Donkey Patrol | Surfing | Kandui Resort Mentawai Indonesia | San Diego

Indo Donkey Gangstazz

2008-07-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

Beware of the Donkey Gangstaz!!!

Mentawai Surf Spots - Playgrounds

2008-07-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

This the list of surf spots that were surfed by the DP on our trip to Kandui

Nokandui
Rifles
Pistols aka "the last resort"
4 bobs (four bobs)
A-Frames aka John Kandies
Bikini Bottoms aka Carumba
Burgerworld
Hideaways
Nipussy
Beng Beng
Ebay or E-bay
Pitstops

We did not surf:
Razorblades aka razors
Lacerations
Bankvaults
Margi's

Ford Sighted on Snake Island

2008-07-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

Reports are coming in that Gaykley has arrived in the playgrounds region and has gone feral. This image is the first to come in, we will continue to update you as this story progresses.

Burgerworld - Worst wave in the mentawais?

2008-07-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

El Tom-o @ burgerworld

Yesterday the swell was dying so we jetted over to burgerworld. After my session at Rifles the previous night, I didn't even want to get out of the boat. Smythe said I had a bad attitude, but really i just didn't want to surf a lame mushy crapball after having just surfed perfect barrels. After watching for about 45 minutes I did go catch 3 waves, but for those three waves I had to duck dive about 60-100 times. Burgerworld is just really disorganized and shifty and it is rare to find a good workable wall. Ray the manager of kandui says it gets good like one out of every twenty trips over there. I guess we had one of those 19 type of days. The shifty lineup did manage our insta crowd well and some of the boys got some of the better waves of their trip. Here are some pics.

The dude @ burgerworld
Be-lo @ burgerworld

After burgerworld we cruised home, then shot out to pistols which is this slab reef wave around the corner from rifles. The wave is imossible to shoot, breaks top to bottom from the takeoff and the water sucks out right beneath you. I had a couple of backdoor shacks off the takeoff, and honestly pink rashguarded on a few because it was draining out so quickly. Some of the waves would run down the reef after takoff and resembled a short version of lower trestles. It was 3 turns max then you had to pull out because the reef went dry on the inside. Everyone got some good ones, but there was some carnage... Tom put his knee through his firewire, and smythe wrecked the rail of his board and a few guys hit the reef. Great risk = Great Reward. Big swell is expected to start showing tonight and we are all excited to get the high performance waves of Rifles and Nokandui again. Hopefully we will return with pics/footage this time.

Buckets @ 4 bobs

I Love Rifles

2008-07-14T05:32:00.001-07:00

Today I had my second session at Rifles. It is my favorite wave in the mentawais. When I had thoughts of what Indonesian surf would be like, rifles is it. I could not catch another wave the rest of my trip and the trip would still be an overwelming success. Ryan, Guto, Anthony and I had a session at Rifles this afternoon and it was really good. It's not really a wave to do turns on, just go as fast as you can and get barreled. I got 10 or so really good, some really deep, barrels that I made it out of. Here is some video of what the wave looks like. So Stoked

Wave hungry donkeys

2008-07-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

Monks just made a comment about the crowds in Indo so I figured it was a good time for this post. A trip to Indo will definitely find you a lot of really good waves and you will get uncrowded sessions. However, when you deploy 10 wave hungry donkeys, it changes the story a bit. So far we have really only had one swell and even though we have surfed every day, it has not been enough to quench the thirst of many of the donkeys. Yesterday I got lucky as all the donkeys got out of the water then the boat broke so they could not come out. It was definitely one of the best sessions of my trip. Only 1 - 3 other guys out and everyone was just trading waves. The best part was nobody was even remotely aggressive. Just a friendly session of trading waves. In contrast, below are some of the incidents caught on film. Mind you just because the person is in front of the other, does not mean the other person did not paddle around the other donkey.... (you will also notice the disease started to spread to non-donkeys.

Ps. In case you are wondering the Viper has struck a couple of times, he was just lucky that nobody caught it on film.

Wave Height

2008-07-11T17:17:00.001-07:00

Nokandui doing its thing

To clarify: the biggest surf we have had was on our first day and it was a very solid 4ft overhead, I did not see any doh sets; but the waves do tend to grow as you take off down the reef. It has been at least head high or better every day. The thing here is wind, not swell. There is plenty of swell and the swell gets into some spots better than others due to shadowing. There were waves on day 1 that were well over DOH but the wind was wrong. Beleive me when I tell you the last thing you want on a 10ft drainer at rifles or nokandui is crosschop or a section getting blown down in front of you.

The waves are a dream, and the day before yesterday was barrels galore with perfect wind at about head and a half. Ryan and I sat deep and inside on the reef at nipussy and took the sets that were direct south (most were southwest) these things just opened up and raced down the reef. I had 2 double barrels, and well over 20 other regular ones. Then alone I had a short 4 wave session at rifles, which is the real deal. Squarrels are at rifles, the barrels are as wide as they are tall. I cought 4 in a quick session before lunch, got completely shacked and burried on the first but I was so deep and traveled so far, when the foam ball ate me up I was addicted. The boys saw my first one from the boat and said the wave ate me alive. I wanted more. Waves 2-3, I did not take off as deep, and made it out of the dragons belly after what many would consider the best waves of their lives. Wave 4 was not as good as the previous 3 (even with the flogging on #1) and the boat was back to pick me up for lunch. At that point, we had already surfed 5 1/2 hours and it was only 1pm. The afternoon session was equally as special. More later.

Photos from Beng-Beng and Pit Stops

2008-07-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

The swell that was supposed to arrive today turned out to be a hoax. What did show up left many places unridable and most of the places that were ridable had the wrong winds. So we ended up at Bang Bang again. Surprisingly there was a little something to ride. Here are a couple photos more photos from today.
The Dude at Beng Beng

Bivers at Pit Stops

Tai-Bo at Pit Stops

Shegas at Beng Beng

Kama at Beng Beng

Be Careful What You Wish For

2008-07-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

You want pics? Are you sure? Needless to say the last three days have been epic, and today for me has been particularly special. These pics are over the last 3 days, and every shot the rider completed the ride without fail...

Seibring Nokandui
Smythe Beng-BengThe Viper @ Nokandui

Brantley @ Pitstops

ICE @ 4 bobs

KL - Traffic - Towers - Toilets - Carlsberg

2008-07-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

For those left behind I grant this quick summary:

We arrived in KL and took our 45 minute bus ride into the city, I was amazed how clean the freeways were, not a speck of trash not even a cigarette butt. It made me wonder if there is such a thing as too much freedom. I saw darth vader a few times, spent 1 night sweating it out and probably lost 5 pounds. The city is beautiful and the patronas towers are a spectacle to be seen.

We are now in padang and waiting to head out to the resort. Everyone is in good spirits and the jet lag has seemed to subside for everyone. I think we need to surf soon.. gotta go pictures later.

Call your credit/debit card company

2008-07-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder to call your credit card co. and your bank and let them know the countries you will be traveling in (Malaysia and Indonesia) and give them the dates of departure and return. They will put your cards in "travel" status so that your cards will NOT get declined if you use them in either of the two countries during the trip.

In Tahiti, I did not call my cards in advance, I got there and my cards got declined. I had to go to a pay phone use a calling card, call the card companies and let them know I was traveling and to turn my shit back on. It was a pain in the butt and even after my call my cards did not work for another 24 hours.

So... Call your cards tards

Updated Surf Forecast - Mentawais

2008-07-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

We had three decent storms move through the SW Indian Ocean and now we are expecting a stronger series of storms to move into the South/Central Indian Ocean. We will be calling for our first SW groundswell to kick in for Sunday with some head high to overhead surf and then Monday, July 7th, looks to bring a stronger SW swell with head high plus surf and sets will be running a few feet overhead with some larger sets at the top SW facing breaks. Another reinforcement from the SW will come in for Tuesday to hold up wave heights but a strong fetch down under is expected to deliver and longer period and building SW to SSW groundswell for Tuesday and into Wednesday, July 9th, with solid head high plus to double overhead plus surf and some larger sets nearing the triple overhead range will not be out of the question.

Further out, the long range models are looking pretty good and it appears that we could see another shot of solid overhead SW swell for Thursday through Saturday, July 10-12th.

Lance's Surf Report, Surf Forecast and Surf Webcams

2008-07-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

Lance's Surf Report, Surf Forecast and Surf Webcams

Glimmer of the Surf Forecast - Indonesia

2008-06-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

The storm track has fired back up after a brief layoff and we had two decent storm move through the SW Indian Ocean and now we are expecting a stronger series of storms to move into the South/Central Indian Ocean and they should crank out some major surf. We will be calling for our first SW groundswell to kick in for Sunday with some head high to overhead surf and the late Sunday/Monday, July 7th, looks to bring a much stronger and well overhead SW groundswell with an even larger SW swell setting up to build in for late Monday and into Tuesday, July 8th. The long range models are showing more solid SW swell activity for later in that week.

Warning: The Viper attacks in Indo too!

2008-06-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Click on the title link. This video is very concerning. The Viper (a.k.a. Lagahan, a.k.a. Lagbehind, a.k.a. Lenahan) is the number one cause of people getting snaked in Indonesia. I recently saw a blatant attack at DMJ's on Saturday. The poor victim had no idea it was coming! Make sure that you bring your snake bite kits and anti-Viper venom (tons of alcohol works really well!). Make sure you go at least 50 seconds through the video to see the alert!

12 World Titles - 3 World Champs - 1 Resort

2008-06-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Surfing History is being made, and it is happening right now. I have known about this for about a month or so but could not share it with all of you until now. I was unsure if the information was secret or not but some details of the trip have now been posted HERE.

3 world champions are at Kandui Resort right now as part of a photo trip for Transworld Surf. They will be departing from the mentawais resort 3 days prior to our arrival.

Kelly Slater - 8 World Titles (soon to be 9)
Andy Irons - 3 World Titles
Martin Potter - 1 World Title

Despite the media hype, Kelly and Andy are friendly with each other and it is apparent that AI has matured quite a bit compared to a few years back. I am actually stoked to be a fan of AI again, and I have been told he is like a new man. He and I did have a conflict at Lowers a few years back and I was so bummed because at the time he was one of my favorite surfers. Andy has finally learned how to be a true champion. Thanks AI, I'm glad to have you back.

Sometimes I wish I surfed goofyfoot

2008-06-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Donkey Surf Trip Sponsored By Costco

2008-06-27T15:56:00.001-07:00

Someone at Costco corporate must be a avid reader of www.donkeypatrol.com because today I received an email from them offering corporate sponsorship for our surfing trip to kandui resort in mentawais indonesia.

Basicly anything we don't have for the trip: like digital cameras, video cameras, noise canceling headphones, PSP... Simply run on over to costco pick up what you need.I got a digital camera and a sony psp and as part of our sponsorship deal. We can buy anything we want that is electronic, take it on or trip, and return it within 90 days for a full refund.Thanks Costco, I sure will enjoy playing tiger woods golf at 40,000 ft over the indian ocean, and my friends and family will love the pictures I email them from my vacation. You are the best!!

Hey Donkeys I got Boards For Sale!!!

2008-06-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

So Im short on cash for our indo trip and have decided to sell some of my boards..

Ive got a nice 6'9 Spider, shaped by Ian Wright, great for big indo..

Also got another 6'9 Aftermath, shaped again by Ian Wright (has kind of a gay spray paint job my friend put on bottom)..

Finally, I got a NICE 6'6 Firewire, flexfire...

All boards are in MINT condition, I will give the donkeys first priority and a GREAT deal, make me an offer!!!

Get em before they end up on craigslist..

Indo Surf Pics of the Day

2008-06-26T11:59:00.001-07:00

How to pack surfboards for Air travel - Advanced

2008-06-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have done this countless times so I wanted to share what I have learned with all of you. In advance, I do need to give credit to Stefan of www.ca2pr.com, who taught me some of the advanced techniques.

In my example I will be packing 4 surfboards.

What you will need:

Travel board bag (1) with 4 board capacity
Individual surfboard day bags (2)
Blue painters tape
Cardboard boxes (bubble wrap works too.. but is expensive, and free boxes work better)
Zip ties

Step #1
Clean all boards of wax and debris, apply fresh basecoat temp wax in advance if you want a quick strike after landing. Remember basecoat and tropical are the two hardest waxes so you can use tropical as a basecoat for colder temp waxes if basecoat wax is not available.

Step #2
Cut down the corner of the sidewall of the cardboard box, this will make it a long piece of cardboard now with flappy sides where the box used to piece together to form a square.

Step #3
Overlay the cardboard box on the nose of the board so that the nose is in the crease of the fold in the box and so that the box covers about 1ft of the nose on top and bottom. Use utility scissors and cut of the excess box that hangs out from the tapering of the board. You want some excess so that the top and bottom overlap but not too much. You can now tape the top and bottom of the box together creating a cardboard mold for the nose of your board.

Step #4
Do the same thing for the tail of your board but make sure the the entire fin box is protected.

Step #5
Tape the cardboard molds to your board using the BLUE painters tape. The reason you use the painters tape is because when you peel it off it does not leave any residue on the board that you will need to clean off. I lent a board to someone one time and they used duct tape and the board still has that crap all over it.

Step #6
Find a piece of cardboard maybe 1 ft wide and a few feet long and place it along the stringer of the board between your nose and tail molds. Now place your second board on top of board #1.

Step #7
Use left over cardboard boxes and pieces to make a rail wrap, again use the natural crease of the cardboard on the rail so the card board easily wraps around the rails of both boards. You do not need to individually rail wrap the boards, use 1 rail wrap to cover both boards. use painters tape again to tape in place.

Step #8
Slide surfboards into the day bag, you can add additional cardboard to the deck of the top board and the bottom of the bottom board if there is sufficient room in the day bag for added coverage. But generally airlines will snap a nose, ding a rail, or ding the tail/fin box area which we have already sufficiently protected. Keep in mind by using cardboard we are providing cushion for impact but also adding rigidity which specifically helps with the nose snaps. Bubble wrap does not provide rigidity. Zip the day bag shut (if you can) and zip tie the zippers together.

Step #9
Do the same with the other 2 boards as well and now you should have four well packed boards inside of two day bags (that also add protection). Having 2 boards in one day bag also minimizes risk when the airline wants to count your boards. When you open the big travel bag it only looks like you have two boards instead of four.

Step #10
Place the day bags inside the big coffin travel bag, add any other little stuff like trunks, rash guards and snorkel equipment and zip up the big bag. Again use a zip tie to seal the zippers shut. TSA likes the zip ties because they can cut them off if they need to get in your bag, and I use them as an excuse as why I don't want to open my bag for the airline counter agent. I say "oh I zip tied this shut, and I don't have anymore to zip it up or a knife to open it with, can you cut me a break on this one?"

Step #11
Land safe, unpack pristine boards, save your parts for the way home (another reason why bubble wrap sucks), and go surfing.

FCS / Future Fins
This how to is written with removable fin systems in mind. You would be hard pressed to fit two boards with glass ons into a day bag. It's very important to not only remove your fins, but also to be sure to screw the fin screw back into the recess of the fin plug so that the the fin screws do not damage other boards in the bag.

Things to bring for our trip to Indo

2008-06-24T15:19:00.001-07:00

This is going to be a list of things to remember for our trip. Please use the comment feature on the site (do not reply to the donkey email address) to add additional things to bring. Your suggestions are appreciated.

SURF

boards
leashes: 3 extra regular size 6ft , 2 big wave 8-9ft
tropical wax: figure 1 bar for every 2 days + initial wax job= 8bars
sunscreen : 8, 15, 30, 45 w/ zinc and some of that spray on stuff 2 cans
travel board bag + day bags
rashguards (tank-top, short sleeve, and long sleeve with high spf rating)
rash shorts (spandex surf shorts you wear under boardshorts)
fins and fin keys
wax comb
surf trunks - 5 pair
GU Gels - 1 case of 24: electrolyte replacement packet for pocket of trunks

PLANE

Passport (make 2 copies of your passport and your tickets, and put them in separate bags)
Travel insurance (again print a few copies)
ipod, battery backup as needed
headphones (noise canceling and regular)
PSP or other personal gaming device
playing cards or other group game
books, mags
Ambien or other sleeping aid

MISC.

T-shirts : a handfull
2 pair of regular shorts
2 pair of flip flops, 1 pair of shoes
Hat
Sunglasses (polarized)
Snorkel gear
Longsleeve linen shirt, light long pants (to wear at night, prevent mosquito bites)
Small medical kit with Liquid Bandage, super glue added (good for cuts, foot problems)
General medications: Cipro, Asprin, Swimmers Ear wash
Camera, video camera, batteries, chargers, tapes and storage
Protein powder - proven to speed recovery of muscles from extensive workouts
toiletries

Air Asia Board Bag Charges

2008-06-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

Sports Equipment - I am assuming this will be surfboards

Up to 15kg (this is equal to 33lbs.) - $50 RM = $15.50 US
***More than 15kg (per kg) - $25 RM = $7.75 US

Check out the link for more info.

Mentawai Surfing trip - 15 days until departure

2008-06-17T03:53:00.000-07:00

In 15 days we will be departing to the airport and the Donkey indo surfing journey will begin.

24 hours of flying to Kuala Lumpur the capital of Malaysia via Malaysia Air for most and Singapore Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines for a few others, 2 days enjoying KL, a 2 hour private reservation for the wave pool at Sunway Lagoon, no doubt a few hours of antics at the swim up bar at our hotel in KL, a short 1 hour flight to Padang Indonesia followed by a day of rest and body/equipment prep. 1 puddle jump buddy holly plane flight out to the islands, followed by a 2 hour boat ride to the resort. Thats allot of travel time, considering the actual surfing part of the trip is just getting started..

11 days at kandui resort and surfing the playgrounds region of the mentawais, considered by many to be the best concentration of surf breaks in the world. Our island resort is located within a stones throw of 25 world class waves all of which we access via our exclusive fleet of 6 boats used to ferry us from one uncrowded barrel to the next. Oh... and did I mention we are shooting a movie too? Yeah a movie, in 1080 HD.

The Crew:
The Smythe, Gaykley, Steinmart, The Capitan aka The Erwinator aka Muffin Tops, Bivers aka BE-LO, Tivers aka TAI-BO, The Dude aka Boner, Shegas, Lagbehind aka The Viper, Kama aka little bit aka 80 pound, The Flyin Hawaiian.

Today's Motivational Indo Video

2008-06-15T14:34:00.000-07:00