With PT, Dick van Stralen, Thornton Fallander, Pete Harris and John Charlton. Photo: Dick Hoole

What was the other?

A few years ago, a group of us including Owen Wright and Matt Wilkinson went up to Papua New Guinea on the Indies Trader, Martin Daly’s boat, to surf Crocodile Peak for a Rip Curl photo shoot. It is an area where few foreigners go or are even welcome. Crocodile Peak has epic left and right handers. During the shoot, the local kids came down to watch and soon enough, wanted to learn to surf. The Elders and the Tribal Chiefs told us that we must teach for all and not just one as they are a community. We then got to teach over 40 locals how to surf! We even had canoe paddle races! To our amazement, we were treated to a beautiful tribal dance never performed before for foreigners. Before we left we gave the village a Malibu board courtesy of Rip Curl’s founder, Doug “Claw” Warbrick for use by anyone who wanted to surf as well as medical supplies to the infirmary and school supplies to the local school. Upon our departure on Sunday morning, we were serenaded with beautiful singing as we sailed to other tropical locales. It was a most happy and life affirming moment for us all.

Indo is hardly novel. Is it still an adventure?

Indo is still the epic surfing journey. You can’t beat the combination of amazing waves, the people and their culture, delicious food and an incredible archipelago of islands from Papua to Banda Aceh each with their own uniqueness. Just remember to bring back palm leaves but leave your plastic bottles and bags at home. We want to keep Indonesia’s waters clean and healthy.

What’s so good about boat trips? Are they worth the money?

Imagine being able to go to numerous amounts of breaks only accessible by boat. To enjoy the camaraderie of fellow surfers whole enjoying great food and experiencing waters many only dream of. Surf Charter trips can provide a unique and magical experience. As long as you go with a very reputable Captain who knows the waters like the back of his hand to maximize each swell but keeps you safe at the same time you will have a great time. There are many charter companies out there who offer trips, remember you get what you pay for. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Make sure you go with a reputable company with excellent reviews and then you will have the surf trip of your life.

Wanna book a Doris Indo charter? Do it here