The Pirates of Paradise: A Not-so-Serious Boat Trip in Indonesia

By Cory Venter

"The Pirates of Paradise: A Not So Serious Boat Trip in Indonesia" invites readers on a rollicking journey with Cory, a charismatic surfer-craftsman, and 8 fellow wave enthusiasts, guided by a Pinky the sea-savvy Surf guide. Sailing through Indonesia's archipelago, the memoir unfolds as a tapestry of camaraderie, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.

Cory's witty narration paints vivid scenes of adventure escapades, surfing, and cultural discoveries. The eclectic group transforms from strangers to an inseparable crew, bonding over shared waves and Cold Bintangs. As the boat weaves through hidden coves and pristine breaks, each chapter becomes a canvas where the surfers and the sea create masterpieces of friendship and fun.

The dynamic personalities of the crew, each with quirks and talents, add layers of humor and warmth to the narrative. The journey is sprinkled with spontaneous experiences, impromptu surf sessions, and nights filled with storytelling under star-studded skies on the deck.

Cory's storytelling prowess transforms the boat trip into an immersive experience. Readers are not just observers; they become honorary crew members, feeling the sea spray and sharing in the laughter echoing across the waves. "The Pirates of Paradise" is not just a surf memoir; it's a celebration of friendship, the ocean's magic, and the joy found in embracing the unexpected twists of a not-so-serious boat trip in Indonesia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Mar 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9798369493960

Book preview

Copyright © 2024 by Cory Venter. 856000

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Xlibris

www.xlibris.com.au

Rev. date: 03/05/2024

Contents

November 2022

Day 1 - 4th August 2023

Day 2 - 5th August 2023

Day 3 - 6th August 2023

Day 4 - 7th August 2023

Day 5 - 8th August 2023

Day 6 - 9th August 2023

Day 7 – 10th August 2023

Day 8 – 11 August 2023

Day 9 – 12 August 2023

Day 10 – 13 August 2023

Day 11 – 14 August 2023

Day 12 – 15 August 2023

Day 13 – 16 August 2023

Day 14 – 17 August 2023

It had always been a dream of mine to embark on a boat trip to the Mentwai Islands. Once I discovered surfing all those years ago in a small coastal town in South Africa, it planted the seed for an epic trip. I envisioned living aboard a vessel, surfing perfect waves, navigating the vastness of the ocean, and embracing the thrill of exploration and adventure! It’s the kind of thing that most surfers dream about once they’ve mastered the art of wave-riding. The hunt for waves begins and new frontiers to conquer are searched for far and wide. It’s like a pilgrimage, but with more sunscreen, melted wax and board-short rash!

This aquatic odyssey kicked off in November 2022, and up to that point, I hadn’t met any of the surfers joining the adventure. Shit! I didn’t even know I was going on this trip. And where did it all begin? At the local fuel servo, pump No. 4 – Diesel, and enter Dickon, the unsung hero of this epic tale. I hope you enjoy our story and adventure into the wilderness of an Indonesian island chain, in search of perfect waves.

November 2022

Burleigh Heads 6:30am

Fast forward to a breezy morning in Burleigh Heads, November 2022, 6:30am. I’ve always been a fan of shooting the breeze with folks during my travels. Whether it’s the local grocer, the laundromat ladies, or the fuel station crew, striking up a conversation adds a sense of community, friendship, and connection into everyday life that can be often peppered with distractions and chores. So its good to connect along the way. On this day I met Dickon, a 60-year-old dude, with a mischievous grin and a knack for banter and is stoked on surfing. I picked up on the British humour rather quickly.

Pump No. 4, Bru! I twanged with my Saffa accent at the checkout. Dickon, sensing I wasn’t a local, fired back with some good-natured humour. And just like that, a friendship was born. Our talks about surfing, boards, travel, and the art of crafting the perfect board. Talking about surfing is always good, although it caused impatience for the others waiting in the queue behind. Soon enough, came the bombshell question from Dickon, Do you wanna come on a boat trip to the Mentawais? It’s happening in August 2023.

Now, I could lie and say I had to mull it over, but who am I kidding? The decision was made in a heartbeat. Dickon, the legend, had already done the heavy lifting in organising the trip. I didn’t say it out loud, but mentally I was like, Sure, take my money, and let’s set sail!. The hardest part of a surf trip is saying yes, right? After that, it’s smooth sailing, if you are not organising it of course. I knew I could do it; I was a little hesitant handing over my hard earned cash to the local petrol attendant who was apparently a Pilot (turns out he was), but this was the pilgrimage, the dream trip, and a no-brainer! Bru, let me check and get back to you, I casually replied. Of course I was going! I didn’t want to seem to desperate, I had only just met the geezer innit.

A day later I confirmed my position onboard and just like that, it was official – I was going on a boat trip to the infamous Mentawai Islands in 10 months time. The countdown had begun, and the excitement was palpable. The only person I knew on this nautical escapade was Dickon. We began formalities on group chat. Which was great for getting to know people, yet I still hadn’t laid eyes on them and thanks to Brad who was giving false information on appearances, shall we say. Dickon was the mastermind behind flights, itinerary, and all the logistical wizardry for the journey.

As the days inched closer, the anticipation reached a fever pitch. Messages were flying faster than a note in a classroom! Who’s bringing what boards? I’m packing three shirts and three shorts, tops! How many beers per day? These were the real questions. We had been pen pals for the last few months, and today was August the 3rd. Tomorrow morning, at the ungodly hour of 5am, we would finally meet face-to-face for our Mentawais surf boat trip. Shit was about get real.

Day 1 - 4th August 2023

Gold Coast Australia 5:00am

The night before the big adventure, I had my board bag packed and ready to roll. I went through my checklist so many times; it was practically a bedtime story. I went to sleep like a kid on Christmas eve, dreaming of the adventure that lay ahead. The alarm chimed and brought me to the reality of this moment. While it was still dark enough to make a vampire comfortable, we headed over to Dickon’s place not far down the road, to meet the bus. You remember Dickon, right? The bloke I first encountered at a fuel station months ago. We arrived in good fashion and on time thanks to my better half at Dickons humble abode. I was greeted by Duncan and Andrew, the charming offspring of Dickon, along with Phil and Greg, two of Dickon’s long time friends. The afternoon shift eventually arrived and Brad rolled in late. With a 1/16 Tom Selic moustache and the stunning mullet waving in the morning breeze. Stunning. A quick breakfast was being served inside before the bus rumbled to life along with our 90 year old bus