If you've been down to a club round lately, you've probably spotted the Latitude Zero Resorts logo on the trailer. We're stoked to have them backing Byron Bay Boardriders,
and there's a proper story behind the crew,
so we thought we'd share a bit of it.
A BYRON LOCAL WITH 30 YEARS IN INDO
Latitude Zero Resorts founder Matt Cruden lives here in Byron. Matt has been running surf trips through Indonesia for over 30 years. In the mid-90s he was skippering charter boats like the Katika through the islands off Sumatra, back when a lot of the waves out there had barely been surfed.
THE BOAT YEARS
By the late 90s Matt and his business partner Wal were running the Mangalui. A few familiar faces joined those trips, including our own Kieren Perrow, along with Rasta and Margo, with Swilly behind the camera. Some of the trips from that era are still talked about today, and a lot of Swilly's photos now hang on the walls at the resort.
FROM THE BOAT TO THE ISLAND
All those years of searching led to Latitude Zero Telo Islands, a resort on its own small island in the Telo Island chain, just off Sumatra's west coast between Nias and the Mentawai Islands. White sand, clear water, and close to 50 breaks within an hour by speedboat, plus waves on the island itself.
It's still run by the original crew who found the waves in the first place, and many of the Indonesian staff have been there for over 20 years.
Later came Latitude Zero Nusa Tenggara, a resort in East Indonesia with a long right-hander out the front and jet ski assist, making it a pretty unique experience out there.
A DAY ON THE BOATS
Days at Telo Islands revolve around the surf. The guides study the forecast every night and pick the spot to suit the swell, the wind and your ability. Boat runs range from five minutes to around an hour and a half, and with a maximum of 8 or 9 surfers per boat, the boats head off in different directions so everyone gets their share.
The fleet is six custom-built aluminium speedboats, Zero 1 through Zero 6. Each one carries an esky full of water, soft drinks, juices, snacks and a few beers, plus hot water for tea and coffee, along with a premade lunch from the resort chefs. The guides shoot photos while you surf, so you go home with more than memories. On the flat days there's fishing, spearfishing, snorkelling and exploring the islands.
BACK AT THE RESORT
Eight full-time chefs cook every meal, mixing Asian and Western food with local seafood and greens from the resort's own hydroponic garden. Between sessions there's the pool, the Karma Spa, an ice bath, a gym, a games room with two billiard tables, and a 40+ board quiver if you'd rather travel light.
You can stay in a Beachfront Bungalow right on the sand, or a Resort Room with wrap-around balconies and 270-degree ocean views. Everything is included except alcohol and massages.
GETTING THERE
It's easier than most people think. Fly into Padang via Jakarta, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, meet the ground crew, and it's a one-hour Susi Air flight to the Telo Islands. No overnight ferries or long boat crossings. Here's the full rundown on how to get to the Telo Islands, and when to go: the best time to surf the Telo Islands.
The Susi Air flight to the Telo Islands
BRING THE FAMILY
This isn't just a trip for the chargers. There are gentler waves for learners, surf coaching, kayaks, SUPs and snorkelling for the kids, and a crèche for a small extra cost. If you're thinking about taking the grommets to Indo, have a read of their guide to family surf holidays in Indonesia, and see what else there is to do on the island.
WATCH
MEMBER RATES
Byron Bay Boardriders members get 10% off all bookings at both resorts.
Mention the club when you enquire.
Thanks to Matt and the Latitude Zero Resorts crew for backing the club.
See you in the water.
