28TH JULY - 8TH AUGUST | 3 – 8 FT
Simon “Bratski” Barrat and Nic “Mushy” Muscroft return and bring the whole gang for another epic run through the wave rich Mentawai Islands.
Words & Pics | Uncle Lip
THE GROUP
All-round core lords from Western Australia (excluding Mushy the token Torquay ring-in).
Former pros, stunt doubles, goofys and regulars. No wave was going to be too big to tackle with the solid forecast on hand.
Conditions/Forecast
There was absolutely no shortage of swell for this trip. Sumatra is in a peak season purple patch with lines stacked up all the way to southern Africa and beyond…
The southerlies continue to blow into August but if you’re up early enough and on the spot before first light chasing katabatic winds you will score silky morning sessions before the trades kick up mid-morning.
STANDOUT SESSIONS
The regulars and goofy footers will argue over this one, and there were multiple standout sessions this trip. Every day just got better and better.
That’s exactly how we like to run our trips onboard The Mighty Mango – plenty of variety and each new morning is a new experience, new surf breaks and new “all-time sessions”.
Wave of the trip
Bratski gets “most barreled” award this trip. The tube hound even scored one of the best barrels of his life at a break he had targeted as “bucket list” before we even left Padang harbour. How good is that!
Unfortunately, this barrel wasn’t captured on camera due to a medical emergency, but it witnessed by the peanut gallery who matters, which is just as good.
Personalities
Childhood mates, brother-in-law connections, karaoke fanatics.
This epic trip was a “reunion of the boys” with everyone now living in different parts of the world these days.
Throw in the best forecast we have seen in a hot minute and vibes are going to be extra high….and they were, all trip.
Food
Fresh fish is always hard to beat but Situ’s curries where again the showstopper. Red chicken curry, green fish curry, beef rendang.
He is a master of developing authentic flavour from local spices and “that was the best curry I have ever eaten” is a commonly heard belch at the end of mealtimes on Mangalui, and this trip was no different.
Fish on
Not much fishing this trip but when the lines were out, we hit. A couple of big GT for the crew to take home to their family and a nice Wahoo for ceviche, fish’n’chips and sashimi. Ocean to plate.
“This is my new favorite wave in the world Lip”
Louie Louie
This is my new favourite wave in the world 'Louie Louie'
Special Thanks
Massive special thanks to Cob who sustained a major injury that most people would have gone back to port for but knowing he was in good hands he stuck it out and the show went on. Bratski for getting the crew together for a hell one! As always, Captain Deli and his team, with over 100 years of experience between them on Mangalui Ndulu.
Yours truly Uncle Lip. See you guys onboard.