Surf's Up, Meulaboh!

It doesn’t matter if it’s Bali, Hawaii, Australia or Meulaboh – if there are waves, they will surf. At least, this is the philosophy of our surfing Meulabohites. According to Bonnie (Right to Play), “Meulaboh may not have the best waves, but at least they are better than no waves.”

Commitment is key to surfing in Meulaboh. Bringing a surfboard to Meulaboh is not an easy task and finding transportation to the elite surfing beach in town, “Prison Beach,” (PB) can be a bit of a chore. But these factors haven’t deterred Meulaboh’s devoted surfers. There are surfboards here from around the world (the “My Meulaboh” staff counted 8) and they’re getting good use from the experienced and novice, alike.

You’re not likely to observe Meulaboh’s faithful surfers riding the waves in Suak Ribee, but as you’re driving toward Nagan Raya, near the site of the old prison, you may see familiar faces perched atop the waves. Co-workers and housemates, Bonnie and Brittany hit the surf at least every Sunday and often mid-week, too. In fact, it’s not unusual for these friends to be surfing by 7 a.m. and arrive at work invigorated for the day.

Others, like Alex (CRS), are hoping to find “a nexus of surfing folks” interested in making regular treks out to PB. When asked how often he surfs, Alex responded, “Once a month. But I’d like to make it three times a week.”

For Meulaboh’s surfers much of the attraction to the sport is the challenge. Bonnie noted it’s the hardest sport she’s ever done, “The medium moves and so many factors have to come together at one time." It's definitely not a sport for everyone, but if you’re up for the challenge, Meulaboh’s surfers agree – there is little that compares to the thrill of catching a wave.

If you’ve never balanced on a surfboard and always wanted to learn how – there’s good news. Meulaboh is an ideal – okay, a pretty good — place to learn. Despite the 20 minute drive out of town, Prison Beach is regarded as a decent spot for novices. The waves are typically small (1 - 2 feet) and the rip is not nearly as strong and dangerous as the beaches right in Meulaboh. In fact, several Meulabohites, like Alex, picked up surfing at Prison Beach with a few lessons from the pioneer Meulaboh surfers from AID4. Brittany is also learning at PB and even noted that the water there is actually warmer than in Bali.

In order to learn, however, Meulaboh’s surfers agreed that three things are necessary — to be a strong swimmer, to have a great deal of patience and to know how to paddle hard. As Brittany notes, “If you can paddle out to the waves, you’ve won half the battle.” So if you think you hear the waves calling, and would love a lesson or two, Bonnie has agreed to teach upon request. Her surfboard, however, is not ideal for beginners and she asks that surfing students bring a large board (between 7’ – 8’).

Although you may be hard pressed to find a surfboard on Jl. Nasional, there are boards available in Nias, Bali, and even Banda Aceh. Used boards are also a great option for the beginning surfer – a decent used board can be bought in Nias for about Rp. 700,000 (+ shipping). But whenever purchasing a board, make sure you go with someone who knows surfboards—selecting an appropriate board can be tricky.

Whether you just want to try out surfing for the novelty, you intend to become a world class surfer, just remember the cardinal rule of surfing, shared by Alex, “Surfing is not just an activity, it’s a way of life.”

To contact Bonnie about surfing lessons, please email her at bmcpike@gmail.com