June 10th - 24th / 3 - 6 Ft
Clip | Olliepop Media House
The Sudana brothers and friends from Boomerang Beach jump on last minute to score Mentawai gold.
All words and photos by Uncle Lip.
When you throw together a trip of childhood mates and brothers all from the same area you know you're in for a good time. A lot of talent on this trip which had the boys pushing each other on some of Mentawai most iconic waves.
View from the beer garden.
Conditions/Forcast
With the El Nino in full force this year we were expecting to surf a lot of lefts due to southerly winds but a northerly change mid trip allowed us to surf a wide variety of waves.
Plenty of good weather had us on the move to get all the way down south and back. We love going south out of reception and far away from reality. Relying on an old forecast and making the calls for the best possible session as the day pans out keeps you on your toes - “lookoutthewindow.com”
Personalities
Good old fashion Aussie’s from the coastal country created a real home feeling onboard. Being mates forever, the laughter didn’t stop. New nicknames were born and friendship became stronger.
Standout Sessions
Day two and a late swell found the mighty Mango sitting pretty all buy herself at a left some of the lads had dreamed of getting their entire life. This was a session that will not be forgotten as everyone was pushing each other and as the morning got on and the lads got more and more comfortable, the barrels just got deeper and bigger.
Trading some of the most insane barrels of your life with just your friends is what we are all about.
We spent a few days targeting swell magnets while we waited the next swell pulse to fill in.
An overnight travel to a fun, long hollow right hander was next. We hadn’t seen a set yet and as the sun came up and the first set came through, it was game on. Perfect offshore all day maximised the time in the water, with just us out there on the low tide. We stopped the barrel counter by lunchtime, we couldn’t keep up. Plenty of good wipe outs from Milky to keep the boys entertained and Cutter for president with scoring one of the best barrels of his life. Straight to the pool room those shots.
FISH ON
A lot of fishing at the beginning of the trip trolling every afternoon onboard Foxy Lady gave us endless entertainment. Brad said it was what he looked forward to most. We struggled to get a bite and it became more of a reason to relax after a full day surfing and have a few beers.
We did get a hit while on the move off the back of The Mango but the excitement was over as quick as the lure fell off the line. We won’t mention any names who was responsible on the setup as the banter from the peanut gallery was enough punishment.
Wave of the trip
This trip the camera didn’t stop rolling. It is agreed Brad’s barrel on dusk on the second day was the best wave of the trip but without light it was impossible to capture.
The best wave ridden on the morning session this epic day was AJ’s bomb. He went for the no grab rail and rode this wave all the way through the end section with style. AJ and Mada (brothers) were going wave for wave this particular morning and it was obvious they wanted to show each other up. Sorry Mada but I think this one goes to AJ.
Although this wasn’t the best wave of the trip it was Cutter’s best wave and everyone’s favourite - A quick morning surf and Cutter decided this spot wasn’t for him. After a couple of hours on the fwd deck and a bit of peer pressure from the lads Cutter decided to take it on again. As he paddle out, mates being mates, sent Cutter straight to the top of the line up for the next set. Sure enough a set rolls through and Cutter had no choice as the boys were yelling at the top of their lunges to go. A quick stumble to a recovery bottom turn Cutter was soon knifing under the lip to find himself deep in the barrel. As the wave went on and Cutter remained in the barrel, the cheers from the boat got louder and finally the beast let him out. Cutter soon had both hands above his head in disbelief and the whole boat irrupted with excitement and laughter. It was one of those moments that make the hair stand up on your skin knowing we have created these memories for not only Cutter but everyone who enjoyed that special moment onboard.
Food
As always Situ and Putra didn’t leave that kitchen the entire trip and with a request for majority local cuisine Putra and Situ were right at home but it was the fish tacos that were the lunch favourite.
Situ’s donuts got the loudest cheers of the trip though. A standard tradition out here when fishing is to bring a fishing shirt of vibrant patterns. Brad handed his fishing shirt on to Situ as Situ had a liking to it. The pattern was donuts so in true Situ fashion he got in character and started making donuts. It’s the photos that go with it that make the donuts a worthy mention.
Special Thanks:
Firstly the crew, Nolo for jumping on and relieving Bezi, our ground staff who without them we couldn’t make this happen. @Olliepop_mediahouse for capturing the whole trip on video and Mada for rounding up the boys last minute for another one for the books. See you guys for Gutters 50th in 2025.
Yours truly Uncle Lip
MANGALUI 23/24 SUMMER SESSIONS
One of our favourite times of year these days is the summer season, characterised by great weather, fun waves and far less surfers. It has been one of the industry’s best kept secrets for decades with only those in the know choosing to charter during this time of year.
