Select to expand quote
au_rick said...
seriously, why go to Bali to kitesurf ?
WA has awesome kiting, go there to surf, or to scuba, or to party, but to Kite ??
WA has got some unreal waves as well ... more uncrowded than bali
I love Bali too, don't get me wrong, as I have been going back at least 2-3 times per year, every year since i was first there in '78. Great surf, but seriously it's a joke now with the crowds and attitude.
To surf my favourite reef break, i have to get up an hour or so before sunrise - drive there and be in the water just as the sun rises, JUST to get some waves with only a few others out, before the maddening crowds arrive half an hour later.
To surf the great beach-breaks right in front of my joint, you just have to cope with crowds. All the friggin' surf schools cashing in on 'surfing', with 'gangs' of sometimes 20 + students, hot locals practicing to become surf stars (with very serious attitudes), a myriad of euros, aussies, yanks, brazil nuts etc. - both ex-pats living there, and tourists. Last year I was paddling for a wave, and a couple of Javo's (new breed of locals) - learning how to surf - sitting 20 mtrs outside me - calling guys off waves and warning them not to paddle for 'em. It's a joke, and not to be taken seriously surfing these days in most spots in bali. I've seen too many guys get punched-out by these hot 'new' locals. Granted, there are times when you get a break or that fav reef spot to yourself and a coupla others, but these days are rare indeed now.
Kiting has'nt really hit-it-off big there because it is pretty flukey wind-wise, but if you pick the right spot when the trades are blowing, it can be really good ... and most times STILL uncrowded .....