First-time reporter Mark Thompson gives a Sumatran dispatch.

Words and photos by Mark Thompson.

Having been to Indo a few times before I felt it was necessary to get the hell out of Bali and take in some of the other Islands. As an aspiring photographer I thought the Mentawais would be an ideal spot. Professional surfers. Photogenic scenery. Why not? Not having done a lot of research into this trip myself and friends Luke Dettmen and Sarah Robinson were then suggested to try out Sumatra for waves better suited to bodyboarding and for a fraction of the price. Naively, with no knowledge of Sumatra other than some advice to stay in a town on the coast, we headed off to the airport that afternoon to sort out flights. By 4am the next morning we were checking in and boarding a plane to Jakarta to then transit to Sumatra and make the long drive to the coast. Upon arriving at 10pm that night we had no accommodation booked and were in need of some rest - badly. Waking up the next day, Sarah, Luke and myself knew we'd lucked into something pretty amazing. We enjoyed the short time we spent there surfing fun waves and meeting the locals and the surfers. All of which were happy to share waves and enjoy the warming vibe the place has. We flew back to Bali with smiles all around! 

Don’t get jealous just yet.

Chris Won has left Hollywood behind for a winter back home. Here’s a shot, courtesy of Toys Bodyboards and Smurtshots, of Chris surfing Pipe.

Send us your list of questions, we’ll pick the best to ask the pros and the best of those will be published in the mag.

We’re looking to find bodyboarding’s next opinion leaders. The people who will govern future debate within the sport. The alternative thinkers with the biting questions. Send a word doc to nathan@movementmag.com with the rider in your scope and the questions you’d like to pose. 

The first glimpse of Whitey’s new flick

It’s almost like he has to prove himself all over again. Despite the success of the Tension series it is a new vid world that Whitey is stepping into. There are new heroes in front and behind the lens. New viewers unfamiliar with his name, his legacy and his influence on what they're watching now. This is Grow Up, take a look and drop a comment on your thoughts.

Grow Up bodyboard preview from jake stone on Vimeo.

In a battle of the heavyweights Grizz gets belted by Gringo.

Chris James has been in Chile on a Movement TV trip. Surfing El Gringo when he launched out of a bowl and landed on the rocky end section. Suffering for his art.

Details to be released soon for anyone interested in booking a place in Europe’s premier big wave event.

The organisers of Nazare Special Edition have announced there will be a wildcard available for a rider in the usually invite-only event. If you’re not familiar with the event check out their website here. It’s run at Praia do Norte, a spot that can easily hold ten-feet plus. The 2007 event saw just these conditions, check the YouTube clip below. Once we get the details about how aspiring competitors can apply we'll post back here.

900 points off Hubb, MS will need early results but who’d dare not count a man with such a swag of titles?

Image courtesy of Spunjah Chronic and Happy Hawaii

After the Arica event, won in perfect Chilean waves, it seemed the irrepressible Stewart could yet have more surprises in a career that has defied all competitive mores. He’s still very much in contention but will need Hubb to go early and beat both of the Australians in front of him. Stranger things have happened.

A quick disclaimer, better interviews have also happened. Perhaps not willing to divulge his competitive secrets, Stews didn’t actually divulge anything. His email did have a nice lead in: “Sorry for the delay, this is really exciting for me, I feel like a damn kid!”

Movement: What's your training leading into the final event?

Mike Stewart: Pretty much the same as it's been all year. Eating according to my metabolic type, stretching, riding waves and a specific core training.

Movement: Have you altered your surfing schedule in preparation for El Confital?

Mike Stewart: Yes.

Movement: Are you planning on hitting the location earlier than normal?

Mike Stewart: I haven't bought my ticket yet.

Movement: Finally, why does this wave suit your surfing?

Mike Stewart: Actually this is a pretty tricky wave so it's hard to say it suits me. I guess you could say this wave suits my surfing because I have some base skills in a variety of conditions. I also have a reasonable understanding of the wave.

Mostly unknown territory for Mr Winchester, being in contention at the last stop.

Can the eternal bridesmaid finally take the title.

Image courtesy of nybodyboarding.com

So close so often, Ryan Hardy has the chance to start and finish the year with a win – Pipeline and the title - if he does well at El Confital.

Movement: What's your training regime leading into the final event?

Ryan Hardy: Pretty normal days up until the last few weeks before the Canaries, then I will be heading to the Goldy for a week for a little comp practice there and plenty of surfing, then home for a week or so and probably chasing waves down Margs way and then off to the Canaries for a week or so of pre-comp surfing in the waters over there.  I find as long as I'm getting enough actual surfing sessions and it's not flat wherever I am that is ample training for me to feel I am fit in the water and sharp in my riding.  In the weeks leading up to the comp I naturally get extra fired up inside and it makes me want to surf more and paddle harder and go harder generally and this gives my ability and fitness an extra boost.  Apart from that my second focus would be just a moderate level of yoga/stretching for 30mins or so 2-3 times per week.

Movement: Have you altered your surfing schedule in preparation?

Ryan Hardy: Not as yet, but within the few weeks leading up to it I will be ensuring I am in places where there will be heaps more waves than the standard summer day on Perth beaches.

Movement: Are you planning on hitting the location earlier than normal? 

Ryan Hardy: At least a week early, possibly two weeks.

Finally, why does this wave suit your surfing?

Movement: The main part of Confital that suits my surfing is the fact that it is a down-the-line, bowly right reef break with a similar feel to waves like Gas Bay, Cobbles and North Point that I grew up on in WA, and these conditions are definitely a strong point in my riding repertoire.

The new instalment from Todd at QCD.