YU, Rizal Tanjung, Varun Tanjung, Basty’s factory, Bali

“It’s really nice to get a good board shaped in Bali,” Rizal said, standing in one of the shaping bays at Basty’s factory. He and his son Varun stopped by to get a custom shape for Varun. “He’s starting to surf better and needs something a little more high performance.” Renowned Japanese craftsmen YU was in Bali shaping for a couple weeks at Basty’s. Basty has just opened up the biggest surfboard factory in Bali. It’s huge. All the top names shape their sleds there – DHD, Timmy Patterson, Wade Tokoro, Allan Byrne, Glen Minami and plenty more. YU has been shaping boards for all the locals. Wayan ‘Betet’ Mertha got a couple and Rizal ordered all his “Padang” boards. But the real treat was the Gerry Lopez single fin guns that YU finished off. Tinted resin, classic shapes. YU has been making these things since he was working under Gerry at the Lighting Bolt factory in Japan since way back. “Before it was very hard to get a board to Rizal in Bali,” said YU. “I always ask many friends who’re going to Bali, to bring one or two boards to Bali for Rizal. Now, with a great surfboard factory in Bali, it’s better I come here. I get to surf too!” – Nate Lawrence