Bali is the mecca of waves and we are the pilgrims.
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| Map of Bali Surf Spots |
If you wonder why we have such a fascination with waves,
consider our backgrounds. We all have
taken various dynamic courses that rigorously detail the formulas of waves
including their amplitude, type, and dispersion relationships. Oceanic waves are the only waves that are of
comparable size to humans and of a substance that allows such intimate
interactions like surfing (as opposed to sound waves, gravity waves, seismic
waves, etc.). Surfing is the ultimate hands on science experiment for those
interested in fluid dynamics, and Bali is one of the best surfing
destinations.
Echo Beach / Canggu
After arriving at Denpasar airport, we took a taxi ride to
the hotel that was more thrilling than most amusement park rides. The roads are beyond congested, and it is not
frowned upon to have several generations of family from infants to elderly
riding the same moped through town.
Under the cover of night we were dropped at Echoland Bed and Breakfast
on the western coast of Bali. The next
morning we had breakfast on the rooftop patio with a view of the ocean. It doesn’t cost much to live like a
highroller in Bali.
The waves at Echo Beach were mildly disappointing given the
reputation. As faithful pilgrims though,
we remained strong and relished every wave the ocean offered. Most nights we lounged at restaurants
overlooking the beach and enjoyed the local dishes of Nasi Goreng (fried rice)
and Satay (grilled pork, steak, and chicken).
If you want a more detailed review of the food, James would be happy to inform
you.
Aside from the lacking waves, we met Harris at the hotel. Harris has lived in Perth, Australia for 8
years but is from Florida. Owen also
joined us on the second night at the bed and breakfast and enlightened us with
his Australian accented “Owenisms”. They both happily joined our search for the
3%.
Uluwatu
Echo Beach was hard to leave but the pilgrimage for waves
took precedent over the lap of luxury.
We journeyed to Uluwatu, Bali (southern tip). We stayed at a hotel called The Gong that is
equidistant from the surf breaks of Uluwatu and Nyang Nyang.
Our wave pilgrimage
would not be without trials. Like Echo
Beach, Uluwatu was also starved for waves and Harris cracked his head in the
pool. He opted out of stitches in favor of
more natural healing means, the glorious water of Bali well-known for it’s
ability to produce staff infections. Dirt
roads, mud pits, and live coral were traversed to no avail. No waves. No fluid dynamic interactions. Nothing.
But as pilgrimages go, persistence is key. The walk to Uluwatu to check the break was
encouraging even though the waves were lackluster.
Legian
After being skunked for waves, we drowned our sorrows in the
tourist culture around Kuta. Legian
beach, near Kuta, is not particularly known for its waves. So
instead of surfing, James, Gavin, Harris, and Owen all bungee jumped while I
occupied the videographer position. In fact, one bungee jump was not enough. They each did it twice.
We managed our depression regarding mediocre waves by
haggling with the locals for bags, t-shirts, jewelry, etc. Because it was currently the off/rainy season
in Bali, we got a resort style hotel room for less than half the normal
rate. Yes, you can even haggle with
resorts. EVERYTHING is negotiable in Bali.
The last morning we got up at six in desperate hopes that our pilgrimage
would not end in despair. Surely, our
patience would be rewarded. We
begrudgingly walked to the nearest beach break in desperate hopes of waves
before our flight at noon. This is what
we found……
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