The trips contingent all arrived for the first' size up' of each other in a hotel in Padang, and it was all cuddles and excitement followed swiftly by action to purchase as much Bintang for our vessel as was socially acceptable.
Three Welsh, three Australian and three Englishmen. Middle-aged lads, loaded with social skills, banter, understanding and each with a tale worth the money.
We were heading for the Sola Gracia, run by Guy Morgan, a very impressive and luxurious vessel. A guy is an equally accomplished surfer in his own right. The initial plan was to hit the mid-section of the Ments and then strike Macaronis when the time was right.
The Welsh couple beside me were John Lawrence, who the boys affectionately renamed John John Lawrence (charged any wave that was put in front of him and drank 30 Bintangs in a day, fair play!) and my hometown sidekick Greg Hill, a man who at home designs houses for the day job and when on tour generously bought all a cocktail at the Macaronis surf resort. A genuinely loveable, loyal and compassionate foot soldier who was ready to ignite, with less than a moment's notice.
Our Aussie chargers were Rumpie (who was in the final of the Aus nationals in his day ) incredibly amusing and humane soul, the top five funniest people on earth.
Damo Porteous, a family man with a frame a bit like a white Usain Bolt, and like most Aussies to be fair, great when the shit hits the fan.
Dean Sutherland, Spencer's former traveling QS partner, a quality individual who was possibly the best tourist with his tales, surfing, general positivity and did I say stories of Hawaii and the heavy scenes, sponsored and looked after by Da Hui.
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2020 Wetsuit Guide
If the recent boom in wetsuits sales is anything to go by, the best bit of advice we can give you is make swift decisions and invest quickly. To help you, here’s the lowdown on the best wetsuits on the market right now.
CEYLON STORIES
SERENDIPIDITY IN THE INDIAN OCEAN.
ENGLISH NATIONALS
TOLCARNE TAILSPINS IN THE LAST COMP FOR A WHILE . . . MAYBE
THE ST VALENTINE 'S DAY MASSACRE
ROB MILES AND CALLUM DAVID THOMAS MIX IT UP WITH THE WORLD’S BEST AT ALL TIME SAFI.
BARBADOS
FAMILY FRIENDLY SURF TRIPPING TIPS
GENE GENIE
FROM PAIGNTON THROUGH VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL KITCHENS WITH A SOJOURN IN THE SCOTTISH ISLES EUGENE TOLLEMACHE NOW CALLS INDO HOME AND IS LOVING LIFE
*OCCIDENTAL DRIFT
THE BLEEDING EDGE OF SURF EXPLORATION IS A HOT, INHOSPITABLE PLACE. BUT WORTH THE MISSION.
TASMANIA ART CLUB
BRENDON GIBBENS AND DION AGIUS EXPLORE THE LITTLE CHUNK HANGING OFF THE BOTTOM OF AUSTRALIA AND GET CREATIVE
Mr Smith
THE GENIAL ED SMITH IS ONE OF THOSE SURFERS THAT HAS A TON OF ABILITY AND TOYED WITH THE COMP SCENE BUT SOON REALISED A REAL TRADE AND SURFING FOR HIMSELF WAS A WISER OPTION. WE BUMPED INTO HIM ON OUR MISSION TO SCOTLAND, AND HE WAS KILLING IT EVERY SESSION. SUPER STYLISH, ALWAYS DEEP, A PLEASURE TO SHOOT. HE 'S A GOOD BLOKE TO GO FOR A PINT WITH TOO.
SETH MOZ
SETH MORRIS IS A YOUNG PRO FROM A QUIET PART OF WALES. HE JOINED US ON OUR WINTER MISSION TO PORTUGAL, WHERE HE IMPRESSED ALL WITH HIS STYLISH ATTACK. READ ON FOR A PEEK INSIDE HIS HEAD.
