Passengers:
Matthew Kirby, Dylan Davis, Adam Schneider, John Schneider, Jeffrey Wills, Mark Kirby,
David Peters, Chad Logan.
Tripping the Equator
When a massive earthquake hit the Port City of Padang we weren’t sure if our trip was a go, after a call from Captain McGroder that the city was trying to get back to normal our trip was on. After 2 ½ days of travel, we were a happy bunch to step onboard the BJ. Captain Hillsy giving us the plan of attack as to the swell forecast then it was off to the islands.
Our first stop offered 3-4 ft waves and some fun barrels, a great way to get our feet wet in the tropics. The swell pulsed over the next 10 days and the boys got stuck into 12 different breaks, thanks to the knowledge of Captain Hillsy. Every wave different from the last. Dylan’s wave count tripled everyone else’s, scoring some great barrels. The boy was frothing! John got to experience a Mentawai Tattoo, courtesy of HT’s. He then proceeded to get his feet about him and have a go. Pupa, the wildcard impressed everyone with his style, technique and powerful approach, surfing with a smile on his dial the whole time. Logan an indo veteran was a patient man waiting for the good ones and hacking the poor bastards to pieces. He was working getting his big frame inside the Macca's barrels. Wolfy, a virgin to Indo was stoked to be amongst it and had some beauties on his quest for his wave fill. Adam the lone warrior to sacrifice boards to the wave gods had the waves of his life. His 5’7” gun was pushed to its limits. Every wave was overhead, the boy was stoked! The laidback Tucker was cruising and enjoying the whole experience while surfing perfect waves. Kirb was enjoying the whole experience whilst getting the best barrels of his life! Captain Hillsy was showing the boys how it’s done, taking off steep and deep and always making it to his feet.
The crew aboard the Barrenjoey are first class and know how to take care of their guests. A big thanks to Elvis, Coma, Yudi, Eric and Pim and Captain Hillsy for all the memories we will take with us forever.
Look forward to seeing you again soon! Safe Travels.
Mark Kirby