![\"corruption](\"http:\/\/www.mentawai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/anti-corruption-warning.jpg\" "\\"anti")
<\/a>In a country where this is not an issue, you won’t find a sign like this. Indonesia ranks 100 out of 183 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index<\/a>. It’s been worse. The bottom line is that graft is common, but there is definitely an art to it. There are “rules” and unspoken protocols which determine how to proceed if there’s a need. Certainly in such a public place as the main airport it is the beast that shall remain nameless!<\/p>\n The hologram a bit after two minutes in is a very cool touch. For those who have surfed the Mentawais and even for those who have only couch surfed the place, this is one run-down of where the guys got amongst it that will put a smile on your face.<\/p>\n You can’t beat the enthusiasm with which the multiple locations surfed are announced (although he could be a little more excited)… Icelands, to Telescopes, then down to Lances Left, Macaronis, on to Roxy’s, Rag’s Left, Bat Cave, back to Lances Left, \u00a0then along to Scarecrows.<\/p>\n The boards the crew are riding go to the heart of the appropriate equipment. As a friend of mine, Christie Carter of Wave Park<\/a> points out, you need something to get you onto the wave, minimum of fuss. On this score they do the job. Many others would be heading vertical back up the face here for some air time. Each to their own. I’m very much reminded of Mark Richards in this shot.<\/p>\n There’s time and space to glide into a stylish cutback and get these sticks covering every inch of ground that you’d want, including the odd cover up. Sure it’s not a case of being deep in the pit. But each to their own.<\/p>\n You look at this and think about being deep on the far side of these guys. But it strikes me as an image that was pretty common a few decades ago. No such thing as “dropping in” back then. A couple of guys on their Mals enjoying each other’s company and great surf, except their surfing some technology a grade or two above the ol’ Mal. (Again, each to their own).<\/p>\n One way to get amongst the fish here is to jump on ’em. Rocky outcrops that for millennia have not held interest for any human for any reason are now part of a million dollar industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n As one of the crew sings near the end: Check out the whole edit here:<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>
\nA good friend is a miracle
\nYou get a reflection,
\nA true friend has got your back
\nYou get protection …<\/p>\n