Players
Most everyone knows that people make the world go round. What would this rock, circling the sun be without human consciousness? And how lucky are we here now to be living at the apex of western civilization. As surfers, especially those of us attracted to Indonesia in the early days, we’ve lived lives that most of previous humanity could hardly comprehend. Indo has had a way of gathering the most dynamic, creative and fearless people to it’s shores. I’ve had the good fortune to have met and befriended so many of these locals, expats, tourists and travellers over the years. And the core groups on the boat and on the beach at Deserts remain some of my most prized friends and associates. It’s for you guys and girls I am putting out these photos and stories. Those were the best years of our surfing lives. Enjoy.
Ketut came from a large, influential Benoa, Bali family. He grew up a turtle fisherman and spent most of his life working in boats out of Benoa Harbour. We were very fortunate to have him as our boat manager for most of a decade. His local knowledge and friends in and around the harbors we utilized proved invaluable. He always treated us with utmost respect and great concern for our safety. Ketut saved my life on more than one occasion. He handled a lot of the paperwork\financial part of our boat ownership and was always good at padding the bills; a Balinese trait he just couldn’t overcome. Upon my return to Bali in 2010, after a long absence I learned of Ketut’s passing just a few short weeks before. I was able to attend his final ceremony at Besakih Temple with my son Andrew and Ketut’s family. It was a major event, and all of Benoa village turned out. Kembali Ketut.