Daily life in Bali Mandira
Ross Williams and his handmade wooden board.
19 years ago, Ross Williams came for the first time to Bali Mandira from Perth, Australia. He and his family liked our resort so much that they returned every year. Every time he comes to Bali, Ross brings a very special and dear object – an unusually small wooden surfboard. Oh his 18th visit to Bali Mandira, he shared the story of the board with us.
The 90 centimeters long board was made by his own hands in 1965, from marine plywood. Since then, Ross perfected a unique and spectacular surfing style. While his lower half of the body is sunken, he’s holding the board with one hand to ride the waves and control the direction. “Is like body surfing but is enhanced due to using this board” he said. “It’s not using the floating principle, so I have to use fins”.
Ross is 62 years old now and he’s riding the waves with the same passion as always. Legian Beach, where Bali Mandira is located, is the perfect place for him and his board. “A few years ago I used to surf in a reef area also, but recently I was forbidden to go there by my son. He said to my wife <Don’t let dad go there anymore! He’s too old for that!>” he remembered laughing.
Although he created the board 46 years ago (!!!), he has never considered to choose a name for it. Apparently his son was helpful again. “He called it the coffee table“, Ross ended his story.
Williams family with their friends, always happy to be in Bali Mandira.
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