It was 30 years ago when I went on my very first surf trip to Bali.  Back then, Bali was a lot different.  Less people, buildings, noise, and undiscovered waves.  Tokura-san brought me to Kuta Beach on the very first day.  I surfed it and wasn’t too sure why Indonesia was supposed to be special.  The next day, we got on a big sailboat and crossed some islands.  We woke up at Scar Reef and it was pumping.  My first wave was a very big, scary, and powerful barrel.  It was then I understood why Indonesia was the most sought out wave in the whole wide world.

Tokura-san and I were talking about that first trip while surfing Kuta this morning.  And guess where we’re going tomorrow?   Yes, Scar Reef on a forecasted pumping swell!  This is a full circle of 30 years for us.  We know things will be a lot different there, but the experience is what we’re in for.  Just to be able to come back together to a very special place after 30 years, we are very grateful.  I think growing up, you appreciate things more.  I’m just glad to be alive because a lot has happened in those past 30 years….

It seemed like a very long time since we left Hawaii.   The 9 hour flight to Japan was the first leg of getting to Indonesia.  I watched the movie “Waterman” which is about Duke Kahanamoku.  If you’re a surfer, you must watch it.  All us surfers are where we are today because of The Duke.

Traveling as a surfer takes a lot of planning.  Everything has to be weighted to make sure you don’t get overcharged.  From Hawaii to Japan on Hawaiian Airlines will cost you $150 per bag up to 50lbs.  I fit 4 boards in mine.

Then we get our boards off in Japan and recheck it in to the next leg, which is to Singapore.

In my travel experience, Singapore Airlines is the absolute best airlines experience.  Surfboards are free, the food is good, the service is excellent, and the flight is very comfortable.  

And there is no cleaner airport than this one.  This is the country where you get lashed if you spit out your gum on the street.  

One thing I was never was interested in was luxury goods.  Thanks to that, I saved tens of thousands of dollars.  

The last leg was on Scoot Airlines to Denpasar.  Scoot is owned and operated by Singapore Airlines so the experience is the same.  This is probably the best Low Cost Airlines experience.  Our boards went through for free.

Gazing out the window trying to imagine how good it will feel when I finally can take a shower.  

Thirty hours later we land in Bali.  Was it worth going straight through?  Not when you’re actually doing it, but when you land in Bali, it’s totally worth it!

Arrived: Three flights and 30 hours later.