Kandui Surf Resort, Mentawai islands, 2nd October surf report . This morning a group of eight guests got going at 7:00 to explore Hideaways. On the boat ride over it was evident that there was more swell in the water and the group was amped as the winds had calmed down and the tide was high which is optimal for the break. We were not disappointed when we pulled up to solid 2 foot overhead sets peeling off the reef. Everyone says Hideaways is shallow. In fact, our guide- “all day” Ray Wilcoxen has paid his dues at the spot and still has the scars to show it. Depending on your level the stories of how sharp the reef is can play with your mind- when you are charging these waves you need no self- doubt or hesitation. The second you hesitate is when the wave really spanks you. Better to just charge.
On the boat were two pros- Shaun Burrell and the charismatic big wave rider Brad Gerlach. Shaun is a goofy-foot currently on the WQS who is experiencing his first trip to Indo. He is a super nice guy who surfs way inside catching so many waves it makes your head spin. Yet he never appears to be taking waves from the guests. Look for his name in the future- he absolutely rips.
Gerlach is like a monkey who has been released on parole from the zoo. He surfs at a different speed than most surfers taking apart waves with power and style that makes most guests just watch and shake their heads. Brad is coaching a number of the Kandui guests and you can immediately see his effect- guests who were having trouble now are consistently making sections and charging bigger and bigger waves. Overall, surfing with the pros raises everyone’s game and is a nice addition to the line-up.
By 11:00 a.m. as the second Kandui boat pulled up with some more guests the first boat headed back to Kandui to get a little nourishment. About a half hour later it was back to check Pit Stops and Ebay. A quick look at Pitstops revealed head-high sets on what many people call the aerial assault wave of the Ments. Featured in countless surf movies, the wave peaks up in a shallow spot outside and winds down the line to finish on a sandy beach. For the normal surfer, it’s a light tube off the take-off- followed by an opportunity to drive down the line. For the pro’s the speed down the line opens the opportunity to punt airs like you see in the movies. It’s insane.
After an hour at Pitstops , it was off to Ebay. The waves were much bigger- and immediately everyone went to work. Ebay is a picture perfect left that offers countless opportunities for barrels and driving sections. When you are in the line-up, a gaze at the shore with its perfect trees and sand is a Mentawai billboard or maybe just a mirage. No matter, you just pinch yourself and say- am I really here?
The other guests had taken their boat to Beng Beng and were enjoying solitary lefts- just their group out and pumping surf. They went into the standard Kandui wave rotation- with everyone getting their wave fill.
Back to the resort and most guest scattered- some to get a massage (at $14 U.S for an hour it’s hard not to imbibe). Others just wandered back to their Uma’s for a quick nap or to check messages. Yes another great day at Kandui- and the waves look up for tomorrow.
Joe Dowling for Ray Wilcoxen
Thanks to Amen May for the photos !!
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