Ask any knowledgeable surfer where the best waves in the world can be found and the answer is invariably Indonesia. This populous country made up of over 17,000 islands and 700 languages is ideally situated at the end of the perfect propagation path for Southern Ocean swells, meaning year-round waves arriving at some of the most famous spots on planet surf. Think Uluwatu on Bali, G-Land on Java, Desert Point Lombok and the myriad of world-class waves found off the coast of Sumatra in the Mentawai Islands. A tropical surfing paradise also requires friendly wind patterns and Indonesia manages to duck the strong Asian monsoon winds, while enjoying weak katabatic winds around the equator, or seasonal trade winds that blow offshore on many swell-exposed coasts. This serendipity has not gone unnoticed and Bali has become one of the world’s most densely crowded surf zones – a large local contingent shares with both global tourists and expats. From this central hub, surfers are striking out by car, bike or boat, searching for a little bit of paradise that has yet to be discovered, in this vast, warm water playground.
The Stormrider Surf Guides are the worlds best selling and most respected collection of surfing guide books delivered in paper, ebook and app formats. The Stormrider Surf Guides are the only comprehensive colour guides to the coastlines of Europe, North America, Central American and the Caribbean, Indonesia and the Indian Ocean, South America, Africa, East Asia, The Pacific and Australia. The authoritative text includes oceanographic, environmental and cultural notes on the entire coastlines. Each guide contains numerous full colour maps and superb photos of the best waves, shot by the best photographers. All information is compiled with the help of local riders whose sensitive approach enables an accurate and knowledgeable appraisal. An essential tool for surfers searching for their perfect wave.
