Our new south swell was showing out at 4 Bobs this morning.  It wasn’t pumping, but there were a few overhead sets.  The winds were out of the southeast, which isn’t a good wind when you have a straight south swell, so we hung out and hoped for a wind switch.  Just as we were going to give up and go to Beng Beng in hopes that some of that straight south was getting in there, the winds suddenly switched and went west so we jumped in the boat and had a look at Rifles.  It was marginably good, but a bit on the small size.  A boat got on it quickly and that was enough for us to pick up and move to 4 Bobs where no one was out and the waves were occasionally overhead with perfect conditions.   Everyone had fun and there were even a couple of barrels.  The winds backed off in the early afternoon so the boys went for a surf at Nipusi.  Waves there were pushing double overhead on the sets and no one was out there either!  Conditions were pretty good there and the boys got there fill, and there were even a couple of good barrels there as well.  The tide was coming up fast in the afternoon so we ran over to Rifles to see what was happening.   Again, no one was out and, although it wasn’t epic Rifles, it was pretty fun and there were a couple of nice barrels to be found there as well.  All in all a good day!  Hoping our swell will hang in there for another day. 

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 31, 2007

It was looking pretty small again this morning.  Our predicted south swell was not showing yet, so it was back to Burgerworld.  It wasn’t quite as good as yesterday, but still plenty of fun.  The guys surfed for a long time.  Good for some because most were completely worn out for the rest of the day and the new swell  started showing late in the afternoon so there was only 3 people max out at chest high plus, glassy 4 Bobs for the late session.  Just before dark a couple of head high sets rolled through so hopes are high for tomorrow.  Everyone is hoping for Rifles!  The swell is not predicted to be very big, but there is a chance.  I’ll let you know tomorrow!

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 30, 2007

The surf was looking pretty small this morning, but at least the winds were light.  Yesterday the wind was pretty strong out of the west so we were limited to small 4 Bobs after being turned back by a storm trying to go to Burgerworld.  But today the skies were clear and we made Burgerworld our first stop.   It was a good size for Burgerworld, about head high on the sets and it was pretty glassy for most the session. We brought a lot of snacks and some sandwiches because we knew Burgerworld would be the only thing working and didn’t want to make the long trip twice, so we hung out for hours surfing, cruising on the island, or napping on the boat.  The wind got a little stronger about mid afternoon so we called it a day.  Hoping for a new swell to start filling in tomorrow

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 29, 2007

Light winds again today with sunny skies.  The boys got out early and checked Bankvaults.  It was a little smaller than yesterday and it had some morning sickness so they headed over to Nipusi where it was cleaner.  There was nobody out, and it was glassy and overhead.  They surfed until their arms were shot, then headed back for lunch.  We ate quickly and headed back out.  The winds were light out of the southeast so we went to Beng Beng where it was a little overhead and super consistent, but slightly onshore as the winds had switched to southwest.  It was still really fun until the only boat in the northern Mentawais unloaded its entire crew on us, so we headed back to 4 Bobs where it was offshore and nobody out.  We surfed until dark.  Expecting smaller surf tomorrow.

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 27, 2007

It was another beautiful day today.  Sunny with like winds all day.  I was busy upgrading our computer system with our IT guy, Hui, but the boys got some good waves at Bankvaults.  It was a little bigger and more consistent than yesterday.  Our crew got some good waves and some good barrels, but the barrel of the day went to our surf guide Tommy.  It wasn’t even a set wave and it rolled by everybody and Tommy scratched into it.  It was a pretty average looking wave, but it started throwing and it didn’t stop until it peeled across the entire reef!  Sully from the Huey happened to be taking pictures and he motored up and gave Tommy a disc with about a 30 shot sequence of him coming out of section after section!  It was his lucky day.  Thanks Sully!  In the afternoon the guys gave Rifles a try.  It was only shoulder high or so, but the tide was high and it was doable.  They got some long, fun rides.  Hui got finished with his computer stuff in time to get a couple of waves at 4 Bobs before the sun went down also.  It was a good day.  Probably looking at smaller surf tomorrow.

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resortt: October 26, 2007

The winds were blowing out of the northwest this morning at about 5 mph.  We headed for Bankvaults to see if there were any sign of the new swell showing there.  There was swell, but it had a little sickness and there were some guys on it.  Nipusi was looking a little busy as well so we decided to get a surf in somewhere else and let those guys burn out while it was morning sick and we could get it later with better conditions!  The plan worked perfectly.  We went around the corner and surfed some fun, glassy, shoulder to head high Beng Beng with no one out, our only complaint being that it was inconsistent. After we surfed for a couple of hours we headed back to Bankvaults.  Sure enough, it was glassy now and no one was out!  Sets were going 2 or 3 feet overhead and there was the occasional nice barrel.  We had one of our other boats bring us out some lunch and we surfed by ourselves until mid afternoon when the masses finally got back on it.  The winds were turning west by then anyway so we headed back and got some clean 4 Bobs with no one out for the late session.  We’re hoping for the swell the pick up a little more for tomorrow. 

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 25, 2007

It’s always nice to wake up to a perfectly glassy ocean, and that is exactly what happened today.  It looked like the island paradise that it is at dawn today.  We had some new guests arrive this morning and they were understandable frothing so we quickly headed for Nipusi where we knew it would be picking up the swell the best.  It was head high plus with light, light north winds.  Some of the guys went up to Bankvaults where it was the same size and just as glassy.  Good fun.  In the afternoon the guys went back to Nipusi.  No one was out and they had a great time.  They surfed until dark.  Looking for a new swell to start filling in tomorrow. 

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 24, 2007

The wind was blowing pretty strongly out of the east this morning and our south swell was looking smaller than yesterday.  That added up to a snorkeling and beachcombing.  It was a nice day.  The sun was out but it was not too hot. Everybody found something to do for he first half of the day, and then we got lucky and the winds went north around midafternoon so the gang took the short ride up to Pistols to see what was going on.  It was a little overhead with nobody out and, if you were in the right place at the right time, you could get a good barrel.  Pretty typical Pistols.  Some of the guys were on their second to last day of their trip so I was stoked to see them get a good session in.  Probably looking at smaller surf tomorrow. 

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resortt: October 23, 2007

The day started out with west winds blowing and 4 Bobs looking good.  It was the place to be all morning until the winds turned east.  We tried  looking for waves somewhere that was taking the east winds, but it was super small on the west facing  reefs so we headed back to the resort,  just in time for the winds to go east and 4 Bobs was on again!  So it was a 4 Bobs afternoon again, and some of the guys even went to Rifles and got a few waves up there.  Hoping our little south sell hangs in there for tomorrow. 

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resortt: October 22, 2007

We were expecting a new swell to be showing this morning, but it wasn’t looking too promising at dawn.  The winds were out of the southeast so we figured that hanging around the resort was a better use of time than desperately searching for something rideable on the west facing reefs.  But as luck would have it, the winds went north in the late morning so we jumped in the boat to check out Nipusi and Bankvaults.  Both were offshore and a little overhead so we split up between the two.  We surfed for a couple of hours before the winds turned more out of the west so we headed back for a late lunch.  4 Bobs was looking pretty good when we got back.  The new swell looked like it was finally kicking in.  4 Bobs was head high on the sets and offshore.  Most the guys ate a quick lunch and got out there.  There were good waves until they came in at dark.  Hoping the swell will hang around for tomorrow. 

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 20, 2007

Our swell was a little smaller today, but there were still a lot of shoulder high plus waves coming in at 4 Bobs. The wind was out of the east at about 10 mph, so, after seeing a few friends off on their journey back to the states, the guys headed over to Beng Beng.  It was about as good as Beng Beng gets.  Head high plus, light offshore winds, consistent, sunny, and no one was out!  Our 6 guests and 1 surf guide got all the waves they could paddle into before heading back for a late lunch.  One of our guests, who has been here three times already in Kandui’s short 2 year existence, said it was the best Beng Beng he had ever seen.  By the time the guys got back to the resort the wind had died and 4 Bobs was looking good and no one was out.  The guests that had any energy left ate quickly and got back into the water.  The swell seemed to be fading, but there were still fun waves until dark.  Expecting smaller surf tomorrow.

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 19, 2007

Winds were light and variable again this morning.  It’s so nice to see good conditions again after kind of a long streak of wind.  It was looking pretty small though, so we hung out a little before looking for surf.  A couple of little sets started rolling through 4 Bobs so we jumped in the boat and started searching.  We ended up at Beng Beng.  There was some sort of wave just about everywhere, but there was some morning sickness on the south facing reefs and Beng Beng was pulling in the swell better that the other west facing reefs.  We surfed for a LONG time.  It was only us in the water and the sets were getting bigger and more frequent with the rising swell.  Finally the wind came up a little out of the west and we were fatigued and sunburned anyway, so we packed it in.  As we were pulling into the playgrounds area we saw a set come through 4 Bobs.  The winds were light offshore and it was pushing head high and there was not another surfer within miles.  Some jumped off the boat right then and others got some lunch and then joined in on the fun.  Some were content to rest their weary bodies.  It got bigger and cleaner as the afternoon wore on.  It was about as good as 4 Bobs gets.  A little overhead with 5 mph or so offshore winds.  There were even a few nice barrels to be had.  Another good day of surf for the boys!  Hoping for the swell to show even a little more tomorrow.  Rifles?

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 16, 2007

Winds were light and variable this morning and the swell was looking considerably smaller.  As we were looking around for surf, the wind seemed to be blowing more out of the north than anything else so we headed back to Nipusi.  It was only a foot overhead or so, but it was some of the best Nipusi I’ve seen this year.  Really clean and lining up nicely.  Our second boat arrived as our first boat was leaving and had a good time as well.  We only surfed with a couple of other guys the whole time.  The swell just about dropped off the map by the afternoon.  Some surfed chest high 4 Bobs while some took advantage of happy hour while still others enjoyed some volleyball with the crew.  Not a bad day! Looking for a new swell to build tomorrow. 

This report has been brought to you by Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 15, 2007

Today  unfolded as the ideal Mentawai surf experience.  Eight friends taking off early in the morning on the Kandui speedboat to catch the expected new swell at Ebay.   Our surfguide, Ray “all day” Wilcoxen packed a lunch so we could hang at the break if it was going off.  The surf forecasts were calling for 7 foot at 18 seconds with light winds.   The ride to Ebay is about 25 minutes but it felt like 10 minutes as everyone was joking and cognizant that only two days remained on our trip.  As we pulled up to the break, it looked a little sick, but soon enough a large set came in and everyone scrambled from the boat.  Solid head high plus waves with some much larger ones sneaking through but more importantly there were wide open barrels.  Nobody else was in the water so we started our standard wave rotation pattern.  Everyone gets a shot at the biggest set waves.  If you do not want a wave because you are too deep then you signal by holding both your hands up.  No hassle surfing, just good vibe and the best waves of your life.

Riding Ebay requires you to generate speed on the take-off and then a pig-dog or the ability to pull-in for a tube section that can last 6 plus seconds.   The wave spits you out into a shallow spot so it helps to pay attention on the exit.  By far, the star of the day was Brad Gerlach who seemed to have an ability to get the longest tubes, float the biggest sections and generate vertical snaps off the lip that were truly magazine worthy.  Gerlach is so comfortable in waves below 20 feet that he spent many of his waves riding switch stance- pulling into sick barrels and generating more speed down the line than anyone else.  The people in the line-up (two Kiwi’s joined us about mid-session) were shaking their heads in disbelief.  Other notable performances included Andrew “the strangler” Griffiths, a founder of surfAid who is Mentawai seasoned and after New Zealand suffered a tragic loss to the French in the world Rugby championships during the evening was charging with aggression.  Andrew was launching himself into every large set- wave that presented itself.  Californian goofy-foot Matt Vandermeer bagged numerous Ebay barrels and was a clear standout on the set waves.  Matt is a laid-back character with a dry and witty sense of humor- at 6’3, 215 lbs he is an accomplished martial arts expert and his grace under pressure was obvious on the set waves.

As the tide changed, the waves backed off long enough to give us a chance to eat some of the fried chicken that Ray had packed for the day.  Fried chicken in the middle of the Indian Ocean- soooooo good after a 3 hour surf.  The second Kandui boat pulled up- looked at the waves at Ebay and opted for Beng Beng.  A little too heavy for day two in the Mentawai.  It was a smart choice as it was a bigger and a more mellow choice.  In two days that boat will also be charging the epic spots.

We stayed at Ebay until late in the day before the winds turned west and we quickly picked up anchor to head to Riffles- the fickle Mentawai classic right-hander that is considered one of the best in the world.  We arrived but it was too small to capture most of the boats attention- but nevertheless a number of people stayed and surfed it.

 Our photographer, Nate Adams hails from Florida but spends his time traveling the world capturing surf trips.  Nate is proficient in the water and on land.  His photos are featured on this site and he is consistently good at capturing the session highlights.  He has his camera set up to shoot stills and video at the same time.  During our trip he did seven hour sessions –without complaint.  He compiles the shots at night into categories- adds in a bunch of scenic shots and distributes them to each person.  He is a natural raconteur with a library of hilarious anecdotes.   If you want to use him (we will again)  email him at NathanAdams@OpticalTranquility.com.

Many that stayed at the resort reported 4 Bobs going off- 3 feet overhead and really consistent.  Anthony Marcotti, internet guru and part owner of kandui missed the early boat as he was up most of the night on the internet.  So he decide to test his skill at No Kandui at low tide (not advisable for the sane)- pimping a bunch of sick barrels.  More swell in the water tomorrow- so it’s time for a beer, hot shower, and dinner.

This report has been brought to you by Joe Dowling for Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 7, 2007

The swell started filling in and you could immediately see it at 4 Bobs.  At around 8 am, Brad Gerlach and Sean Burrell paddled out to sample some waves.  It did not take long for others to follow as you could see consistent sets.  A small line-up of 6 people surfed for about an hour with people rotating to breakfast as others ventured out.  Head-high sets were jamming down the reef.  4 Bobs is a quick paddle from the restaurant but the staff at Kandui will hardly let you make try the paddle, picking you up in a small dingy on the way out with a tow rope.

A group decided that the waves were so good at 4-Bobs that it warranted a full day effort.  Others elected to check Ebay and Hideaways.  They scored shoulder high waves without anyone out.  Resident Kandui MD Andrew broke his nose on a set wave so the group turned back.  The good doctor set his own nose on the ride back!

Tomorrow is a changeover day at Kandui with some guests leaving in the morning?  Out group is off on Tuesday and we are hoping that the swell that is arriving this afternoon will fill in and make the top spots start firing.  More to follow tomorrow.

This report has been brought to you byJoe Dowling for Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 5, 2007

Thursday’s swell was expected to be smaller so many of the guests opted for a relaxing morning- a little trip to the outer island to gather shells, a swim workout , yoga or a full on lounge session.  Whatever your choice it was a mellow morning with picture perfect weather and a slight breeze from the south west.

After lunch a few  guests opted to surf at  4-Bobs right in front of the resort while a boat headed out to check Burger world.  After a few mushy waves at the Burger- a quick trip over to the wave magnet Beng Beng.  Resident guest Ben Luntz (“Beng Beng Ben”) loves the break and dominates it as if he were a local.  Taking off deeper than anyone and floating the difficult sections- he has a zen-like awareness of the wave.  No question he has put his mark on the spot.

A mellow rest day at Kandui- but the swell looks up for Saturday and Sunday.  Ahhhh paradise. 

This report has been brought to you by Joe Dowling for Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 4, 2007

October 3rd started off early with a small group meeting at the restaurant at 6:15.  Early mornings are a treat at Kandui- it’s easy to feel like you are in an episode of Gilligan’s Island- a huge stretch of beach, tons of coconut trees, and nobody walking around.   Remote islands in every direction. Then just as easily you can be transported back to civilization via the internet.  Kandui boasts a full on internet connection in both the Uma’s as well as the restaurant.  It means you can stay in touch with world news, check email, or skype your family. 

The first boat arrived at Hideaways and we sent the pros out to test the waves.  It was a little shallow and inconsistent so we quickly went to Ebay- where everything was more consistent and there were only 4 people out.  A few opted to swing over to Beng Beng and scored it by themselves after a small group left. The others surfed Ebay for about 2 hours before exhaustion set in and the lunch bell was ringing.   The waves were head high with plus sets a few feet over.  Not as big as yesterday but hey even paradise needs a break.   As we started to pull away a few larger waves came through and our pros, Gerlach and Burrell elected to stay and surf.  A double session.  The second Kandui boat pulled up with fresh guests to enjoy Ebay and the first boat headed for lunch. 

Most of the meals at Kandui are served Buffet-style and the first boat was enjoying lunch and already planning a return session to Ebay.  Most of the guests were commenting that a week in the Ments is worth 3 months at your local break in terms of both wave quality and quantity.  An hour turnaround and the first boat headed out to score some Ebay.  Not as consistent as before so everyone opted for Beng Beng.  It was a good choice- but slightly more crowded.  However there was a group from Hawaii in the water- 40 year old rippers who had a great vibe and everyone rotated on set waves.  Most of us left fully exhausted and grateful for so many waves.

All in all another great day in paradise.  The real world is going to be a tough transition.  But I still have 6 days so I will make due.

This report has been brought to you by Joe Dowling for Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 3, 2007

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.

This report has been brought to you by Joe
Dowling for Ray Wilcoxen from Kandui Resort: October 2, 2007

Sunday night everyone enjoyed a Kandui-style barbecue.   Think fresh fish grilled outside to perfection under  calm skys. Monday’s hope was a small but building swell according to the surf forecasting models.  That led a number of guests to embark on a rum and coke journey in the hope of awakening the surf gods to bless the resort with future surf.   A number of cuban cigars were also sacrificed.  There is an underlying desire of many of the new guests to see the famous Mentawai style smooth barreling lefts and rights at such breaks as Riffles and no-Kandui, Ebay and the razor sharp Hideaways. 

So the resort guests got a late start, but after a breakfast and some lounging a boat left around 11ish to check the swell magnet known as Beng Beng.   We pulled up and there were six people in the water-no worries- it was shoulder high with some head-high sets coming in.  Plenty of waves for everyone.  The break is what they call a “soft” wave in the Ments.  For 98% of the population if you saw these waves coming in at your local break it would be called an epic day.  So would the 100 other people in the water with you.  B eng Beng  is a left that peaks up near the reef and gives you a ramp-like entrance to gain speed to beat the middle section.  The better surfers blast the middle section with a full fin-out Reo or a floater and jam in four or five turns.  You can ride the inside or wait for the set waves.  Its easy to get your fill.  After a 3 hour session we headed back for a late lunch and we found out that another Kandui boat had gone to to Hideaways- shoulder high , shallow but again a great tune-up for the swell.

The waves are expected  to jump up tomorrow, with the real pulse coming later in the week.  We are taking no chances and have asked  the local shaman to visit and perform a traditional offering to the wave gods.
Joe Dowling for Ray Wilcoxen

This report has been brought to you by special guest reporter Joe Dowling for Ray Wilcoxen: October 1, 2007

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