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SURF NEWS PHOTOS CAPTAIN'S LOG WITH MARTIN DALY: PART TWO
TRAVEL CAPTAIN'S LOG WITH MARTIN DALY: PART TWO: Still the Best Place on Earth
June 11, 2009
29419 visits
There are a lot of incredible surf destinations in the world but it's hard to argue that any can surpass the Mentawai Islands for sheer consistency and quality.
 
I arrived in Sumatra in early April for a trip on the Indies Trader III with my good mate Bruce Raymond and the C4 Watermen guys for a stand-up paddle trip - at that time we had not had any major swell but we were greeted with perfect, light winds, mainly northerly, and sunny conditions the entire trip. There was definitely less people around, a good vibe between the boats who were grateful to be out there all things considered -- life was GOOD!
Towards the end of April, Bruce and I moved over to the MV Indies Trader to join a few legends onboard -- Jeff Hakman, Rory Russell, and the old boys scored some more Mentawai perfection with similar conditions and wave heights as our first trip.
"It was a treat to see the Mentawais in classic form once again -- and to be able to enjoy it with good friends."
--Martin Daly
Unfortunately, as April ended a stubborn low-pressure system developed and created a blustery northeast wind pattern to start things off in May. Even though we had a few decent swells during the first two weeks of May the overcast conditions ruined the A Grade weather of April -- but things were about to make a drastic change.

One of the things I enjoy the most about surf charter trips is the diversity of guests we see from all over the world. At any given time we sometimes have four trips running consecutively with a different continent being represented on each boat.

The universal appeal of surfing is in full effect out here, and for the second half of May not only did we enjoy the best stretch of weather I've seen in years, but we were graced with an endless barrage of surf that never waivered below head-high for almost two weeks straight.

Taking full advantage of these conditions was a trip on the Indies Trader III headed by a good friend of mine, Joe Dowling. Joe has been coming to the Mentawais for six years now, and it's been remarkable to watch his transformation from a beginner-plus surfer to a robust intermediate. It doesn't hurt that Joe is good friends with and is coached by Brad Gerlach, one of the most energetic and passionate surfers anywhere. Rounding out the trip was another great friend of mine, Bob Hurley. Bob has been coming to the Mentawais for ten years now and his great vibe and attitude always seems to attract the best conditions the Indian Ocean has to offer.

Needless to say, it was a treat to see the Mentawais in classic form once again -- and to be able to enjoy it with good friends. Everyone agreed that it was definitely one of the best trips they've taken and it reminded us all that the Mentawais are still the best place on Earth.

Surf is where you find it!
--Martin Daly/Indies Trader Marine Adventures.
To see more photos from this season, please visit www.indiestrader.com.
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