Pinnacles North Telo’s eight-surfers-only policy was put to the test – in the nicest possible way – with couples, a young family and a bunch of mates all making the most of a glorious eleven days here in paradise.

Let’s meet this happy collection of humans.

Our first couple: Carlos and Nicole Aboutiz hail from The Philippines. Carlos is in the energy sector, Nicole is a professor, and they both charged! The Manilla Thrillas!

Our second couple: Jan and Rachel from Switzerland. Rookie Jan’s in contention for most stoked and positive surfer of the trip, whereas beginner Rachel is a shoe in for most-improved.

Then we had the California crew: mates Matt, Todd, Rocky, Pete and Mark: a bunch of chilled homies. Matt unfortunately injured his leg and bailed early, but not after scoring big time; Todd tore The Left like there was no tomorrow, Rocky was the most chilled of the already super-chilled bunch; Pete dominated The Bubble, and Mark, well, Mark organised the trip!

And finally we have the Harris family. Parents Mike and Mary Louise, 10-year-old Will and eight-year-old Madeleine. Mike and Will (possibly the best 10-year-old surfer we’ve hosted at PNT) would surf together all morning then join the ladies for afternoons of adventures of the snorkelling, fishing and kayaking kind.

With two back-to-back swells we were spoilt for choice on the surf front, with sessions at The Bubble, LeBa, Max’s Left, Max’s Right and of course our backyard break of Pinnacles.

It was a big busy and beautiful week, and the lodge feels strangely quiet now these guests have winged their way home… Let’s do it again next year eh?