There’s a romantic allure to abandoning everything you know, leaving your home country behind, and starting anew in an exotic land. Ernest Hemingway was keen to take the plunge as the late American writer spent a great deal of his life living as an ex-pat in Paris and Cuba. For a writer, these places summon creativity, a fresh outlook on the architecture of humanity. For a surfer, few places rival the exoticism and flawless waves of Indonesia.
After years of flying back and forth from Indo to Australia, Dylan Longbottom finally opted to make the island nation his second home. He’s full-on ex-pat surf transplant. He’s brought his two kids out there. He’s even set up his own surf shop. In a new clip from MySurf.TV, Dylan describes how he made the decision and how he’s not looking back – “Things were happening in Bali and I just kinda moved my base here. Indonesia is a great place to raise kids. They get to see different cultures. My kids are learning another language. I think it’s opening their minds up to other things.”
Along with assuming the role of surfing’s Ernest Hemingway, Dylan’s building his empire as a shaper. He works with some of the world’s best in big waves and small, like Laurie Towner. The two have a dynamic relationship, focused on making the best boards possible. After moving to Bali, Dylan set up his shop and shaping bay in the surf-centric area of Canggu.
Dylan’s done something that everyone always says they’re going to do. “Let’s move to _______! Quit our jobs! Live off the land! Surf perfect waves!” But very rarely do these discussions move past passionate delusions of grandeur. When it comes down to it, people ALWAYS make up an excuse (“Not the right time. Not enough money, etc. etc.) People just like to hear themselves talk. People are scared. But, now it’s different – I’m serious this time and I’m gonna use Dylan as my inspiration. I’m gonna pull the trigger and move some place…after I make enough money…and after my lease is up…and, and…my dog ate my homework.
