The Purdon family jump onboard for a summer sessions trip through Mentawai Islands.

Words & Pics | Uncle Lip

Conditions/Forecast

January shines! Back-to-back swell over 6ft with an empty island chain. That’s what Mango Summer sessions are all about.

STANDOUT SESSIONS

Dad Christian, a Mango veteran, promised the boys the best waves of their lives and that promise sure did deliver for the four boys on their first trip to Sumatra.

Plenty of variety, which was perfect for half goofies and half natural footers onboard.

The standout was an all-day affair at one of Mentawai’s favourite lefts where everyone’s surfing got better and better as the day wore on.

When you have a perfect canvas in front of you every wave, yeah, your surfing does improve very quick.

31 Seasons

Aston on his new favourite left

Chris go left

Chris go right

Denver off the top

Gloomy days didnt stop the fun

Is January the new wonder month?

Mighty Mango

One O'clock

Possibly the best wave nash has ever seen

Progression

Summers in the office

Surfed out

Tube time

well over head for Nash

Wave of the trip

The boys getting their first real barrels was epic to be a part of. Young Nash with a late paddle out to win the heat on a triple overhead wave for the grom was up there… but wave of the trip goes to Miki, the ring-in. Right place right time.

Miki deep

Stand tall Miki!

Exit time

Personalities

Such a fun easy-going summertime trip. The Purdon family is tight and full of positive energy. Dad Christian has the most energy and leads the pride each day to maximize surf time and all-day sessions. The four brothers, aged 13-20, maintained healthy competition in and out of the water, while mum Nadine kept the boys from doing anything too crazy…..except the haircuts…..

Foxy time!

How does is look?

In transit

Let's get dad too!

Mr. tikitok

Surfed out

When in doubt get the bowl out

Food

Situ and Putra’s Indonesian dishes were most interesting for the boys on their first trip to Mentawai.

Indonesian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, textures and aromas, a testament to the archipelago's rich cultural heritage and diverse geography. It is always cool to introduce these exotic and famous dishes for the first time to the younger guys who haven’t yet experienced the wonder.