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SLOG BLOG: MALDIVES
SURF NEWS SLOG BLOG: MALDIVES
June 16, 2008
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What happens when you wind up on vacation on your way to going on vacation?
 
Or is that even possible? Robert Pilsney in his epic novel Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance says "it is better to travel than to arrive." In a present day culture obsessed with getting somewhere as fast as possible, during a 20-hour flight leading into a 17-hour layover in Singapore, I pondered the meaning of Pilsney's viewpoint. Really? Hmmm. Let's give this a try. Somewhere between fresh sushi, Subway footlongs, cheap massages and impromptu jam sessions we learned that sometimes the journey can be pretty hilarious.
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SLOG BLOG: MALDIVES
Tanner, on the prowl for WQS points. Photo: Steve Robertson
USQUEEZE?

I squeezed? We squeezed? No wait, who squeezed? Who squeezed my feet? 15 minutes. That's how long they say it takes. By then all the blood will have properly circulated through your feet leaving them with a "light" feeling. We left our feet in for 45 minutes. That's three rotations of nonstop undulation. A thousand of Santa's helpers' tiny hands couldn't get that kind of power. By this point I didn't even have feet anymore. I floated out of that chair on moon shoes.

Singapore airport is beautiful. Where as usually, I couldn't pay someone to give me a foot massage. Here, they offer them for free, in tiny "Usqueeze" machines of joy located everywhere throughout the terminals for your relaxation. Tired, why wait? Get a squeeze.

PAT'S OBSESSION

You want to know another secret? There is a Subway in Terminal 3 of Singapore airport. And for those who don't know, we love Subway. Patrick especially. He orders Classic Italian footlongs in his sleep. No, I'm serious. I heard him have a debate between honey mustard and ranch dressing (in which honey mustard always wins), while he was sleeping in the Maldives. Maybe he was suffering from a phantom footlong or something. Nonetheless, we stuffed ourselves to the brim with sandwiches before we boarded the flight. Somewhere between getting lost in beautiful koi ponds, geeking out with free wireless internet, the grinding foot massages, great food and long laughs, I'd say we had a pretty damn fun time on our "vacation" through Singapore.
Somewhere between getting lost in beautiful coy ponds, geeking out with free wireless internet, the grinding foot massages, great food and long laughs, I'd say we had a pretty damn fun time on our "vacation" through Singapore.
-- Dane Gudauskas


DOWN TO BUSINESS (SORT OF)

The scene of the DhonVelli resort in the Maldives was something you would see out of a postcard. Little bungalow love shacks rose on stilts above the calm crystal blue water. Other rooms were nestled between the tropical jungle and the white sandy beaches of the island. Besides being one of the most beautiful places in the world, there was an extra perk -- on the other side of the island the waves were PUMPING! I'm talking 6 to 8 feet roping lefts for 200 yards. The water was about 80 degrees "in the drink" and the air even higher. You weren't hallucinating from the dehydration, it was actually perfect and yes, it was a WQS event. Who says we can't "dream" on our tour?

There must have been something in the water in the Maldives. Maybe it was a little jungle fever, or island madness, but when we jammed, we kicked ass and took names.

Here's our impromptu band's line-up...

Nate Yeomans: chinaware with spoon
Patrick Gudauskas: glass with spoon
Tanner Gudauskas: maracas and harmonica
Dane Gudauskas: Guitar
Austin Ware: magazine
Mike Losness: band photog

These were the men, and these were there swords of battle. The music was less structure and more evolution of sound and movement -- a primal chant to the Maldivian Gods. Howling Wolf himself would be proud. Saturated in rhythm and blues with a squeeze of Rasta, the vibes were amazing. Upon one jam inspired by the well-known "Aye la Bamba" the jam climaxed into a broken string from the savage gut busting repetition of the "G" chord. But don't worry, we are on tour -- "Good Vibes 08." Let the revolution begin!

In fewer words than more, the Hawaiians ruled the Maldives. They are epic legends and their powerful surfing styles left their fellow competitors humbled. Nate Yeomans made the quarterfinals and made his WCT campaign known. I gave him a high five. The last evening was spent laughing, dancing and drinking as the island celebrated to victory of Kekoa Bacalso, Runner Up Dustin Barca and the great final day of competition.

With the journey to Brazil on the horizon, the slog is in full effect. And I suddenly remember we will be traveling back towards Singapore soon. And you know what that means... more Subway!
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Comments: (9)    Add Your Comment
Eric 06/29/2008 10:52 PM
I have a 17 hour layover in sinapore coming up...any suggestions? or know of any breaks to surf near the airport?
leroy trombone 06/18/2008 09:35 AM
with 17 hours you boys could have slipped into downtown singapore for a real massage.... dano, you forgot to mention you had a good run in the comp! well done boys. live it up...keep up the laughs...
Pat H 06/17/2008 03:59 PM
I think it's Pat's mom's Jersey influence -- can you say White House Subs in AC? -- that has influenced the love of footlong subs.
Kazarian 06/17/2008 01:12 PM
I second Mehlbergs thoughts, and wish well of the Gadauskas boys..even the Caveman, Wolfman and the warrior....Go Pirsig! I want Mr. Gadauskas' pancake recipe.
Jeff 06/17/2008 12:52 PM
They spent 17 hours at the airport in Singapore.
Gary ELK 06/17/2008 11:57 AM
YEAH boys, you guys rip. Keep the slog blog alive. Footlongs for life.
Mehlberg 06/17/2008 11:00 AM
Best of luck with the travels boys. Can't wait to see you on the WCT in the future so we can read Lewis Sammuel rip you to shreds on the Power rankings. Keep the good stories coming.
Stan 06/17/2008 08:10 AM
Either the fish were really shy or they were KOI.
Matt 06/16/2008 09:34 PM
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was written by Robert Pirsig.
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