The barrel is surfing’s Holy Grail. It’s not an easy thing, though — all too often, looking for a tube means a late drop you don’t make or simply packing a closeout. But thems the breaks, and getting barreled wouldn’t be so great if it was an everyday occurrence. There are waves, however, that make it pretty easy, and on the right day the Racetrack section of Uluwatu gives even the average surfer an easy entry into that Holy Grail. Such was the case on October 14.
“Nothing extraordinary, but the section leading into the barrel was particularly user friendly,” wrote Surfers of Bali. “Watching the opening wave of this clip – I don’t think you could find a softer wave that forms into such a well-defined tube, as easy as it gets as far as pulling in.”
Even still, getting in the barrel is just a tiny part of the equation. While Ulu’s entry might’ve been easy, you’ve still got to figure out what to do once you’re in it… and how to get out. “As for pulling out, it’s not quite as straight forward,” SOB continued. “There are some barrels that will maintain a steady pace and shape, but there are plenty more that require adjustments of speed and positioning for any chance of an exit on your feet.”
