Mint!

The village of Lakey Peak is tiny, its dusty streets dotted with a handful of surf hostels buzzing with diehard surfers. Sumbawa itself is dry and hot, with palm trees scattered sparingly across the horizon. Waves wait around every corner, each with its own personality, but Lakey Pipe was the centerpiece of our adventure. A hollow, thick slab breaking directly onto jagged reef – it was both terrifying and mesmerizing, a true test of skill and nerve. What makes this place even more special are the locals. They are some of the kindest, most generous people I’ve met, always offering a warm smile or a helping hand, no matter how busy their day might be.

A day in Lakey Peak was an art form in itself. It always started at dawn – 5 a.m. to be precise – with the first light of the sun casting a golden glow over the water. The wind hadn’t woken yet, but the waves were already alive, glossy and perfect, too beautiful to ignore. We’d grab our surfboards and paddle out, losing ourselves in the morning swell. These sessions were sacred, a quiet communion with the ocean before the day’s chaos began.

When the wind finally arrived, it was as if someone had flipped a switch. The thermal would sweep in, and suddenly, it was game on. Kites inflated, lines untangled, and boards waxed, we’d race to the water, ready to give it a go. Lakey Peak transformed from a tranquil surf haven to a kitesurfing playground, and the energy was electric.

One session stands out among the rest. It was a day when the waves were pumping – four to six feet of sheer perfection – and Willow and I ventured out with our 12m kites. The wind was barely there, just 12 knots, the lightest I’ve ever kited in, but the challenge only added to the thrill. The waves were glassy, so pristine that we could see our reflections in their faces. It was a delicate balance: staying upwind in such light wind, positioning ourselves perfectly on the wave, and praying the kite wouldn’t fall out of the sky.

Some of the most unforgettable moments came as the day began to fade, when we kited into the sunset. The sky would come alive in a celestial haze, shifting from warm amber to deep crimson, and finally to hues of violet and indigo. The ocean mirrored the heavens, creating an endless canvas of light and color. Riding in those moments felt almost surreal – like we were dancing on the edge of the earth. The wind whispered through our lines, the waves carried us forward, and the horizon seemed to stretch forever, pulling us into its glow. It was a reminder of why we love this sport, this life: to feel utterly alive and in sync with nature.

The crew made the trip what it was. Mint, our Lithuanian photographer, wasn’t just behind the lens; he was also a wave-shredder, making it look easy out there, using every moment he could to get out on the kite and catch a few waves. Willow-River Tonkin was the heart of the operation – an all-around shredder with a heart of gold. His backhand attacks on the waves were nothing short of mesmerizing. Each morning, he’d wake before dawn, scanning the horizon for the day’s conditions with an almost supernatural instinct. His girlfriend, Michelle, was the team’s motivator, a cheerleader for deeper rides, harder carves, and those must-get shots that define a trip.

Beyond kitesurfing, this journey was about connection – connection with the land, the ocean, and the wildlife that call it home. One day, we swam with whale sharks, and if I could frame that memory in my mind forever, I would. Gliding alongside those peaceful giants felt like touching the soul of the sea. Their serene presence reminded us why we chase these adventures: to witness the raw beauty of the world, to appreciate the ocean’s majesty, and to understand just a little more about the life teeming within it.

Lakey Peak gave us more than we ever bargained for. From flat days to perfect sessions, from waiting to winning, this trip was proof that the best adventures are born from patience, persistence, and the people who share them with you. It’s always a gamble trying to score at places like this, but sometimes the stars align, and when they do, the reward is indescribable – a reminder of why we chase these moments and why it’s always worth the risk.