Karon
After a few weekends surfing in Phuket it’s clear that ‘the island’ definitely handles the stormy onshore conditions better than the more exposed beaches further north.
Choppy
You have to take whatever you can get in Khao Lak. Max making the most of stormy conditions at Nang Thong.
Kitesurfing Khao Lak
Bangkok kitesurfer Chris and his son Lochlan came down visiting on a paddle/kite surfing trip. This is the first time I've seen anyone kitesurf in Khao Lak. Chris handled the choppy surf and less than ideal wind conditions well.
Nai Harn
A relatively quiet hidden corner of Phuket with a strong community feel, accentuated during the surf season by the lower numbers of tourists. The beach seems to be a bit of a swell magnet and the waves can get sizey compared to other breaks. My camera skills fail to do the surf and scenery justice as Nai Harn beach is a beautiful lush bay with clear green waters. The local farang and Thai surfers have the place wired and the beach is a cool spot to hang out and watch the guys do their stuff.
Amara Watersports
Khun Amara and Craig have been teaching and enthusing people to watersports since 1980's. Their watersports beach club in Pattaya, Chonburi is a beautiful chilled place to relax and spend the day having fun in the water. Windsurfing, paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking lessons are all available as well as for rent. Craig also organises paddlesurfing trips to a few spots around Rayong (45mins away) which can have waves during the SW monsoon. Contact Amara Watersports here to join in the fun.
More boards and sails than you could shake a paddle at.
The surf shop with everything from boards to accessories.
Not many people get to wear a rad pair of boardshorts to work.
The beach, a few kilometers from Pattaya is much cleaner and quieter than the town beaches.
Khun Bo, one of the experienced Thai instructors is a cool guy to learn with.
Flipper In Pink
We had a welcome visit from a pod of dolphins whilst surfing a few mornings ago. They were quite small and a couple had pinkish colourations. It's rare to see them so close to shore nowadays, it's a good sign.
Paddlesurfing Rules
Small 1-3ft long period swell over the past few days, not really enough for the reefs to work but the rivermouths have had good banks and the big tides have helped. Without a doubt, in small surf a SUP will squeeze the most length, speed and fun possible from a wave. Starboards 9'0 Hero and 8'5 Pocket Rocket were ideal boards for the conditions.
Movement
Strange that Khao Lak's southern beaches took longer to start breaking this season. Maybe there hasn't been enough rain or stormy enough conditions to make the banks work, who knows? A few coco wedges from June.
