I have just returned from a 2 week trip on board the Sibon Baru and what an absolutely fantastic trip it was. It started in the Mentawais and through the Telos, Hinakos and Banyak islands. One way, so we covered a lot of ground.
Unfortunately we missed out on any big swells (which were relentless in the months leading up to the trip) but our surf guide Harold knew the area like the back of his hand and was able to put us in the best spots no matter what swell size or wind direction.
50% of the time we were surfing breaks all to ourselves, which is pretty good when the swell is down as everyone is heading to the wave magnets instead of spreading out. On the last 2 days we got a fairly decent swell and got some sizable waves which is always a good way to end your trip.
The food on board the boat was first class and abundant and the crew were fantastic and did just about everything for you. The only exercise I got apart from surfing was lifting my Bintang to my mouth.
The Brazilian owner of the boat, Icaro, an ex WQS surfer was an absolute legend and dispelled the stereotype of the Brazilian wave hog. He ripped in the surf and could of had any wave he wanted but always put his guests first and called you into waves. There was also 2 photographers, husband and wife team Pedro and Bombom who were really nice people. They bought a great vibe to the boat and were out there nearly every minute of every day filming and taking photos. As luck would have it the missed my proper 6 second barrel on the last day......you will have to take my word for it. Haha. All the boys on the boat saw it so at least I have witnesses.
If you are looking at doing a trip there I can highly recommend the boat!

Fantastic!!! Great shots! Great waves! Pretty impressive surfing - you were killing it!!

(What type of board is that?)

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cantSUPenough said..
Fantastic!!! Great shots! Great waves! Pretty impressive surfing - you were killing it!!

(What type of board is that?)

Thanks mate. Its a custom DEEP. 7'5x25.5x4. 79litres

Nice Traff...looks like an epic trip mate & some quality surfing there...styling!

Wow that looks all time, nice!

Big Swells!! Going by your second picture, I would hate to see what a big swell looked like.

Great story and pictures, well done.

nice... and even nicer with that little board 7'5x25.5x4. 79litres

Brilliant

Nice pics! Thanks for sharing

Hey Traff, do you have any video or photos when paddling for some of those bigger waves? I was wondering what it is like trying to catch those heavier waves on a much smaller sup that is almost sinking - or do you just catch them 'late' when the wave is pretty steep?

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cantSUPenough said..
Hey Traff, do you have any video or photos when paddling for some of those bigger waves? I was wondering what it is like trying to catch those heavier waves on a much smaller sup that is almost sinking - or do you just catch them 'late' when the wave is pretty steep?

Hi CSE. I have loads of video but don't know how to edit it.Haha. When I work it out or get someone else to do it I will put something up.

good stuff traff, scored well

Yeah Traff. Sick place hey?

looks great, perfect size board too!
I can edit, if you dropbox me some files and can raz something up
sunkistcitizens@gmail.com