Also, we've had about 4 solid months now to really explore up in North Sumatra, and Scuzz reports that there has definitely been some sinkage in the reefs since the last big quake in that region. It's much more subtle than people were initially thinking, but Scuzz notices an overall improvement in waves and definitely a few are significantly better than last year. On the opposite end, we've been spending quite a bit of time in the southern tip of the Ments as well, an area which actually lifted a bit since the Padang quake last September. We've done quite a bit of homework down there, and we've had a chance to test some spots on the right swell and wind directions we've been hoping for, and found some good results. Some of them REALLY good, and right under people's noses.

We're happy to report that our newest boat Mikumba 2 is doing really well. Scuzz has moved over from Southern Cross to guide most of the trips on her, and most of his long-time return guests have followed him as well. We've received some great recommendations for improvements from our seasoned vets, and we are definitely looking forward to implementing some of them in the off season. But even in it's current state, our guests are basically getting this massive boat for a real bargain in 2010, because it's the introductory year for it as a charter boat.

Speaking of Southern Cross, we're seriously thinking about running her out of Sibolga in 2011, and making her a strictly "North Only" boat. Starting the trips in Sibolga will allow us to potentially travel further north, past the Banyaks and up into Simeulue and other hidden regions Scuzz has been researching. We've been getting Southern Cross in really great shape in expectation for this. We've constructed a hardtop shade deck by the bow for sunset beers, strengthened the hull, added a new TV and fridge, and fitted out the saloon with new seating and stowage. The legendary boat with more experience in North Sumatra than any other just got even better!

In fact, ALL of our boats and crews have really got things dialed. I went on Budyadahri in March/April and was absolutely floored at some of the structural improvements made since the last time I was on her a couple years ago. And I was fully impressed at the operation Bevo, Josh, and the Indo crew were running. Bevo always had us in the best spot and Josh is in the water 187 hours a day shooting photos, and then producing epic slideshows almost every night. The crew waits on you hand and foot, but still makes you feel like you're hanging out with good friends. The food has been absolutely epic, with items such as lobster and rack of lamb being regular additions. Yu San and Webby have the same excellent routine going on Mikumba 1, and they have been getting rave reviews all year long.

We had essentially the same crew for many years with very little turnover. That massive experience and team unity is a huge plus, and something that really distinguishes us from most other charter operators. We've also began to slowly introduce a few very experienced and highly respected new crew into our gang, such as Christian "Barts" Barton (gaffing on the righthander below). Anyone who has surfed Macaronis in the past couple years has probably witnessed Barts' big lanky frame absolutely annihilating it on his backhand during his recent tenure as the Maccas Resort surf guide. He's also guided and taken trips on Sjalina, Indies Trader, Freedom and Kuda Laut during his 15+ years of extensive experience surfing this area. He's also great chef, guitarist, and just an all-around nice guy. So we're happy that he's subbed for us on a few trips and hope he'll be guiding for us a lot more in the future.

Aloita is looking better than ever now as well. Everyone seems really stoked on the new husband-and-wife management team of Marco & Monica, as well our new surf guide Davi. Marco & Monica, both dive masters, are an Italian couple that have added a real European feel to the cuisine and resort as a whole. Davi is a great young guy with a ton of Mentawai surfing experience who speaks 5 languages, so he's the perfect guide to have one your side. For those of you looking for an ideal way to decompress and relax for a week or so before or after your boat trip, Aloita is a great option.

Anyway, we're turning the corner on the midway point of the season, and we've still got a few gaps for those of you who want to join us. We've got a couple trips on the cusp of the peak season that are still available, such as the September 25 - October 9 trip on Mikumba 1, that will get tons of swell but with far fewer boats than July/August. After that, we get into the truly quiet off season of November - February, which is Scuzz's favorite time. We have great swell magnets when it's small and the choice of the very best reefs without boats when the swell cranks. This is a lot what it was like in the earlier days: no camps, no boats, no hurrying to surf before another boat arrives. It's a great time, especially if clean head- to head-and-a-half-high waves are what you're after.

So we've got several gaps that can suit solo guys, small groups, or full bookings. You can always check the schedule page for the latest. Mikumba 2 is not reflected on the schedule, but we have a new website redesign in the works and it will be up on there when that's complete. But in the meantime feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions about the schedule, or if you feel like dropping us a line just to say hi! We're having a great time as usual, and we hope you come to visit us for a surf soon.

Take care and best wishes to all,
Danny "Slayer" Siudara
Sumatran Surfariis

WWW.SUMATRANSURFARIIS.COM