2011 is filling up fast.  If the righthander out the front was pumping you would not want to leave the lodge although “Mishos Left’, 5 mins around the corner is an insane wave. This is the ultimate lads lodge!

Telo Island lodge beach and lagoon

Gerry the Masterchef at Telo Island Lodge

We bid farewell to the smiling staff at Telo Island lodge and Dave drove us approx. 45 mins south in the speedboat to Resort Latitude Zero.   I was particularly looking forward to catching up with one of the resort Latitude Zero owners Matt Cruden as I spent my teenage years surfing with him on the Central coast of NSW and although we speak every 2nd day I had not seen him for a few years.  When we reached the resort I was amazed by the unspoilt  beauty of their Island Paradise.  Resort Latitude Zero is on it’s own private 100 acre island surrounded by white sandy beach with turquoise lagoon.  This might sound corny but it’s exactly that as my photos below show (taken with an Olympus pocket camera and no photoshop!!)

Resort Latitude Zero -South beach and lagoon

Matt, his family and staff met us on arrival and were ushered into this very impressive looking resort.  Stage one of the resort was complete in April 2009 with the South house, Pool, Restaurant and landscaping looking amazing.  The quality of the building is first class and you would expect to find such a place in the Bahamas or Bali but not in the middle of no-where in the remote Telos Islands.  A team of nearly 100 local and international tradesman have done an incredible job creating a very upmarket boutique resort.  The South house where we stayed is a 2 story Queenslander style timber home with a large deck overlooking the lagoon, polished timber floor boards and high quality air conditioned rooms (2 with King size beds & ensuite bathrooms ideally suited to couples).  The living area has a large dining room table, a self serve fridge with soft drinks and snacks and tea and coffee making facilities.  There is also a large leather lounge in this area with a big plasma TV and entertainment system to watch movies, play WII etc..  A great place to chill out.  This house will take a maximum of 8 surfers plus a few non surfers or kids. Downstairs is a open air entertainment area with Pool table & Ping pong table.   

Guest rooms at Resort Latitude Zero

South house upstairs living room

Stage 2 (the North house) is well underway now and will be complete by February 2010.  The upstairs of the north house will basically be a mirror image of the South house with guest rooms and living area and large deck overlooking the lagoon.  This will take a max. of 8 surfers also + non surfers.  Downstairs will have some staff offices, storage and a interconnecting family room at the front with deck.    The foundations of the houses are an incredible feat of design and labour.  Each house is supported by approx. forty; 1×1 metre, steel reinforced concrete footings that go three metres deep . 

With the 2 house complete by 2010, Latitude Zero resort will take a max. of 16 surfers and each house will operate as it’s own group/tour.  Each house has it’s own speedboat and surfguide and will surf different breaks to the other house each surf.  This is no problem due to the abundance of surf in close proximity.

Click here to checkout a filmclip of Resort Latitude Zero.

Adam ‘Wal’ Roffey who has worked on charter boats in Sumatra for the last decade is the resort Manager and when quizzing Wal on the volume of surf in the region he counted out 20 regularly surfed quality breaks ranging from full on world-class barrels (DC’s right breaking of f Resort Latitude Zero will feature in a new Matt Gye movie featuring Owen Wright and some other hot groms pulling into big barrels) to mellower point style wave and reef passes.  There really is something for every surfer in the Telos.

For the next 4 days Wal took the 4 of us surfing at Monkeys Right, Mishos Left, Rangas Right and a beachbreak (who would have thought).  The quality of the set-ups was amazing and we were all surf stoked. 

One of the many surfbreaks in the Telos

The surf trips were made easy and FAST! by the resort speedboats -Latitude 1 & 2.  Latitude 1 is 20′ Aluminium hull bow rider with twin 150 hp engines and Latitude 2 is a 30′ fibreglass half cabin speedboat with twin 200hp.  Both boats will comfortable take 8 passengers + 2 crew.

Speeboats for fast surf transfers

 The quality of the food and beverage at Resort Latitude was outstanding, ranging from imported New Zealand beef to local seafood with Indonesian flavours.  A large range of beer, wine and cocktails is available from the bar.  The pool area is outstanding and a great place to chill out in between surfs or at the end of the day.  I would not hesitate to take my wife and kids back to Resort Latitude Zero as they would have a nice relaxing holiday in tropical paradise; surfing, swimming, snorkelling, beachcombing, fishing and being well fed and watered! 

It’s worth noting that Resort Latitude Zero is very ECO friendly and both houses have water catchment systems that run rainwater to 8 large water tanks.  The water is treated and purified and pumped back to the houses for guest use.  You can drink the water direct out of the taps which is unheard of in Indonesia.

Gourmet cuisine at Resort Latitude Zero

Stunning pool at Resort Latitude Zero

Whether it’s a 11night 100% Mentawais charter, an 11nt Nth Sumatra adventure or a 7 night charter combined with Resort Latitude Zero.   Captain Jono Shade and the crew of Nomad will find you uncrowded waves on this very very comfortable boat.  Please enquire for more info.

Nomad with speedboat tender

Nomad dorm accommodation

After our stay at Resort Latitude Zero we actually went back to Padang by the 30′ Latitude 2 speedboat rather than a charter flight as there were only 4 of us and they did not have guests arriving same day (last trip of season).  We left the resort pretty early after a quick breakfast and surfed Monkeys right for a couple of hours then motored for approx. 6 hours back to Padang.  We slept, read, played cards and ate lunch onroute before arriving mid afternoon.  We were met on arrival and transferred to the airport for our flight home.  We witnessed the devastation of the recent earthquake and this further re-inforced why we are supporting SURF AID with donations and a concert on the Gold coast on Sunday 22 November. See details on poster below. We aim to make at least $10,000 for surf aid from this concert.

Surfers 4 Padang - Surf Aid concert

All up my first trip to the Telos was incredible and I will certainly be returning again there in the future.  Thanks to the crew at Telo Island Lodge and Resort Latitude Zero for their incredible hospitality!  As Arnie says “I’ll be back”!

This post comes from World Surfaris, the leading adventure surfing holidays company. Want to Surf Maldives or Surf Indonesia then talk to us.