pluto_manibo

Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris.

Came here at 22 in 1995! Can't really complain but if I had a second go around, I would have chosen South America...The reasons for this are: closer affinity to the culture, language. More varied arts. music and entertainment, possibilities of naturalisation(passport), ownership of land etc....Surf, mountains, history....Never too late!

If caught in a rip current, do not swim against itback to shore. Slowly without panic make your way parallel to the shore. When you see foamy crested waves swim in and use the waves to glide surf into shore. Easier in theory then practice, however if you remember this, you up your chances by 80% of not drowning.

Are there any Surfable waves in White Sand Beach at the moment?

I hope they facilitate the visa process really soon because India is simply amazing!!!

Thank you Thailaw. I will give him a call.

Yes, I was looking for them on khao talo but couldn't find them. The numbers do not answer as well. They have great reviews though.

Due to total idiocy and neglect by my pool cleaner, the pool has developed an algae problem and there are also some grouting issues. Can anyone recommend a professional company for repairs and maintenance on the east side of Pattaya. Thank you.

No, I am still looking!

Kalim looked real good yesterday morning, only two guys out there! Not big but long waves.....

You will start out in the foam(whitewash).....the best area is south kata, smaller breaks, shallow water. Take lessons first, at least one...or have someone show you the basics, practice for a few times, then take another lesson and move on to paddling, green waves etc....its' not a race, just have fun....

I like most of the areas...Surin, Kamala, Bang Tao, rawai, nai Han....They all have their charms, if I am fairly close to good surf, have reliable fast internet speed, no dead end street, perimeter wall, pet friendly, close to basic amenities...it will suit us. Thanks for all the replies so far.

We are looking to move down to Phuket and would like some advice in terms of rentals and/or recommended real estate agents. We have checked the classifieds in Phuket gazette and onlne through thaivisa and Bahtsold. If anyone has any advice, please do let us know. Where do long term expats choose to settle down. We would consider any area but not to crazy about Patong, unless the house is exceptional. Thank you very much.

I checked the surf at Nai Harn this afternoon. Totally closed out. I didn't see anyone take off. But decent size. Looked pretty dangerous if you don't have a clue... Be safe out there!

Yes, today was harsh in Kata, waves dumped real fast. However tomorrow, is supposed to be more forgiving!

I am surfing in Kata at the moment, and the Nautilus prices are 150 baht/ hr, 250/2 hrs, 400 baht/ half day, 500 baht whole day. If, I was you I would just rent, hauling a longboard around is a pain in the @@@. Trust me, as a beginner you will be dead tired after two hrs and very happy not to have to worry about your longboard. If you get bitten by the surf bug, which you probably will, after your first wave.....you will change your whole lifestyle around to suit the sole purpose of being able to surf, as much as possible. Don't buy anything, at these prices rent and invest in a few lessons. Watch and observe the waves and more accomplished surfers. Phuket is not so bad for surfing, I was quite surprised. Enjoy it and remember, baby steps!

OP! I share your pain. I also have a couple tears and an ACL impingement which need surgery....

Pluto, thanks, I'm curious about what they did with your tears. I'm told that sometimes they can repair them (some kind of stitching I believe) but more often they just trim them back, I assume to make them smooth and prevent further tearing. What did they do to you and how well did it work? Sounds like you have ongoing issues unfortunately.

Well, on top of the ACL graft,they trimmed the Meniscal tears. Unfortunately, there are new ones grade 2 and grade 3, I believe one will be trimmed and the other sewn back on. If they sew it back on, the recovery time is much longer but your knee function should be much better, if you have an active lifestyle. As, I said before, do your research because not all areas of the meniscus need trimming, some areas have higher blood supplies and can heal on their own. Proper muscle building and physical therapy(quads, hamstrings) can assist the knee in absorbing shock. Unfortunately, this is not my case but maybe yours.

OP! I share your pain. I also have a couple tears and an ACL impingement which need surgery. I was treated in Bumrungrad last year for an ACL graft and meniscal tears( knee arthroscopy) and probably would go back there, if the insurance covers the costs for my current situtation. Do your research not all meniscal injuries need surgery....it all depends in which area of the meniscus, the size of the tear, your lifestyle, age, pain etc....Good luck! I was quoted same price for ACL graft(Hamstring) and meniscal trim, last year. As stated, unfortunately I need to go again for meniscal tears and some "clean up". Looking forward to Surfing in Bali for a week, then time to face the issue and go for surgery. Wherever you go, please do share your experience. Good recovery!

The Pet accessory shop(more of a corner really) is on the Southwest Corner of Central on 5th floor next to a Japanese Buffet restaurant(the one with the automated robot samurai which never seems to work).

We have them up to 3 metres long around my Moo Bahn in Bangkok. Leave them alone, they don't attack humans, but are pretty useful for keeping the snakes and wild dog populations down. Not to mention the fighting cocks the factory mechanics are breeding up the road.

I wonder how they know the difference between a wild dog and a domesticated one.

Probably by the taste, tenderness and gamey flavour!

Thank you for all the responses! To clarify things, after having done some research, I need a notchplasty (widening of the opening of the graft tunnel) as well as some meniscal tears attended to again(trimmed). From the vast amount of information out there, I gather this is not so complicated and not a full ACL Revision. No guarantees are given, and the main idea seems to be to leave it alone if it is not too troublesome. This is what I gathered, however I could be completely mistaken.

@jrtmedic-Very sound advice. I have covered all the points you mentioned already. I have also read a lot of litterature on the matter as well and the outlook is not so good. The MRI's from last week, show slight graft impingement and meniscal tears. Can I live with it? If it doesn't get any worse, yes. Was I told of these issues before surgery and promised a less then favourable outcome?No.

@jrtmedic-Thanks for the input. Surgery was done by a Sports medicine Orthopaedic specialist in arthroscopic knee and shoulder injury. I am aware that my trampoline career and long jumping days are over! Just wondering how succesful these ACL inpingement revision surgeries are? Going through surgery and rehab again, is a blow, in more ways then one.

I had Knee acl recconstruction and meniscus trimming after a sports injury one year ago, in a reputable Bangkok hospital. I now have one year later, an ACL graft impingement. This is where, the graft catches on the newly drilled tunnel and prevents a smooth flexion/movement. On top of this I have new meniscal tears(the issue was adressed during stated surgey but there are new ones). Has anyone dealt with ACL complications? Can anyone recommend a doctor for a second opinion in the Pattaya/Bangkok area(Please do keep in mind that I am coming from the suggested Doctors in previous related topics, in Bangkok area). Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Peru. As un-Asian as you can get once you escape some of the Japanese enclaves in Lima. Jungles. Indian villages. Train ride to Machu Pichu and the most easterly point of South America with awesome surf and seafood. She doesn't need a visa (90-days on arrival).

I took a Thai girl there once. Left her there.

Peru is great! Surf, food, culture, nature. What happened to the girl?

In the video, the motorcyclist is wrong. He was riding a little too fast, he failed to stop at the white line, and he was in the wrong lane( swung to the right)at the time of impact.