The Crew

find out more about the crew looking after you on your trip

The Barrenjoey is one of the longest running and most respected charter boats in Indonesia.

The Barrenjoey sets off from Padang Harbour in Western Sumatra in search of the best, uncrowded waves each trip. The charter owners, John and Belinda are supported by a professional team of long serving staff ready to make it a “trip of a lifetime”. With over twenty-five years experience hosting surfers from all over the world they enjoy a tried and tested formula and look forward to welcoming you to Sumatra.

John McGroder has been surfing since a sprog, growing up at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, traveled the world extensively and worked on boats for the last 35 years.

John currently holds a Master Certificate recognized by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and a Marine Engine Driver Certificate.

He has sailed along the South African coast, crossed the Indian Ocean, and done two Tasman crossings, worked and raced sailboats in and around Auckland Harbor, sailed from New Zealand to Hawaii, worked and raced yachts around the Hawaiian Islands and from Mainland USA back to the Islands.

John - Owner

He worked for 5 years aboard Cray boats off Geraldton, Kalbarri, and the Abroholos Islands in Western Australia where he earned valuable experience and enough sea-time to allow him to attain his Captain’s License. He then worked as a captain aboard a 45ft tugboat doing waterfront construction, demolition, and barge work around Sydney Harbour. He was also in charge of various charters and towing jobs along the NSW and QLD coast.

In 1995 he captained Nusa Dewata doing surf charters in Timor during the fledgling years of the Indonesian Surf Charter Industry. From 1996 to 1998 he captained Katika in the Mentawai Islands. In 1999 he skippered the Indies Trader 2, and later in the year he captained the Indies Trader 1 on the Quiksilver Crossing campaign in the South Pacific. 2000 and the 21st Century found him still on the Indies Trader 1, searching for surf.
John began 2001 on the Indies Trader 1, prior to the purchase of the Barrenjoey.

Belinda has previously worked in the surf industry, ‘taken care of Barrenjoey business’, and brought up two sons.

Belinda - Owner

Got any questions?

If there’s something you are not sure about, you’ll probably find the answer on our FAQ’s page

find the answers here

Life on The Barrenjoey

Load More Images

Book now for the 2024 Season

enquire now