I'm delighted to make you all jealous because I'm half way through a truly special surf trip on the Telos (pronounced Telo) Islands off Indonesia's northern reaches. We flew to Singapore, to Medan on Sumatra, then by private charter plane to Telos.  That plane trip alone was worth it, as we flew past volcanoes, over massive fresh water lake with an island the size of Singapore in the middle. The mountains dropping into the lake were simply spectacular. Then we left Sumatra and cruised over this group of postcard islands onto a tiny strip. A ten minute boat ride skippered by that Gold Coast ripper Dane Pioli dropped us at Telos Islands Resort, The kind of place you dream about. Just four thatch roof buildings, the lagoon lapping at their feet. The sandy beach, the coconuts, and a perfect right ripping by just out front. Fantastic.

I was greeted by the part owner/ manager my old mate and total ripper Dave Simons. He sat us down and informed us that the seven of us are the ONLY surfers in the district.

The guys thought the left around the corner would be best, so clambered aboard the fast boat and hit our first surf. It was Green Island with warm water, a great wave.

The next day and yesterday we plundered two great breaks at Schoolyards and Kindigartens. The former a long long bowling right like small Sunset Beach, including the frantic inside bowl. Kindis was more like Off the Wall, definite North Shore power. Stand up barrels dominated. Then a little zipping right like old sixties Kirra, fast 100 yards of screaming zippers.

Now I'm sitting here in the early afternoon, limbs thrashed after 4 hours of strong right kegs. Out front the right is looking great, but Dave and Dane say Bam-bams will be better, so I just have to go surfing, with a belly full of the best fish, chips and salad you could ask for. Tonight we'll have a few Bintangs and tell crazy stories, as usual at Telos Islands resort.

I've been surfing my 8'8" Stepdeck single fin exclusively, and it's propelled me at high speed over many serious walls. Cool!

The people at Perfect Wave have sure excelled themselves with this package. The connections were all perfect, and an overnight in Medan at the super Marriot took all the sting out of the journey. Cool. where else can you surf with just no other crew to share or hassle? This one's a winner!

I gotta go. The boat is leaving to the next island over to hit Bam-bams. Seeya!!  

Bob

All photos courtesy www.teloislandlodge.com  

There are LESS than 5 tickets left for the 'Night with Bob McTavish' dinner at Deus HQ in Camperdown. If you haven't got yours yet and want to come along for a beer and a laugh then head here immediately to secure one of the final few. See you there!

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Last night Lynn and I attended a huge function in Sydney – the 50 year Anniversary of Surfing Australia. 450 surfers enjoyed a 3 course silver service dinner, while the awards proceeded right in front of us. Great technology, good food, and the biggest collection of surfing talent ever assembled in Australia.

Steph Gilmore was the star, being the 35th Inductee into the Surfing Hall of Fame. She shone, and sparkled!

One of the more interesting features of the night was the awards for Australia's Ten Most Influential Surfers of the past 50 years. I was called up as Number 10, and therefore I was the first award winner to make a speech. I kept it brief, explaining that the difference between Sport and Art in surfing is that sport is measurable - art is not. I added that Surfing Australia has taken care of the Sport side of surfing rather well, but personally I favour the immeasurable - the art of surfing.

The rest of the ten were World Champions, except for Michael Petersen and big Simon Anderson. Bob Evans, who was number one on my list, didn't even get a mention!!!!! Anyway, if everyone was voting for the big competitive stars, I'm amazed I got the nod at all!

It was a great night catching up with some old friends - Claw, Nat and his wife Ti, amongst others.

Now, Off to Telos Islands for a week!

Bob    

Please join us for a night with Bob at Deus HQ! Buy tickets online here

A few months back Bob hand-shaped a great little 8'0" Involvement for Angus Stone, and this week Angus came in to choose some colours, and glass it up with Bill. They ended up going for a kind of avocado green pigment and it came out a treat - not bad squeegee technique either!

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All todays photos shot by Sam Lindsay

Join us at Deus 2nd of March for the Deus Surf Swap Meet! Bob will be there signing books, DVD's posters etc and we'll have some great vintage boards on display, as well as a select number of special hand-shaped boards for sale. Hope to see you there. 

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Bobs new Plastic Machine is in the laminating room this week getting a smokey tint job done - coming up a treat!

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Bob and Bill have made it to the Citizens of the World blog run by Bobs niece Meghan (Writer) and her partner Dom (Photographer). A good yarn and some great photos.

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Photo Dominic Loneragan

Here's a sneak peek at Bobs new 2013 Plastic Machine - its shaping up to be a super fun summer mid-length, can't wait to have a ride next week.

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Some of you might remember Wayne and Haley Williams, the winners of our 'Win a weekend with Bob' competition. Wayne and Haley had a great time in Byron and ordered 2 custom boards with Bob while they were here. The boards are now ready to ship and they look fantastic! Enjoy the boards guys.

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Waynes custom Carver at 8'4" x 22" x 2 7/8"

Haleys custom Fireball Squaretail at 9'2" x 22 3/4" x 3"