The Gout Tour was a spin off from a tour a group of us did 2 1/2 years ago to the Mentawai Islands, although that was a great trip I unfortunately smashed my ankle on the 4th day and I had to go back to reclaim a surf trip that I missed out on. Of the 9 that made that trip 3 were to come back and relive the 8 days I missed out on and to also have another incredible surf trip. Well I got GT Nic and Ben back on board with out to much arm bending and that left another 4 guys to fill the boat, Chris is one of my oldest friends we have been surfing together since 1977 as is the same for Ricky. It was commented on that who'd of thought 3 kids growing up together in Manly during the 70's would 30 years later be surfing in the Mentawai islands together. Bezza was coming on the last trip but injured himself 1 month before we left so he was pumped to try again and fortunately had no injuries before during or after this trip, and that left a spot for G Lover a mate of GT's from Warriewood.
It took a few months to organise but we finally had a date and an itinerary and now all we had to do was wait, and 8 months later we were on the boat. Now for 8 blokes to travel and live together for 14 days being on planes, hotel rooms, a small boat, and anything else was a credit to all, from G lover the youngest to old man river Nic there was quite a few years between us, with varying back grounds it provided the catalyst for an amazing trip. The lads are talking up another trip all ready and we have only been back a week, I would like to thank my mates GT,Nic,Ben,Chris,Ricky,Bezza and G lover for making it my Trip Of A Lifetime, and to all who helped along the way especially World Nomads and there staff for travel hints and tips and obviously Travel Insurance. I hope you enjoy a day by day account of The Gumby Official Unofficial Tour of the Mentawai Islands
Cheers
Brett Cohen.
