Big Beach Small Surf
Getting a feel for the Starboard 8'5 x 30 Pocket Rocket SUP on Ao Yai Beach early December. The board was a definite hit with everyone who tried it. Very excited to be riding this board and can't wait to try it in some decent sized surf. Thanks to Mr. J for the photos.
Pray For Surf
December has seen very little in the way of surf, rideable days can be counted on one hand. A mirror like flatness has settled like a blanket across the Andaman and looks set to camp out at least for the foreseeable future. It’s difficult not to make the connection that bad weather equates to waves and fine weather means smooth seas, not strictly true but anyway, join us in prayer as we ask for wild stormy conditions and torrential monsoon rains.
High Season Payam
Sunday saw a couple of travelers in the water with nicely lined up knee high surf, dropping off to these ankle slappers the following morning. Incidentally, the SUP is useful for paddling out to snorkel around the small island seen in the background which lies 1km off the beach. Many shoals of fish and colourful corals out there.
Dawn Patrol
Not a huge amount of action lately on the Andaman coastline, a few days here and there with a small wave coming through, nothing to write home about. Looks like the western gulf's starting to light up though.
Halloween Night Surf
On a clear night the full moon shines brightly enough to surf well after twilight. Our theory is the best waves break during the witching hours when the winds are often dead calm.
Lanta Island
Swell has dropped lately and a longboard or an SUP are needed to make the most of whatevers out there. Thanks to Mr. J for the photo.
Bangkayah Beach
The last few days have seen fun surfing waves at Bangkayah Beach, the way the wave breaks makes it ideal for riding an SUP.
Changing Weather
Friday, October 16. Noticeable changes in the weather, the interminable rains that have been our companion for the last six months are finally abating, the winds are calming and changing direction and even the sun has been making an appearance. Surf dropped off to ankle high mush but we still had fun riding the SUP.
Payam Island
A beautiful sleepy island blessed with crystal clear waters, empty beaches and great waves. Ao Yai beach works through all stages of tide and is well positioned to pick up south to southwesterly groundswells that wrap into the Andaman. Surf peaks across the entire 3km beach though we found the waves around the rivermouth at the southern end held the best shape. Clean waist to chest high surf was scored the entire trip.
Winds Dropping Off
Light favourable winds and a small long period swell produced clean small surf in the morning at Khuek Khak. Bangkayah Beach had better waves in the afternoon.
Typhoon Ketsana
No escaping the wind as typhoon Ketsana wreaks havoc across Asia. Cocoa Beach had sloppy waves rolling in this morning, better day for kiteboarding or windsurfing.
Stormriding
Choppy mushy waves and onshore conditions continue, rideable surf still at Nang Thong north beach.
Khao Lak SUP
Paddling the SUP around the head on a calmer day. We're still enjoying trying the SUP in different conditions but are now convinced SUP is a perfect all round flat water and wave riding tool as well as being an awesome workout. If you're interested in finding out more about this fast growing watersport in Thailand visit www.isup.asia
R.I.P. Wayne
A squeaking ball of mud stuck in the river bank was how we found this little one. Once washed and cleaned a small dog appeared, no more than a week old, parents unknown. Sadly, Wayne didn’t survive for long but at least she was given a fighting chance.
Orange Peel
Mr. N, one of the local dive masters picks a nice clean day at Coconuts to try his first surf session. He’s been back for a second try since and is already on his feet.
Bunch Of Coconuts
Coconuts could be said to have been our local break during this season, notice the crowded line-up.
