Testimonials

From: Bruce Krakower
Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2010 8:53 AM
To: henry@wavehunters.com
Subject: Re: Peru

I must say that Octopus is the best surf guide I have ever dealt with, by far. He is a super cool guy with every possible connection in the region, and he is a one man secret service.

The swell was down (by Peru standards) and we didn't get anything well overhead until the last day (Batarias was pumping, just south of Lobitos). Regardless, Octopus put us on the best waves possible. We logged 5-6 hours in the water every day, with fun very waves, and not a care in the world.

On the second day of the trip we encountered some rain. Peruvian mud, like the surf, is world class. Octopus' grade-A off-road driving skill became quickly obvious as he counter-steered us through unbelievably slick mud to safety during a failed attempt to reach Lobitos. He then took us down passable roads to a wave south of Talara that was just overhead and very fun, and turned potential disaster into one of our best surfs of the trip. My buddy and I concluded that, had we been in charge of our surf mission, the absolute best we could have done in that situation is to waste the day getting back safely.

In addition to keeping us in surf, he kept us in the best restaurants (A+ for the food), hooked us up with several key amenities (coffee maker and great coffee, a fan, etc), was always on time and prepared, and all around kept us completely dialed in.

As anyone who has done a bit of traveling knows, one false move can turn into a complete nightmare; with Octopus looking after us 'kids', we did not have the baseline survival stress one would otherwise have, and just went surfing. Sr. Pulpo is a top notch pro and worth every penny and more.

Sincerely, Bruce Krakower

Henry,

Thank you for organizing our trip to Peru, words cannot describe how much we
enjoyed it. We caught a fading swell and linked up with the start of a new
one. Peru is really a different place that cannot be reached or traveled
with a rental car and a road map.

Better than our trip was are guide 'Octopus' . This guy knew what he was
doing. Not only was he a guide, he was a driver, a body guard, a wingman, a
provider......He really taught me a lot, not only as a surfer but as a
human. At any giving time he went the extra mile to accommodate us with
whatever we needed. When returning after a long day of surfing with a case
of padelitus from the long lefts he had a massage set up to cure our aching
muscles....if we were hungry he ALWAYS offered extra plate. The attention
to detail was immaculate. He saw through that our experience was a good
one. As you know Peru is no Disney Land, Octopus had eyes behind his
head....forget eight arms this guy had eight senses...

We also enjoyed the expertise of Magoo, what a cool guy. He really had good
in site to the breaks and the Peru surf scene....we were well connected.

Towards the end of our trip we had to return to Piura from Pacasmayo to
catch our return flight...( we could not change flights to Trujillo or
Chiclayo b/c of airline bookings-insert long story here). Thats like a
5-6hour car ride....ugghh. I had to return to Lima to meet up with my
girlfriend coming in on a flight from the US....it was essential. In the
middle of nowhere and mars...we heard a pop in the van....first we thought a
board flew off...then a flat...NO it was a blown radiator hose...and fluid
everywhere all over the motor...with nothing in sight ....between Piura and
Chiclayo..I mean it looks like your on the moon.....zeroness...it felt like
we would not see civilization for days...I saw Octupus...go through all the
emotions...first he couldn't believe it, then he cursed a few times....then
he jumped into the motor got his arms full of grease and assessed the
situation....the next thing you know he's asking us what we have in our
board bags....He was psyched about the snorkel and duct tape I had. His
running through the desert looking at piles of garbage......One hour and
half later we fired up the trusty Hyundai van and we were back on the road.
The guy is relentless. I couldn't believe it....he got us to our flight
with time to east dinner...what a friggin animal.

I wanted to take the time to tell you how impressed I was with the
professionalism Octopus displayed. Every Surf Trip should come with an
Octopus (pulpo). The only problem I had was trying to figure out how to fit
him in my board bag.

Thanks again.

Jonathan Brill