As some of you may have read, I had a trip planned. But I am surprisingly not looking forward to going. It's come to the point I want to just cancel the tickets and with that hefty savings I've accumulated, buy a long board and fish and plus my shorties, to just head down south all summer. Guess I feel surfing has taken up too much of my life (especially with the new board by Katana much like latestarters rave review previously ) and I'd be missing out on much more if not at home but away for months - even if the waves will be epic/ once in a life time trip.

Anybody have any input into this? A new quiver + down south or Lombok? Can breaks down south be compared to surf in bali/ lombok? Whenever you went to bali/ lombok, was the trip worth it? I guess all I really want is just a forgiving wave that walls up nicely but, that wave can be easily found here too.

Newguy,maaaaaaaaaate go man,you will love the trip,many surfers and none surfers dream about travel and travel you will,the waves don't have to be epic just pick your spot.Just relax enjoy its a great trip mate.Boards yes but time is on your side travel while you can is my tip and everyone needs an outlet in life from the stresses of work and so on and you could not have picked a better pass time .When are you going

You lucky bugger.

Just GO - you will not regret it. You will have the time of your life - I went there for 2 mths in 95 - my first overseas trip and loved it - still some of the best uncrowded waves I have ever had......be warned though you may never want to stop travelling and this can be very expensive

I have two young kids and in October I planned a last minute indo trip. Wife said go and enjoy. Booked the trip and all I could think about before I left was what a bastard I was leaving my wife, in her work holidays, with two young boys. Didn't sleep for a night or two and was looking for a way out. Was thinking how much better it would have been to head down the coast and camp with the family. Happy to sacrifice waves and was looking to the future when I could take a trip with less hassle, guilt and even with the family. Bottom line is I figured all the reasons I didn't want to go we're actually reasons I should go. I went and scored pretty epic waves and while I was away I was guilt free and refreshed. Get out there and enjoy. You have one shot at life and family and friends don't change in two weeks you might be gone.

I came back refreshed and more appreciative. At the end of it we all deserve some selfish time particulary if you are pursuing a passion. I reckon since I have had kids that I probably am happy to skip some trips but don't lose the core of adventure, meeting new people and looking after yourself. I figure the family benefit and that sense of adventure will be passed on and change as the boys get older. Get out there

^ good post mate,I did the same last year,I also sent the wife to Hawaii this year.Always good to have some me time.

Go mate, went last year in October, loved Lombok. It's money well spent.

Unless you have somewhere to stay Down South, rent free $$$$$$$ and someone else pays for your food and petrol$$$$$$$ and P155$$$$$$$$$$
you will not save anything ..........in fact I'm sure it will cost you much more than your trip to Bali/Lombok

Get on that plane Fella

I feel I'm a much better father once I've been shacked of my nut for 2 weeks with a mate or two.
In saying that I'm going to Bali on friday with the family which is also sweet.

You HAVE to go, the waves in Lombok are so much fun. It'll only take 1 wave and you'll be saying 'YES IT'S ALL WORTH IT'. Do it why you can. Have to agree with moch down south is too expensive. Enjoy the trip

is this real life?

How could anyone have second doubts about a trip like this....

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subasurf said...
is this real life?

How could anyone have second doubts about a trip like this....

well it was better than another shark thread being started.

newguy...time for newadventures mate

Just go....find where ever you left your nutsack strap it back on and grab the boarding pass

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Tux said...
Just go....find where ever you left your nutsack strap it back on and grab the boarding pass

I didn't want to say it but............
Agreed

I think the response is unanimous,...just go.
I reckon its pretty normal to feel some nervousness / apprehension before a trip like this, especially if you haven't done it before. But it will be a trip of a lifetime. My memories of indonesia in early 2000's will always be there. Had a least 2 of the best surfs of my life at this time.
Go while you are young and have no ties - when you have a young family it can be a whole lot more effort.
And the memories you keep of getting barrelled over almost dry reef, or getting stuck in a particular island due to "indonesian time" will sustain you through even the most hardcore of nappy changes in the future ha ha

Mate go to Lombok before it changes. Most of the South coast (Lombok) is up for sale with adverts like "perfect for an eco resort" & thats what it will eventually sooner than later become now the new airports finished. You'll be able to show pics & talk about how you went there before it got over developed like Bali. You'll have experiences & see sights greatly differing to those available down South, be that South NSW or WA & yeah a hell of a lot cheaper to kick back each day after surfing/snorkling/fishing/adventuring with a few bintangs & seafood : )

Thanks lads, starting to get that stoke back. Guess it has been a long year of hard work. Add trips down south lately with pumping waves and guess I have under appreciated the scope of this trip. Keep thinking if I stay back, I can get some work done (and it will build up while I am away unfortunately) and have the best of both worlds ducking away down south for decent waves.

Again it is my first surf trip so my apprehension will always be there (more everything else than waves) but you guys are right, you only live once and this could be that once in a lifetime opportunity before everything changes. Just got to plug away at work and everything until I fly out!

I did my first o/s surfing trip this year tho I had been to Bali before but not a surfing trip...I was apprehensive...am 49 and thought I would be over the hill....not the case...we went to Panaitan...although it didnt fire as good as it could have we still got perfect waves almost every day in the 1 to 2m range...just chilling out with a few mates without having to worry about the family and kids for a few weeks is gold...those opportunities dont come up that often so take the chance, and just go with the flow...as they say its all on "indo time" and they will get you there eventually...there may be crowded waves in Bali and Lombok but that one you get by yourself will be enough to remember the whole trip by.