Macaronis Resort in the Mentawai Islands, looks and feels a bit like paradise, and the resort is hosting its intermediate surf coaching clinics for the 8th year running over 8 weeks from January 10th 2025 to March 7th 2025.

All of their surf coaches are ISA (International Surf Association) accredited, with the experience and qualifications to help you improve quickly, surf to your full potential and take on some of the worlds best waves. You can attend the course for as little as one week or the full eight weeks.

The carefully curated coaching sessions only host up to 8 surfers per coach and accommodation is limited to one surfer per room. Special guest and international surf coach, Dave Renaud will be heading up this experience. Dave is based in the UK, but regularly coaches in the Maldives. He is a Level 2 ISA surf coach, and has served as head coach for Great Britain and Team England for the past 10 years. These guys guarantee some of the best surf coaching out there!

Between January and March is a great time of year to visit the Mentawais, with very few other surfers around. Macaronis is also limiting participants to 20 surfers per week and the team make a special effort to explore neighbouring breaks. This way, guests and coaches can take turns surfing Macaronis and classic Southern Mentawai spots, ensuring the line-up always feels fresh and uncrowded.

Situated on a saltwater lagoon across the bay from the Legendary Macaronis wave, the set up is high quality comfort with the perfect activities list for any time away from the waves. You can kayak, paddle board, fish and snorkel the tropical waters. Suites are on the second floor, a few meters above sea level with open verandas and panoramic views of the ocean and saltwater lagoon.

The surf offering is an incredible experience that will make you feel like a pro. With Dave Renaud, two professional photographers, video playback and in and out of water coaching sessions you can be sure everything surfing is covered.

Find out more and book your spot here.

Kandui, located in the Mentawai Islands off the coast of Sumatra is widely known for its long, fast, and barreling left-handers, a magnet for travelling surfers seeking the wave of a lifetime. Both exhilarating and intimidating, breaking over a shallow coral reef, you can expect an equal share of pleasure and pain if it goes pear-shaped. This is a playground to very few, so respect the wave, the line-up and the surfers.

Hit play to see Koa Rothman rushing from Australia to Indonesia to score some of the biggest waves to hit Kandui in a decade with Eli Olson, Barron Mamia and Betet, enjoy.

‘Dreading South’  now playing, a  film featuring Christian Barker, a fair-weather surfer, a swell and his battle with the cold waters of New Zealand. Hit play to watch Christian adopt a new mindset on his journey through the nearly unbearable cold (in his opinion) waters of NZ.

Featuring Wispy’s faithful NZ quiver, the 9’3” Battler, 5’8” Dually, 6’9”Vincent & 6’7”Mid Twin.

A film by @mctavishsurf
Surfer Christian Barker @wispy_
Directed by @mattjohnireland
Shot by @benbagley__
Edit by @hunterthomson_ and @benbagley__
Score by @the___m1
Script & Narration @severe_t_storm @fidel.ruizhealy

What happens when ocean surfers swap the seas for lake waters? That’s one question Volvo Penta set out to answer when it brought professional surfers Alyssa Spencer and Tatiana Weston-Webb on board with professional wakesurfer Parker Payne for a special crossover event on Lake Martin in Alabama.

Parker shared wakesurfing tips for the group with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive and Watersports Control system at the helm on three innovative boat models – the Regal LS9 Surf, Cobalt R8 Surf and Paradigm Boats wakesurf deck boat. Below we dive into a few key takeaways from their time on the water.

5. Wakesurfing is a workout: Like ocean surfing, wakesurfing is a great outlet for people to get exercise while honing their skills in a unique sport. “It’s nice because anyone can try wakesurfing, it’s a great workout and you’re getting better at something that’s really fun,” said Weston-Webb. “Maybe one day, you’ll go to the ocean and know what to do there too!”

While wakesurfing might not be in the cards for Weston-Webb this summer, as she gears up for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the sport is continuing a steady rise with new demographics that underscore the growing intersection between watersports lovers and boating enthusiasts. According to a research study conducted by Discover Boating, there are 91 million potential future boaters in identified growth and emerging segments – including those with a special interest in outdoor recreation activities.

Forward is the only way

In the spirit of bringing versatility to the forefront, Volvo Penta is cruising ahead with the idea that “Forward is the Only Way” by introducing new projects and partnerships to help drive awareness with expanded audiences. Volvo Penta strives to attract new demographics to boating by demonstrating how its Forward Drive propulsion system is setting a new standard for a variety of active lifestyle customers to enjoy surf and serenity.

“With the Volvo Penta Forward Drive system, it really allows the boat to have the power to get you out of the water quickly and creates a great wave for surfing,” said Payne. “It allows for a lot of extra room on the boat so that way you have room to chill with your friends. You can have a large sundeck and really enjoy your day on the water and maximise that experience.”

Tempted to jump in the captain’s chair or try your hand at wakesurfing? Check out the “Forward is the Only Way” story, or follow these guys on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok

Gerry Lopez, San Clemente, California, April 2024

There’s no mystery of time. We are constantly ageing amid the forces of nature, both internal and external. The pressures and stresses of surfing—forces, high impacts, torsion, compression, exposure, fear, anxiety—all conspire to put the body, physically and mentally, through its paces.

But there are those who are showing they are able to surf continuously at a high level as they age, despite their age. We are talking about surfers in their 70s and 80s, like Gerry Lopez, aka “Mr. Pipeline”, the icon whose influence on the sport of surfing is so immense they made a movie about it. Gerry credits his yoga practice with enabling him to surf at a level that would have been impossible without it.

Yoga has long been widely known to promote flexibility, build strength, improve balance and ultimately, increase longevity. What yoga has not necessarily been known for is extending the ability to participate, or even compete, in action sports that are inherently tough on the body, like surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. But many legends in these sports are well-aware of this. And now, younger athletes are discovering that among the multiple benefits of yoga is the ability to keep doing what they love at a higher level and for longer.

Daniel Lavilla, @DanielWavesYoga, yoga teacher and surfer, Cádiz Spain Photo:  @ivan_gon

“We all know the post-surf stretch feels amazing, but yoga offers way more than that…You'll be more aware of your movements, which will improve your surfing technique, and your confidence. Yoga builds that so important mind-body connection that ripples through our entire lives, in and out of the water. It creates a more balanced, focused, and a calmed you –  both on the waves and to navigate life's currents. Yoga and surfing just share a natural connection, a rhythm, a way of being present in the moment.” - Read more about Daniel and his surf and yoga story here.

Surf until you’re 80? Absolutely! And beyond.

Gear up with the right tools for the practice. One lucky surfer will take home a complete Manduka x Gerry Lopez kit. Full-length quick-drying towel, a packable travel mat, and for at home or studio practice, our PRO performance mat.

@DanielWavesYoga Photo: @watermartinez_