Nemberala Surf

, originally uploaded by m_hagen.

Hedda and I spent two weeks at Nemberala and both loved it. Although some people are quick to write off the left at Nemberala for not having quite the power and heaving barrels like other classic Indonesian lefts, it's unfair and doesn't give due consideration to the entire experience. The palm fringed white sand beach is stunning and very relaxing. We loved sipping a Bintang and watching the sun slowly melt into the sea while the last of the seaweed farmers carried their harvest back in across the reef. The village was full of smiles and friendly "Hello Mister's." We celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary with dinner at the resort next door to Anugerah where we were staying. The manager was great. He chilled a bottle of Portugal's finest champagne that I'd brought back from East Timor and hidden from Hedda. We were seated at a table under the stars looking out at the moonlit sea. What romance!!! Hedda and I exchanged our homemade cards and renewed for another year.

I loved taking the 1$ sail out to the reef at high tide with Moosa. His daily catch was always really interesting. Octopus, lobsters, and all different kinds of tasty looking fish he'd bring in with his homemade speargun. At low tide the wave became really rippable and was so much fun. A user friendly open faced wave that peeled down the reef for hundreds of yards. The twinny flew here. When it hit double overhead and you connected to the inside section it was unreal for hard carving turns as the swell bent in around the curve of the reef. I'll go back, but earlier in the season before the trades come up so strong so I can get a taste of Boa.