NECESSITIES:
cash (see note below)
credit cards (visa or mc)
ding repair kit
favourite surf and movie DVDs
iPod or MP3 player
long sleeve t-shirt (1-2)
malaria medication
pants (1-2)
passport + 2 photocopies
prescription medicine
sandals
sealable ziploc bags
personal toiletries
shoes
socks (3)
sunglasses + spare
surf towels (2)
t-shirts (3-4)
shorts (2)
travel backpack (1)
waterproof jacket
Indo Surf and Lingo Book
big wave leash
boardshorts (3)
fin key
extra leashes(2)
long sleeve rash guard
reef booties
sunblock
tropical surf wax
wax comb
surf hat
surf bag
flashlight/headlamp
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT WANT TO BRING:
energy snacks
fishing lures ("rapala" w/ red head/white body, and "yozuri" flourescent the best).
casting rod
waterproof camera
helmet
snorkeling gear
spring suit
OTHER HELPFUL HINTS
Stock up on vitamins before you get on the plane, as it will be your best chance
to get sick during your trip.
Inflatable neck brace. Available at most pharmacies.
If you plan to exchange money while
in West Sumatra, please remember to bring brand new USD cash
with you, serial numbers starting with "H" and a later
date than 2006 only! The banks give horrible exchange
rates for any cash that is older or of a different series than
that described above.
Always carry your money and passport in a money pouch. If you carry a backpack
and are walking through the market, make sure the backpack
is in FRONT of you, not behind.
If you have had a good trip and good service,
please consider bringing cash or presents to tip the crew with.
The amount is up to you, we recommend a starting tip of $70
US. To give you an idea of what that amounts to: with
14 crew, a $70 tip is the equivalent of 50 cents per day per
crew on a minimum 10 day trip.
We recommend your surfing equipment to be
up to scratch and ready to take some poundings. Managing Director Christie Carter has made a short equipment advice video, and a surf tips and etiquette video. It is a good
idea to have at least 2 boards with rounded-pin tails except
maybe if you bring a fourth board for small playful waves, in
which case a swallowtail or squash tail is fine. There are no
cut and dry answers for what size you should bring. That question
is dependent on the size of your regular equipment, your confidence,
experience and overall ability. If you are the least bit
hesitant about your abilities in these waves, bring larger boards
that will allow you to get into the waves earlier and catch
more of them. For the more competent surfer, you should
bring the shortest board possible that will still allow you
time to get into steep, fast waves.
