Life is Better When You Surf® - Logan & Aggy
Following David Epper’s interview, we were intrigued by the Telos 101 resort and how it runs day to day, so we reached out to the Managers, a great working couple, Aggy and Logan, to find out more about running a remote, tropical surf resort and asked them some questions that you might find interesting.
GSI: Please tell us about yourself, where you live and what you do.
Logan: I grew up in Florida. Wave-starved and surviving those long, flat summer spells, I packed up at the age of 20 and set off in search of empty barrels. Landed in Hawaii with just $200 and figured things out by learning to build houses. Six years ago, Indonesia started calling. Now Aggy and I are living the dream on Sipika Island in the Telos. It’s paradise for sure, though not without its challenges, but that’s all part of the adventure.
Aggy: I’m originally from Poland. Not exactly a surf hotspot, but believe it or not, the Baltic Sea serves up some glassy peelers from time to time! I spent my late 20s traveling the world and eventually found myself in Indonesia. During the COVID lockdowns, I bumped into Logan on Nias Island. One thing led to another, and we’ve been exploring Indo's remote corners. After a couple of years based in Bali, we’ve now settled in the Telo Islands and are stoked to be running Telos101 Surf Resort.
GSI: That sounds like a job that requires a long list of skills, tell us about the range of skills you use each month?
Logan: I’m a chippy by trade but worked my way up over the years to project manager. It goes hand in hand with the work maintaining the resort. I would say coordination with supplies is key out here, it’s tricky getting materials. There are no hardware stores in a day’s reach so you have to be creative and do your best to make things work. I’ve also surf guided through Sumatra the last 5 years, reading weather patterns and dialing in each surf zone. Putting our guest on the best waves and stoking them out always feels good at the end of the day.
Aggy: Yeah, it definitely takes a mix of skills to keep things running out here! I handle all the behind-the-scenes magic, from bookings and guest comms to marketing, partnerships, budgeting and making sure supplies make it to our little patch of paradise. Even deep in the jungle, someone’s gotta stay digitally dialed in!
I also put a lot of heart into the vibe of the place - the decor, how the food is plated, the music that plays in the background... all the small touches that make Telos 101 feel like home.
Logan’s more the hands-on guy.. Between his hardware and my software, we’ve got a solid system going.
GSI: How old were you when you learnt to surf? Where was it, and who taught you?
Logan: I started surfing at the age of 12 in New Smyrna beach, Florida. My father isn’t a surfer, but he was really helpful in the first couple years. After school he would drive me to the beach and shove me into a couple of waves.
My best friend from childhood, Jonny, would be my go-to surf buddy. We started around the same time and would push each other to try something new or just send it on shore pound close outs.
Aggy: I gave surfing a shot a few times during my backpacking days (from Nicaragua to Portugal, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand) but it never really clicked… until I hit the Mentawais at the age of 31. That’s when it got real. I spent most of my time at Pitstop break, and let’s just say, it took me two full years to figure it out. Yup, I’m a slow learner, but a stoked one!
Wouldn’t have made it through those wipeouts without all the other surfers in the lineup. Thanks for all the tips and keeping me on track!
GSI: What is the best tip you have for anyone learning to surf?
Logan: Just be comfortable in the ocean. People think progression comes quick but it’s a slow process. Enjoy the ride no matter what level you’re at.
Aggy: I’ve got a few! First, stick with a board that’s got a bit more volume for longer than you think you need, it makes a big difference. Next, don’t hold back on those last two paddles, really give it some power. And also keep your eyes up and look where you want to go, it’ll help you avoid those dreaded nose dives!
GSI: Tell us about a surf session that really sticks in your mind and why?
Logan: Ah, man, there are too many to count! A recent one was the other day. We checked this right hander across the bay and it was pumping. Nobody out. Just my neighbor, his son, and me, trading off barrels all morning and Aggy filming from the water.. After traveling through much of Indonesia, those empty moments are becoming more scarce. Happy to have them right in our backyard!
Aggy: One surf session that really sticks with me wasn’t even one I was surfing but one I was shooting from the water. It was at a wave called GTs. I was in the lineup with my camera, snapping shots of a few guests and local legend Phil Goodrich getting absolutely barreled, one after another. Unreal watching perfect tubes roll through while they made it look so effortless!
GSI: What is your favourite surf break around the Islands?
Logan: I would say GT’s. It’s a short wave, but makes up for it in power. It grinds across a shallow reef and every wave is a makable barrel. Not for the faint hearted, but worth the reward.
Aggy: Bubbles is my favourite! It’s a right-hander that can be a bit challenging on the take-off, but once you’re in, it’s super fun and rippable. Just the kind of wave that keeps you coming back for more.
GSI: What's the best thing about Telos101?
Logan: The location, hands down. Sipika Island is an absolute gem, with some epic surf breaks just a stone’s throw away. We’ve got easy access to both North and South Telos, which ups the wave variety. It’s a mission to get here, but that’s what keeps the crowds away.
Aggy: And the property itself is pure magic. We’re tucked into 8 acres of lush tropical gardens, surrounded by turquoise water. Three bungalows face the sunrise, and the other two (plus the pool and bar) serve up sunset views on the daily.
GSI: Our company mantra is ‘Life is Better When You Surf®️”. How does that statement resonate with you?
Logan: You can have a hard day at work, when nothing is going your way, paddle out at the end of the day and it’s like you hit a refresh button. All your thoughts become clear, you have a better attitude about what’s going on in your life. It might sound cliche, but It’s refreshing for the soul. I couldn’t imagine life without it.
Aggy: Ditto!
Telos 101 resort is a luxurious, intimate surf resort situated on 8 acres fronting the most beautiful beach within the 101 islands that make up the Telos archipelago. Get your crew together and organise a trip.