Surf Trip for Intermediate Surfers to ‘Secret’ Indonesia

• May 17-24 (1 spot left) and May 26-June 2 (1 spot left) 2023 – 7 nights and 7 full days of surfing with coaching throughout
• $2850 NZD – All inclusive: Villa accommodation, 3 delicious meals per day, daily surf coaching and filming/photography, transport and surf guiding around the island
• Fly to Medan ( A short, cheap flight from hubs like Singapore or KL) – Then fly as a group at 1245pm to the island surf camp, just in time for an evening session to wash the travel off!

Surf Trip Overview

Would you like to surf perfect waves, have your sessions filmed and improve your surfing? This surf trip has been designed especially for the intermediate / average surfer. If you’ve been thinking about a surf trip to Indonesia but have been unsure about your ability, where exactly to go or had no one at your level to go with, joining this trip would be a great option. I’ve done a lot of research – my plan was to find somewhere that is less crowded than Bali/Sumbawa/Lombok etc, has a variety of waves that intermediates can enjoy, as well as some ‘entry-level’ barrelling waves for a bit of challenge.

The spot I’ve chosen isn’t truly secret but it’s definitely off the radar and not blown out yet. The surf camps here are relatively new and the locals don’t surf yet. That’s why I’ve chosen not to name it online, but you can probably guess with a little research and I’ll obviously be telling anyone who is interested exactly where we are going.

If you join us you’ll be staying in a resort conveniently located near a number of quality intermediate level waves. There is a super consistent a-frame peak, it’s not too heavy and offers long walls in both directions. The takeoff can offer a little barrel if you want to paddle a bit deeper once you get comfortable. On top of that there are Long mellow lefts, hollower rights, beach breaks, a bit of everything. This variety is great as you can improve different areas of your surfing.

I’ve been leading surf coaching trips for the last few years with a group size of 8 people. They have gone really well and I’ve been thinking how to make them even better. So this year I’ve decided to reduce the group size to 6 surfers and add a 2nd coach who also happens to be a professional photographer.

This means you can have a coach in the water with you as needed, providing guidance on take-off positioning for example, while still having all your waves captured on video for analysis afterwards. And on top of that video footage, you’ll come away with professional quality surf shots to hang on the wall back home!

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet up with the group in Medan and take a short flight at 1245pm to the island. You’ll arrive at the island by 150pm and be able to surf that afternoon.
Day 2 – 7: We’ll have 6 full days of surfing – usually 2 long surfs per day. We’ll explore the island’s many spots and if you want a bit more adventure we can arrange a boat trip or 2 to some offshore waves. There are so many spots to check out.
Day 8: Our last day but the plane out doesn’t leave until 210pm so you have plenty of time for 1 more good surf in the morning.

The Daily Routine: We’ll be flexible but each day will probably be something like this….

Wake up, grab a coffee and check the waves then eat some breakfast. Jump in the van with the resort’s surf guide and choose a spot for our first session. Head back to the resort for lunch then relax and review your footage, get clear on what you can do to improve in your next session. Relax around the camp or take a nap, then get back in the van for a second surf once the wind glasses off, followed by dinner, checking the footage again and an early night.

The coaching will be personalised to each person’s needs but I’ll do a few sessions based on what the group needs. For example, we might take an in-depth look at how to make late drops one day, or we might break down the cutback into chunks and focus on practicing that for another session.

Also, we can go through some stretches and exercises to keep you primed to surf, or to improve mobility as a means to improving your surfing technique.

There are also other activities to do such as snorkelling, waterfall hikes, and boat trips to other surf locations.

What level is this Surf Trip for?

“Intermediate Surfers” can be interpreted in different ways, but on my scale this trip is for level 3 and level 4 surfers. You can check your level here. Anyone from anywhere can join this trip. The best thing is that you won’t be challenging yourself alone. You’ll have the support and camaraderie of the group. Surfers of the same level as you.

Accommodation

We are staying at a small resort that has a maximum of 12 guests at any one time. You will be in a nice villa with air conditioning, ceiling fans, private bathroom with hot-water and western toilet, mini bar fridge, TV, lounge area and Wifi.

The setup is twin share, with 2 comfortable single beds in each bedroom, or for couples a double bed. Last year we had girls sharing rooms with other girls and guys sharing rooms with other guys.

Three large meals will be served each day -a mix of traditional and western cuisine of seafood, steak, chicken and vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian or gluten free dishes can be provided if needed, just specify at time of booking if required. Unlimited purified water, tea, and coffee are also provided. Extra Fruit and Snacks can easily be brought at camp or nearby stores.

For entertainment between surf sessions, cable TV, table tennis, darts, books & assorted games are all available. There is a beachbreak out the front, it’s not as good as the other waves we surf but can be fun at times and is great for a swim.

Getting There

Although the island is off the beaten track, it is actually quite easy to get to and no long drives are required. You will need to fly to Medan (KNO) which is accessible from many places. From New Zealand, the best way is either Auckland – Singapore – Medan on Singapore Airlines and Silk Air, or Auckland – Kuala Lumpur – Medan on Malaysian Airlines. The Singapore or KL to Medan flights are only around 1 hours duration and are inexpensive. Flying to Medan from Bali is also an option but may require 2 short flights.

If flying Malaysian Airlines it is easiest if you time your flight to Medan to arrive in the morning of May 13 or May 21, that way you can then catch the daily 12:45 Wings Air flight to the island and avoid staying overnight in KL or Medan. On Singapore airlines you will probably need to stay a night in Singapore on the way up.

Once in Medan you will meet the rest of the group and make the 1 hour Wings Air flight to the Island where surf resort staff will pick you up.

For the return journey home it is often necessary to stay a night in Medan. If so, there are great inexpensive hotels and it is all straightforward.

The cost of these flights is not included in the package but I will provide more detailed information and will help ensure everything runs smoothly.

Packing Checklist

You will need to bring your own surfboards. I would recommend your standard shortboard plus a step up board more suited to hollow waves. You won’t need a big gun as the waves are clean and not too big. It’s good to bring 2 boards in case one gets damaged. Here are a few other tips on what to arrange and what to bring.

• Travel Insurance is a must have for everyone on this trip.
• Bring a quality wetsuit vest for colder mornings, reef and sun protection.
• Ladies, this is Muslim territory so bring some surf leggings and long sleeve rash vest to surf in. I will provide more details on suitable clothing to bring in the trip notes.
• Spare fins, legropes, fin keys, wax are a must. There will be no surf shops on the island.
• Reef boots from a surf shop are a good idea and will make getting in and out a lot easier until you get used to the breaks. Get a snug fit.
• Mosquito repellent and light long sleeve tops/long pants.
• Bring a first aid kit to deal with any reef cuts.
• Pack as light as possible – sometimes the flights have weight restrictions.

* the above is an overview, I will provide a detailed packing list and trip information document at a later date

Bookings

The total price to join this trip is $2850 NZD per person.

To secure your place, a deposit of $400 NZD will be needed, with the remaining balance due 2 months before departure. These Indonesia trips booked up fast last year and many people missed out, so I’d recommend getting in early.