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Gerry Lopez: Rekindling the Flame at Uluwatu!

Thirty years later, a surfing legend returns to an entirely different Bali

Gerry Lopez is a living legend. He was a Pipe Master before that was an official title, was one of the first Americans to surf the storied Indonesian reefs, and he’s Bendier than a day-old Twizzler. That was an obscure dual reference to his yoga proclivities and current place of residence in Oregon.

Back in June of 2015, Gerry took a trip back to Bali — his first time in thirty years. As you can imagine, much has changed since his initial sojourn to the Spice Islands, wherein the Bukit Peninsula was only sparsely populated and surfers had just began to discover the wonderful waves on Bali’s southern tip.

Gerry’s return was sparked by a yoga convention that would be held atop the cliff at Temples and led by Gerry himself. The program was presented by Project Clean Uluwatu, an initiative that encourages local people to keep the sacred temple immaculate through proper sanitary and waste management techniques. So far, they’ve succeeded in construction bio-septic systems and creating wastewater gardens for the Uluwatu region.

The More Things Change (below) was made possible by Patagonia, a company that seems to do everything right — ethical manufacturing, maintaining stringent environmental standards, donating copious cash to charity and providing exemplary customer service — and still manages to stay afloat. I’m not sure how they do it, but more power to them.

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The film is beautifully filmed and produced, and offers direct insight to the mind and body of a surfing hero. Take a half hour out of your day and give it a watch. Regret this you will not.

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15 Comments
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dickie toledo

come on rob use your words, use your words like a grown up.

Bin_Chook

I like their jackets, but every time I wear mine I feel like I get 3 shades whiter. As a white Australian I didn’t think that was possible.

Captain Clark

Wonder how the old folks down at the nursing home, where this lame shit comes from, are doing?

Lorlac

It’s either him or me Derek! You got 1 week.

Abscessed Llama

You get bad service at a restaurant, and/or anywhere in the service industry; and you complain. Management listens! Last time I was in La Jolla I took my wife side of family out for sushi, my treat. Table of at least eight. Half way through my meal i noticed a small bug maneuvering between my “So Cal” roll and whatever hip concoction caught between rice and seaweed that week. It was baby roach.. i didn’t make a big deal in front of family politely got up walk towards kitchen showed manager the plate with my new friend. They made an offer to only replace the half i had not eaten. I paused before speaking realizing they didn’t care. “If you don’t comp half my bill I’m walking on you. I properly tipped. Don’t know why i shared that but interested in seeing how this plays out..

Michael Ciaramella

Interestingly I’ve got a week left on my trial month, so Derek has quite the decision to make! Good ol Lorlac or the universally loathed michael ciaramella.

For the record I’m totally on your side… I’m the worst! Let’s hope Derek makes the right call.

Lorlac

I really want you to be happy and have a good job, just not this job.

bruddah

Just gonna leave this here… https://uploads.disquscdn.c…

DrunkenAngel

wave therapist? wtf?

GBP

no no, it says “wave, the rapist”

Larry White

Great video

NUG

That was actually a obscure triple reference. Nicely done. The day-old Twizzler also represents what happens when you post nothing but video re-caps…Ultra Limp Surf Candy.

Michael Ciaramella

Hey! That’s a good one!

Wiggolly's Paddling Style

I wish Patagonia would take a hike.

Blunted Sultan

what brah? aren’t you dying to know what the Malloy brothers are doing on their sustainable farm?


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