Hold on to your hats

We've been tracking a swell that was supposed to hit here sometime today and hold through tomorrow and by just glancing out front early this morning it looks like the swell wasn't just hype and should be building through the day. The Aussies have been frothing for some pumping surf since we got here and since this new swell has some West in it, which we've not seen yet, it should be turning on some of the more heavy/challenging breaks like Kandui's and Hideaway's, both lefts and both pretty critical waves which doesn't get me frothing like the boys. So, I'll probably paddle out and try to pick off a couple but I might be taking photos of the chargers if this swell continues to fill in throughout the day and into tomorrow. Wave heights are supposed to be a solid 8' at some of the swell magnets if the winds stay relatively calm.

We only have 1 more day here after today then it's back to Padang on the charter boat and I begin the final leg of the journey to get back to Orange County. It doesn't seem that we've already been here 10 days but I guess time flies when you're having fun. We've all had a wonderful time surfing and getting to know each other and hanging out here at the resort. Such a varied group of guys but it makes for a wonderful International surfer stew.

Oh yeah, if you want to check out the Wave of Compassion trip I've mentioned a few times here, Surfline's reporter is uploading photos and stories via the satellite phone on the Indies Trader III. They've not yet got to the part of the trip where they meet up with us and are a little behind in their daily updates, unlike me, but I've also got a broadband connection at my disposal 24x7 :)

Surfline's Wave of Compassion story on their NEWS page, which should be updated regularly with more updates (they are currently on day 3)