6TH – 17TH JUNE
Mr Bondi
Bubba and Musso decided there was only one proper way to celebrate a combined half-century – round up some mates and get on the Mango
DAWN TO DUSK
These guys aren’t exactly interested in taking it easy. Six to eight hours in the water is standard daily procedure with dawn patrols, midday runs and sunset sessions all seeming to roll into one at times. Throw in a few post-surf sunset sherbets and you're getting dangerously close to perfection for a surfing holiday.
JOHANNES’S POINT
Known to most as Outsides or Burn Point, this bombing right became something of a second home this trip. It welcomed the crew to the islands after the crossing on day one and farewelled them on the final session before the overnight crossing back to the mainland, serving up enough walls and tubes to keep everyone frothing from start to finish.
By trip's end the eastern suburbs boys had it well and truly dialled. The inside section was being treated like a playful Bondi beachie, while the upper reef was toyed with like a familiar Bronte slab.
One man who seemed particularly attached to the place was Johannes. Every session ended with the same grin and froth. His claim to the barrel of the trip might be debated, but he certainly was having the most fun.
deciding to roll the dice
The predicted south swell was dragging its feet, so the Mango pushed on to the anchorage defeated, while just a handful of optimists deciding to roll the dice and stick around on Foxy Lady for one last session in the hope for a late pulse.
The swell kicked just enough to make it worthwhile – perfect empty runners, good mates and not another soul in sight. Sometimes that's all you need.
“That’s better than the best day Bondi has had in ten years.”
MAD-DOG MIKE
TRADITION IS TRADITION
There was never any chance Ando was letting Bubba and Musso sneak through their birthday trip without a little celebration (& humiliation).
The costumes had been discussed early in the trip and, despite some doubts, Superman and Batman eventually made their appearance.
The party suits where packed for the afternoon session, the camera charged, and the occasion properly honoured with the seriousness it deserved. Some things are simply non-negotiable. Happy superhero birthday boys!
THE CROSSING STAPLE
Talk of the legendary final curry started circulating by lunchtime, our go-to for the crossing back to port.
The aroma drifting through The Mango by mid-morning was enough to have the lads sticking their head’s in the galley to see what was in store. Situ working his magic on the traditional spice paste preparation had the entire boat wafting of deliciousness and the final product did not disappoint.
SPECIAL THANKS
A huge shout-out to Deli, Situ, Bezi, Geni and Fiasco - The best boat crew in the world.
Cheers Uncle Lip.