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We’d patiently waited through some pretty average days (for Indonesia that is), but thankfully the law of positive thinking paid off on our final day… |
Four weeks into his Macaronies sojourn and Soli Bailey was two things, home sick and at home. Pic: Smithy
We’d patiently waited through some pretty average days (for Indonesia that is) but thankfully the law of positive thinking paid off on our final day. The day started with an early morning dash to Greenbush. At the Bush we where greeted by friends Dean Morrison, Koby Abberton, Paul Fisher, Rabbit Bartholomew and apparently Damian Wills (who we later discovered was crook as a dog downstairs). It was great to see the boys as we’d heard they were in the area – but not so good was seeing a limp looking line-up. We did a few fly-byes and chatted about the possibilities of a super session at Macaronis later on the low tide [they’d booked the mooring as explained in the last blog]. But mysteriously a set rolled through the empty line-up and SNAP we were out there! Kieren Perrow drained one worthy barrel, but didn’t make it out. And Soli Bailey got THE one! The 15-year-old doesn’t just have the wave riding skills required for a career in surfing he also has the tenacious water skills to snavel waves off the worlds best. For Danny and Garrett it was a nothing session, but boy did they make up for it back at Macca’s…
A glowing Danny Wills and a sun soaked Soli Bailey. Pics: Col B
As predicted, after we’d left the waning Greenbush and returned to home base, Macca’s was pumping. The water had a bright limey green / blue opal colour to it and the wind was verging on perfect. The swell was starting to really pulse in around the (solid) four to five feet mark. The crowd factor – minor. The boys had a quick water break and got out there. Garrett Parkes In particular seemed excitedly aware that this session (above all) would be something special. As Garrett gleefully threw himself out of the boat Dingo and Koby were waxing up opposite us in the channel so I suppose he had good reason. You don’t half arse it with those two around. To say this session was our best would be an understatement. I don’t know if it was the pressure of our impending departure or the upgrade in the caliber of our surfing companions? Whatever it was it had a monumental effect on the Byron Bay boy’s psyche. Of course there’s plenty of mongrel in the Bay boy’s but they also know how to chill. You don’t live in Byron your whole life without the chill factor.
“Do I look burnt?” Yes, Garrett. You do look burnt. Pics: Col B
To say this session was our best would be an understatement. I don’t know if it was the pressure of our impending departure or the upgrade in the calibre of our surfing companions? Whatever it was it had a monumental effect on the Byron Bay boy’s psyche. Of course there’s plenty of mongrel in the Bay boy’s, but they also know how to chill. You don’t live in Byron your whole life without that chill factor. But with a former top three in the world finisher in Danny Wills, a current top 25 placed world tour stalwart in Kieren Perrow and one of the most exciting young surfers in the world, the 15th placed Australian Junior Garrett Parkes, when the mood struck it was game on. Young Soli did well to keep up despite the obvious rise in gamesmanship.
Byron Bay’s finest, Danny Wills and Kieren Perrow, flanked by croc skull. Pics: Col B
Danny Wills surfs like a Porsche on rails. It’s all German engineering and sophisticated but backed by brute power. His mannerisms remind me so much of Tommy Carroll I have to slap myself out of some weird doppelganger world when ever he speaks – honest and humble he deserves thew happy retirement he is now enjoying. Funny that his idea of living the good life is working in a surf shop four days a week? The life of a guy that was a famous surfer at age 11 is always going to turn out with a twist. The fact he’s living a happy existence in his beloved hometown and enjoying the fruits of an honest days work is the best outcome I can think of… better than drunk in a TAB blowing his dole money and going home to an empty crash pad and a bong, cotes to you Danny.
Our surf guide Christian Barton taking a break from answering 20 questions a day on conditions. Pic: Col B
So one thing I got out of this trip was a collective understanding on the his talented group of surfers from the so called hippy capital of Australia (which it’s not). But also that if Danny Wills is the guiding light for the following generations then they’ll be all right.
I also discovered that King Cobra snakes aren’t friendly, local Mentawai people can be good drinkers and yes Sumatran tigers still eat people alive (I saw the video). Jeepers-creepers!
I also discovered that staying on land is a real nice change from being on a sea faring charter boat for ten days. Which would I prefer? I love both.
If you want to experience great food, cheap beer and a jaw droppingly beautiful land camp with a world class left out front have a look at our mate Marks Resort.
PS There are rumours going around that both garrett and Soli pulled flips on their lat day at Macca’s… All I’ll say are the rumours are true and stay tuned to Tracks magazine for all the photographic evidence. Yew!
Ah, the Macaronis Resort, thanks for the good times.
