Salam Dalam

After spending months freezing in the European Alps, battling pretty terrible snow and some dangerous conditions, I was keen to shift my attention to warmer climates. I got in touch with Nick Law, an old friend of mine living in Indonesia. He, along with Sean Smyth – a true sea dog who spends his days working with remote underwater vehicles to lay pipes and cable along coast lines – were to become a band of three brothers with the common goals of adventure, surf, fish and laughs.

Waiting impatiently at the boat for me to arrive was Papa Jury, Nick’s surrogate Indonesian father and good friend. Nick has been living in Indonesia for over eight years and, when not out chasing fish, often helps out as a night guard, fish provider and kids entertainer. Within 20 minutes we were kitted up and in the blissfully warm water. It wasn’t long before Nick and Sean caught a giant trevally. Being far to much for us to eat, we head back to the beach to share this catch with the family that Nick lives with, sitting cross legged on the beach with the kids running around enjoying life.

The days started early, and by five o’clock we were sea bound in our coveted fishing boat, watching the morning sun light up the sky before spending the days exploring the hidden coves in search of dinner. It’s clear that Nick is in his element, and has a unique relationship with the sea, hunting only to provide for himself, his friends and his Indonesian family. The day runs away from us and we decide to lay anchor for the night and watch the sun set whilst enjoying some of the day’s catch along with a wee dram of fine whiskey and reminisce on our day of exploration.

Filmed in collaboration with Staunch Industries using a boat kindly provided by Surf Camp Lombok.