Optional:

cd discman and cds
comb or brush
energy snacks
deodorant
fishing lures ("rapala" w/ red head/white body, and "yazuri" flourescent the best).
moisturizer
camera
sun hat
helmet
snorkeling gear
spring suit

• Stock up on vitamins before you get on the plane, as it will be your best chance to get sick during your trip.
• Inflatable neck brace. Available at most pharmacies.
• If you plan to exchange money while in West Sumatra, please remember to bring brand new USD cash with you, serial numbers starting with "H" and a later date than 2006 only.  The banks give horrible exchange rates for any cash that is older or of a different series than that described above.
• Always carry your money and passport in a money pouch. If you carry a backpack and are walking through the market, make sure the backpack is in FRONT of you, not behind.
• If you have had a good trip and good service, please consider bringing cash or presents to tip the crew with. The amount is up to you, we recommend a starting tip of $70 US.  To give you an idea of what that amounts to: with 10 crew, a $70 tip is the equivalent of less than $1/day per crew on a minimum 8 day trip! 
• We recommend your surfing equipment to be up to scratch and ready to take some poundings. It is a good idea to have at least 3 boards with rounded-pin tails except maybe if you bring a fourth board for small playful waves, in which case a swallowtail or squash tail is fine. There are no cut and dry answers for what size you should bring, that question is dependent on the size of your regular equipment, your confidence, experience and overall ability.  If you are the least bit hesitant about your abilities in these waves, bring larger boards that will allow you to get into the waves earlier and catch more of them.  For the more competent surfer, you should bring the shortest board possible that will still allow you time to get into steep, fast waves.