im going to indo in april and i need to figure out what size of board to bring. in 40 6 foot 180 lbs, i am not ripper, just an old dude that loves to surf. in the last year i sized up from shortboards to more mid sized boards. my day to day board is a 7’ egg thing. full nose 20" wide 14 tail pretty mellow rocker. so what should i use in indo? im thinking 7 foot to 7’6" range. maybe a merrick m13? really need some help!! im not afriad of volume. thanks
Leave the egg at home. The waves in Indo are so well shaped you can get away with a shorter and narrower board than you can here. The waves are hollow so a narrow board will be a plus.
Definitly buy some Bali booties to protect your feet from the reef.
take a good first aid kit and learn to sew stitches…
then take whatever boards you are most comfortable tube riding on.
if you plan on the really shallow, heavy duty spots, a helmet might not be a bad idea
have fun
Hey Groggy:
I’ve been working on that question since I booked my trip. There are a lot of
things to consider, but from an old dude here’s my advice:
Plan on taking three boards if you can, with really good fin systems that are
interchangable. The worst thing is snapping a board in the first few days.
Plan on surfing your boards in advance so you are used to their performance.
The last thing you want to do is try a board out there.
Stay in the sizes you are comfortable with, but scale up and down for your
quiver. I would say that a 6’8" x 19 would be your main go to board, preference
a “thumb” type tail for drive. The biggest would be in the 7’4"-6" range with
a round pin. Strong stringers & good glass jobs a must.
Don’t blow all your money on a expensive board that ends up getting snapped
half-way thru the trip. Used boards can be just as good if you pick carefully.
I have talked with a lot of guys that have been many, many times and hooked
up with some boat owners who have given me a lot of advice. PM me if you
have any specific questions, we are going in July with almost all 40 -50 yr old guys
for an 11 day boat trip.
im going to lomboc and sumbawa.im really excited(a little nervous too) have you ever been? any experiences to share? thanks
Quote:
im going to lomboc and sumbawa.im really excited(a little nervous too) have you ever been? any experiences to share? thanks
Indo = Perfect waves, Banana pancakes, and lots of Bintang. Bagus!
Seriously though, be careful. Try not to hit the reef. I remember seeing so many surfers over there with fresh reef scratches on their backs and legs. One guy that I talked to had a knee that looked like hamburger. His leash got wrapped around something on the bottom right as a set washed through. He couldn’t get free and took a real beating. On the bright side. If you survive with all of your skin in tact you will definitely have grown in your surfing abilities.
Hey groggylbc,
your first impressions esp. of Lombok will probably be “very fast waves”
If you are taking-on some of the showcase waves, like Deserts you will be needing boards that
get up to speed quickly.
As for Sumbawa, name-places such as Supersuck, Yo-Yo’s, and Scar Reef require a bit of skill.
Helps a LOT if someone on the boat knows how to surf those set-ups, and esp. (don’t laugh)
how to eat shit properly. This could mean the difference between scratches and a “trip-ender”.
If you can surf challenging Hawaii, then Indo will seem like a breeze, waaaay smoother water,
and typically very long rides.
There are some rights as well, such as Periscope’s, but crowds from land-based areas are def. a
factor.
There are a plethora of no-name spots way softer, and not perfect, but you can get that going
places closer to home. (way less $, you know).
If you are going for the big name spots, and like heavy waves, be sure to take a fast, narrow-tailed
board, and quite short, even in bigger waves. Too much length will lead to problems in the hollower
waves. Typical quivers are shorter boards, a couple of step-ups, and one bigger (close to 7 foot).
I’ve had a handful of days there where I could have used an 8 footer, but you should be able make it.
Most of your effort will be driving the board for speed (quickness) and getting covered-up
will be secondary until experience is gained.
On one of my first boat trips I didn’t (couldn’t) do an off-the-lip, cutback, or air for almost a week
(unlike the Pros I watched on DVD every night!) because the waves were so perfect and I was (frankly)
overwhelmed, but super-stoked. The place is beautiful and primordial in a lot of places, you’ll see…
Depending upon the time of year, I’d say July/Aug would be peak (crowd/size) it can get well over
15 feet. But your skipper will most likely find the right waves for his guests, they’re usually not out
to kill you, they want your tip at the end of the trip. Expect head-and-a-half as typical size.
Hope this helps,
George
Hello Groggy.
I’ve been to Indo a couple of times and the best advice I can give you is… take boards that suit the sort of waves that you like to ride, not what people tell you that you will need.
Obviously there are practical considerations, will you be land based or boat trip? high on the hog. or bones of your arse?
Ideally 3 boards; a board for when it’s small (yep, could be tiny for a week!), a board for fun sized good, fast powerful waves and a board that paddles better than the other 2 and handles going really fast.
If you can only take 1 or 2 boards, have a look in the mirror and ask yourself what are your wave riding hopes and aspirations for this trip. Choose your equipment from that end of the spectrum.
Speaking personally, I have come to terms with my inner coward. This year I’ll not be dragging my 7’2" to Indo to realize the waves it requires are the waves I no longer enjoy. I’ll be taking a little fat fish, a 6’4" or 6’6" x 19" and my 6’ 9" Lynch Tuflite which is going to handle anything I’m likely to!
Remember it’s not ALL about 8ft Desert Point death tubes… it’s about having fun… do take the reef boots but.
See ya there in april mate!
Hi,
I’m straight-arming 40. Went to Indo last year on a wee boat trip. Took three boards. Depending on your travel folks, plan on two only. I road two of them. I had a 6’6 and a 7’4. Road the 7’4 only once at Thunders. Horrific fin humming kept me dazed and confused. I thought the island’s sirens were calling me. They were both first time rides for me and I built them. It was meant to be a bit of a pressure test for my shapes… that it was, that it was.
My MVB was my 6’6 which I shaped for Maine winters… i.e. some volume and some width. I road this in 2’-8’ the whole time in Indo (4’-16’ in the pits). The volume kept me closer to the surface when it counted that’s for sure. I tried a merrick chip at 7’ lance’s lefts… no deal, I chose life. The width of my 6’6 held me back though at 5’+ for sure when it was fast. I got into some of the biggest barrels of my life for sure but when it was large my drops were late (hairball!!!) and there was no checking out unless it was a perfect setup.
So, my advice, not being an expert Indo adviser by any means… Take what you’re comfortable with… that is, what you’re comfortable with when it’s critical… There’ll be very little loafing, leave the easy to surf stuff where it belongs… where it’s easy to surf.
Good luck!!! Have Fun!!! Plan to get barreled every frickin day!!
\randy
7’-7’6 sounds good to me, if your only taking one board but make it a semi-gun shape if you want to surf bigger waves. It’s better to be over gunned than under gunned. As other have advised take 3 boards if you can, your fav everyday board plus two longer boards for the juice.
I’d echo all the other board recommendations. I will add that, just as important as the right board, is to be in shape and ready for late take-offs on EVERY wave. The spots we rode had been made shallower by earthquakes but still, you gotta get up fast and make your first move down the line.
One of the most valuable, “skin saving” pieces of advice I have ever been offered about surfing in Indo is: “NEVER take the first wave of any set - you will eventually pay for it.”
Hope you get great waves.
Cheers
thanks a lot for all the advise!!! keep it coming!!
I’m 6’ and 200 lbs. My MVB, when I went, was a 6’ 10’’ rounded pin made by Bill Minard. It got me through a big day at G-Land, head high waves at Uluwatu, and some perfect micro tubes at Bingin.
No one has mentioned it yet, but why did you choose those Islands? First time Indo surfers need to experience Bali – at least for a few days. I know it can be crowded, but it is such a cool island. The Balinese people are so friendly, honest, and hospitable.
hey swied
im going for the first time this year
id did a trip to AUZ last week and took two boards
i found the bag heavy and the padding on the strap wasnt long enough
so it was cutting into my shoulder
it was a chore to drag two boards around with gear inside the bag
when i go to indo i will only be taking 2 boards for ease of travel and light weight
they will be compsands so i dont have to worry about them breaking!
im sure i can get 5 min epoxy over there to fix any holes etc although ill prolly take some ding tape
when i get my bag im going to get my wife to extend the padding on the strap
im going to make the boards as light as possible and use foam core fins
i think i can reduce my travel weight by 2 kg or more and maybe loose another kilo by carefully choosing the right boardbag
also i pan to take only one or 2 changes of cloths (all quick dry materials)
im 85 kg and 35 years old and pretty fit
my boards will be a 6 3 to 6 4 squash tail and a 6 8 rounded pin for doh days
the rounded pin will have a standard shortboard rocker and be 2 3/4 thick for easy paddle
i figure i wont be doing as much duckdiving over there so the extra thickness wont matter 2 mch
i would hope the 6 8 will do the job if it got a bit bigger and i was feeling brave
all in all
i could be completely wrong of course
i do have a question though
where do you keep money and passports if your roughing it
do you have a water proof money bag
or bury it in the sand
i dont like the idea of leaving that sort of stuff in a beach hut
i want to just hang in bali for a week
them maybe go island hoping for another week
I’ve had the airlines take tins of poly resin and catalyst out of my bag and leave the tubes of 5min epoxy.
They don’t seem to mind stuff thats in a proper squeeze tube, so suncure/solarez is great.
Take replacement fin boxes and enough cloth to fix a snap. sandpaper etc.
I use zip lok bags to take a few notes with you to pay the boat drivers when they drop you out at the reefs. Fold up the bag tightly and put it in your leash key pouch. I’ve even got a little mini kitchen bag heat sealer, which works great.
If your not used to surfing in boardies, please take this advice - wear a t-shirt for at least your first few sessions!!
I buy cheap tight fitting cotton ones, they don’t slow you down at all.
Without one or even with a lycra rash vest, you’ll have a raw chest from your first few surfs, it’ll be so bad you won’t be able to surf!
Avoid it by wearing a t-shirt, they are thick enough to protect you, and they keep the sun off.
Most surf huts/accomodations are pretty safe, the staff know where there money is coming from, and want to look after their guests, tourism in crucial to the economy in some of these places.
Stay in a dodgy place and you’ll have dodgy stuff happen.
Be friendly and complementary about the food, their country, etc and they’ll love you. they are friendly people if you are!
Don’t throw money at them, but a tip when you’ve had a good meal or a good stay goes a long way.
Theres a difference between buying people and paying for a good time.
Back on topic - boards
Take boards that you feel comfortable riding in the mid to upper range of your skills.
Theres crazy waves, but theres stacks of lovely groomed walls to play on as well.
Don’t take a board that surfs bigger than you do, you just might go troppo enough to get yourself in trouble! ha ha 
The majority of the people I talk to ride their biggest gun once, if at all.
As to the number of boards you take, in indo, i’d take 3 or more.
Transport is the name of the game over there, it’s very reasonably priced, so you’ll probably barely have to lug your bag around.
Hire a whole 4wd and driver for the day for cheap (easy in Bali at least).
Oh and last thing, i’M SO BLOODY JEALOUS!!!
Indo is the mecca, I don’t care what anyone says, nowhere else compares, and i’ve surfed a lot of the world.
sooooooooo epic, gunna get back there soon.
Kit
Some really good advice, I agree with it all. So true about the ‘first wave’ idea,
also at most wrapping-reef, and atoll set-ups, don’t go for the “swing-wide”
sets, they almost always section-off and won’t barrel as perfect. Try to
take off fairly far back, those waves tend (not always) to peel across the
reef. At home the “swing wides” are viable, but there it can be trouble.
I got some really good advice from a pro surfer during certain wipe-outs.
When doing the classic “body-drag” across the reef:
(being towed under water feet first, back-down, by your leash and in-wash
current, your reef shirt is blown up around your armpits, THEN you bounce
your butt and bare back on the bottom until you find that one coral stud)
He said to immediately start swimming (Aussie Crawl?) away from shore with
a steady (not panic) stroke so the leash is plenty tight. Like you were in one
of those treadmill swimtank things.
I found it works quite well. My body position is such that I come up right
away and don’t cover distance over the reef.
Now, you have about 6 seconds to gather your board (pray it ain’t tombstoning)
and decide if you can duckdive the next one, or undo your leash and dive for
the bottom.
The important thing is “Have really good leashes”. Typically thicker than at home
but not long (takes too long to reel in) (they’ll get long after a couple of mishaps)lol.
I got caught by a macker set at Rifles with a new 6.5ft (2m) leash, tried to duckdive,
got the drag/swim. Found a non-coral/sharp lava patch to stand and wait it out,
then paddled back out during a lull. A little shook but smiling! (inside Rifles has
a bit of Fire Coral). Had an INSANE session, didn’t fall the rest of the day.
When we got to the boat, we measured the leash and it was 11 feet long! As soon
as they’re stretched they get chucked. Only stretched one other on that trip.
As for stashing your valuables, if you are staying at a proper hotel, they will have
a vault. Home-stays have a master or village chief. Never bury anything- you are
being watched at all times even in remote Mentawai areas, trust me, it’s almost
comical… (I’ve got a ton of stories)
…Never leave boardshorts or your slaps/sandals unattended. They WILL turn up
missing. Those things seem fair game in those regions! A good example is walking
from HT’s to Lance’s Left, were slaps can help. Then you do your surf, come in,
and do the barefoot hike, in the dark usually, back to HomeStay. Still stoked though.
Take a bunch of crappy slaps, shower shoes, or walk in reef boots if you like them.
You guys are getting me stoked,
I think I’m gettin the itch again!!!
Hope this helps,
George
PS. I’ve taken 5 boards and came back with 1, I’ve taken 5 boards and 4 stayed in
the bag. We’ve had guys swim to our boat and beg us to sell them a board. Really,
with you and your buddies, you got it covered. Getting really stoked for you!!!
im gonna be in bali for a couple days before the trip. i choose lombok and sumbawa because its the closest and it fits my time schedule the best. i would really like to spend more time in bali, but this trip has to be quick. thanks to everyone with the advice!!
The last time I was in Bali was six years ago, so things might have changed. Back then there were all sorts of huts along the cliffs of the Bukit penninsula. I spent a week by myself in one overlooking Bingin – a machine like tubing left. When I say hunt, I mean a small hut with no walls. My bed was a bamboo cot looking right over the break. I left my bag containing my passport and money with the mama who tended the hut. I trusted her completely. I was more worried about the other dirtbag surfers stealing my stuff than her. Many Balinese are very religous. Their Hindu traditions seriously frown upon stealing. It’s very bad karma. My week long stay there was ridiculously cheap. I think it was less than five dollars (US) per night. They probably have a big hotel there now. I would love to go back someday. That was one of the most relaxing, and carefree weeks of my life.