Guiding/Management
Mark "Maxy" Grant - Founder, Director.
One of Indonesia’s surf travel pioneers Maxy has spent over 20 of his 40 years living and working in Indonesia and is an industry legend in these parts. Fluent in Bahasa Indonesian and also the little know or spoken Niasian dialect Mark is a builder by trade, a very experienced and skilled surfer and the man responsible for construction at Telo Island Lodge. Max also does the occasional stretch as surf/fishing guide when our regular guides are on break. There is no one more experienced in surf travel in the region.
Kellie Papworth - Director of sales Asia Pacific, Director.
Based in Torquay Australia with her young family, Kellie manages all aspects of your booking from initial enquiry right through to your final itinerary and is available to assist with your enquires 24/7. Kellie also manages all accounts receivable and payable. Having lived with Mark in Nias during the formative years of creating luxury surf resorts in Northern Sumatra, Kellie's experience in Indonesian surf travel is second to none. Kellie comes with over 10 years experience getting surfers to remote locations for exclusive surf escapes. With her new found passion for snowboarding, Kellie is looking forward to taking on a similar role with our new snow product, Annupuri Lodge in Japan.
Rianna Huebner - General Manager, Director.
Fresh to the management team for the 09 season Ms Huebner takes over the role of General Manager Telo Island Lodge for the 09 season starting mid March. Rianna comes to us with over 10 years experience in the Surf Industry having previously held the position of Product Development Manager at Rip Curls head office in Torquay Australia.
David “Moose” Simons – Marine Operations Manager.
At 29 years of age Dave comes with experience far beyond those years. Starting his traveling life at 16 years of age as a professional surfer Dave has visited more countries and remote surf zones than most people will in their lifetime. A former world number two professional longboarder on the ASP WLT circuit he has featured on the cover of many international magazines and has a trophy cabinet that attests to his skill as a surfer.
Dave is head and shoulders above any surf guide in Indonesia and this region being an advanced level surfer on ALL equipment, an extremely experienced fisherman, freediver/spearfisherman and bodysurfer. Dave also brings many years experience behind the helm of a boat in all conditions. He currently holds a level 1 Surfing Instructors qualification with Surfing Australia, Advanced First Aid certificate and Senior Resuscitation, and Australian accredited boat license as well as the Indonesian equivalent.
Dave is also the founder of the Crescent Head Surf School and an advanced level snowboarder and when he’s not guiding at the resort can be found on the beach at home at Crescent Head or deep in the snow covered mountains of Hokkaido's backcountry in northern Japan.
Shane Peel – Photographer, Marketing Manager, Director.
Shane comes to us with a many and varied background. An electrical fitter mechanic by trade, Shane has been traveling to Indonesia since the mid eighties and has explored many of its more remote regions. He has also filled positions as publisher of two separate surf magazines and is one of the founders of the highly successful Australian Longboarding Magazine, he has also worked as an Editor but his real passion is in marketing and photography having spent time as a marketing manager at the Rip Curl global head quarters in Torquay. Shane’s photo-journalism has been published in multiple international publications with his specialty being remote location surf travel where many in the industry consider him one of the leaders in this field, Shane has been involved with all of Maxy’s resort projects in some capacity since their inception.
Romanus Duta – Guest Services.
Our longest serving staff member. “Virus” is adored in his homeland of Baluta, universally admired in the sport of surfing and has become a surf tourism enigma. Virus runs the Bar at Telo Island Lodge and is in charge of guest services. Romanus is a member of the live-in staff.
Macwan – Head of Staff. Maintainence Mechanic
Makwan is a crucial cog in the day to day running of the lodge being responsible for all day to day running of equipment from power generation right through to waste management. A Burgis fisherman by trade Makwan has had experience in everything from the merchant navy through to giant electrical plant commissioning in some of Indonesia’s large mining projects his motto of “Slowly boss, slowly”! Has saved many valuable pieces of equipment. Makwan is a member of the live-in staff.
Anita – Head of Housekeeping.
Another of our long term employees Anita has been with us since the start, her world is housekeeping and she looks after all our cleaning, laundry and many other guest services. Anita lives with her husband and daughter in the small village on the other side of our island.
Bedgi – Head of Grounds.
A local born and bred on the island Bedgi is in charge of all lawns and gardens and any exterior works that occur on the grounds from time to time. He also lends a hand to the Marine Operations boys as required. Bedgi lives in the small village on the other side of our island with his wife and children.
Agus – Marine Operations Assistant.
“Gus” was new to Telo Island Lodge in the 2008 season and brought with him a wealth of experience having served as a deckie on several of the best charter boats in the Mentawai. A keen and competent surfer, skilled boat mechanic and tireless worker “Gus” was voted Telo Island Lodge MVP in 2008. Gus spends most days in the boat with Dave and the guests. Agus is a member of the live-in staff.
Andy – Marine Operations Assistant.
New to Telo Island Lodge in 2008 Andy joined the Marine operations at the lodge with our second full group. Andy is a former Indonesian skipper and comes with many years’ experiences in all things marine. Andy is a member of the live-in staff.
Gerry – Head Chef.
Gerry has been with us for the past three seasons and as any return guest will tell you his traditional Indonesian Padang style cooking is a highlight of the trip. Gerry previously spent time as the chef at the Wavepark Resort in the Mentawai Islands. Gerry is responsible for the four meals a day that are served at the lodge and has a staff of two. Gerry is a member of the live-in staff.
Restu. - Chefs Assistant.
Restu has been with us for two seasons and is Gerry’s right hand man in the kitchen on food prep. Restu is from the local village but spends time as a member of the live-in staff.
Surf
Report
For the latest Telo Island surf report click here!
Galleries
Check out the latest image and video gallieries from the resort click here!