Hacking Grajagan
Unravelling the myths of Moneytrees, Speedies and Kong’s with veteran charger David Scard.
1. Equipment Choice
Equipment choice for G-Land can be determined largely by how big the surf is going to be. If you have the luxury of being able to pack your boards a few days before a trip, then you’re well-placed to get it right. If you are looking at a forecast of 4-6 feet and not too much bigger, then you can pack your normal shortboard and spare, along with at least one or two step-up boards, say, 2-4 inches bigger than your normal boards. When the forecast is looking more towards 8-10 feet, you will want to have your mid-range guns ready to blaze! Of course, you will still need a shortboard and your step-ups, but now it’s time to consider a board in the 6’8 to 7’2 range. How far the storm pushes up the W.A. coast will have a bearing on how much water is moving through the lineup. This is when you can go even longer to acquire more paddle speed against the current and get yourself positioned on The Launching Pad!
2. It’s no secret that G-Land is a swell magnet
If it is 2ft and you are surfing Kong’s, then you are already winning because you know it is flat everywhere else in Indo. The most favoured sections of G-Land are Money Trees and Speedies, which require SE trade winds. In a good pattern of seasonal winds, it goes offshore around 9-10am, perfect for the after breaky surf! If you don’t have the wind, the wave just doesn’t work properly, it sections and can be dangerous. Tides are also super important in G-Land. If you have a large swell – 8 feet and over – you NEED a good high tide or, thanks to the outside bombie, the wave can wash out. If the swell is clean and around the 6 foot mark, then the tides are not as important and you can surf Money Trees all day long! However, for Speedies, you need the high tide or it will not end well.
3. G-Land is a down the line wave
G-Land is a down the line wave and depending on the swell direction, size and the tide, there are a multitude of sections and therefore take off spots. Kong’s is a very spread out area; you can go as far up the point as you wish and surf your way down to the very obvious section that is the finish of Kong’s in front of the Fan Palms. The next section is the Ledge where the take-off area is only a few square metres to get in the right spot for the low tide double up. Money Trees is next up. Smack bang in front of the viewing tower is a great place to line up for the start of your journey down this section. Launching Pads is the next beast, but getting yourself set in the line-up for this takes years of practice, as it is less defined – similar to sitting out at Sunset and waiting for the West Peak!
4. Surf Money Tree’s on Low Tide
My tip for surfing G-Land is to surf Money Trees on low tide and not be too intimidated by the reef – the late afternoon, low tide sessions when everyone is having beers are the best! If you’re chasing Speedies, then be prepared to surf the entire tide band – fuel up, sunscreen up and have a second board ready to go!
5. Go Fish!
If you get a chance to go offshore fishing while in G-Land you should definitely go!
