Indonesia lays on some great waves for Victorians

THERE are some interesting Indonesian surf events that are sure to appeal to emerging Victorian surfers over coming months, with the World Surf League running events at some of the world’s greatest surf locations.

It has just announced a three-event series in Indonesia late next month, starting at the world famous surf break Nias, which lies off the island of Sumatra.

Nias has always been regarded as one of the world’s best waves.

An absolutely perfect reef point wave that offers big bar- rel sections along with on-face performance sections.

The last time events were run at Nias — about 15 years ago — Victorian surfers excelled. Simon McShane, from Phillip Island, won the event in 2000, while Aireys Inlet surfer Steve Hughes was a semi-finalist along with Torquay’s Troy Brooks.

Nias is the type of wave that bears some similarities to perfect Winkipop and I’ve always thought that Victorian surfers have a distinct advantage whenever events are held in long peeling powerful rightbreaking waves.

The other waves the WSL Indonesian circuit is serving up during this period are on the island of Sumbawa and also Simeulue.

All locations are remote but all offer amazing waves and great opportunities for men and women emerging pro- fessional surfers to pick up decent points and prizemoney.

Going out on a limb, I predict a Victorian surfer will win one of the three events and make the final in another!

There has been no shortage of waves recently and the coming four days look like a lot of fun with moderate swells and offshore winds everyday. Reefs and beach breaks should be firing every day.