MENU /

VIDEO

FEATURES

PHOTOS

RADIO

INDO TRIP GONE AWRY: Joey Cones Discusses His Misadventure In The Mentawais

Usually the only thing Indo's visiting surfers are concerned with escaping is the barrel - Joey Cones was trying to escape with his life.

So you get word that a boat full of people armed with clubs and machetes is out looking for you. What’s your next move?

That’s when we all got in a boat and tried to get out of there and to another island. On the way, we passed the boat full of people with machetes that were looking for me. Then, kind of out of nowhere, a speedboat with a local Kalapadesa [village leader in the Mentawai Islands] pulled up to us. He told us to land on an island. We did that and were put in this little cement building to wait until we sort of stood trial. But while we were there, the boat full of villagers that was looking for me pulled up and tried to basically storm the building to get to me. I was pretty scared at this point because I could hear what going on. Stephen and I were in one room and Gonzalio, the Argentinean, was in another room with the surf camp owner. We could hear what has happening as the villagers stormed the place. It was nuts. We were throwing furniture in front of the doors to sort of blockade us in. But they never came to us. They went to the wrong room.

So the mob was gonna attack the Argentinean and the camp owner…essentially the wrong guys?

- advertisement -

Yeah, the mob made their way all the way to the room. They were looking for two guys, they saw Gonzalio and the camp owner, and just went after them. I didn’t see this personally because I was in the other room, but from what I understand, the Kalapadesa and his guys had to form a human chain—like stand arm-in-arm—to keep the mob from getting a hold of them. After a while, the Kalapadesa was able to calm them down and hold a meeting, like a trial for me.

What was that like, standing court in front of a tribal village and not being able to understand what’s going on?

It was heavy. I remember the Kalapadesa saying, “If you are good to us, we are good. If you are bad to us, we are bad.” I’ll never forget him saying that. So after a big court hearing, I was found guilty of something and had to pay $22,000. At this point I was shocked but just glad to sill be alive. But there was no way I had that kind of money. We went back and forth and after a while we talked them down to $8,000. Even then, I wasn’t able to come up with that much money. The surf camp owner told us he would buy our boards for $2,000 and Gonzalio gave us around $1,000. Those guys are awesome. But still, we were short $5,000. We went back and forth for a while and finally we talked them into letting us leave the next morning to go to a Western Union to get the rest of the money. The boat was gonna leave at 8 a.m. the next morning and we were gonna have four of the villagers watching us with our passports to make sure we were didn’t escape.

But you did end up escaping somehow?

No, not really. When were holed up the night after the trial, Stephen managed to get a phone call out to one of our friends in Hawaii. He told the guy that we were in real trouble and to call the American Embassy and get some help. So, by the time the boat came to take us to the island and to a Western Union, the American Embassy knew what was up.

After the boat ride the next morning, we got off the boat and right away I came across this guy. Over there everyone’s always coming up to you to talk. Turns out this guy I was talking to was a plain-clothed cop. He grabbed me and asked me if I was Joey Cones. I said yes, and then he told me that we need to go with him right now. At this point, the villagers watching us to make sure we got the money weren’t really paying attention. I told them that the plain-clothed cop was a taxi driver and he was gonna take us to a Western Union. So we just got in the car with him, went down to the police station, gave our statements, and met with a liaison on the island that was helping out the American Embassy. She was fantastic and brokered our deal and got us out of there and back to Hawaii.

You’re unbelievably lucky to be alive. What was the first thing you did when you got back to Hawaii?

The first thing we did was drive through Jack in the Box and then we went home to get some rest. I just got back home on Tuesday and I’ve been taking it easy, sleeping a lot, trying to makes sense of the whole thing.

After all that happened to you, being beaten by a mob, held hostage, and then finally getting back home, would you go back to Indo?

Yeah, for sure. I wouldn’t go back to that area, because I’m sure the villagers are pretty upset with me and think I still owe them a bunch of money. So yeah, I’d go back to Indo, just not that island. I’d also like to say that, had I gone about doing things right, I would’ve gone on a boat trip and stayed somewhere safe, not a home stay. And absolutely none of this was worth the snorkel mask.

Previous Page 1 2

Reader Comments

Posted Mon Jun30, 2008, 8:53 PM — By Autochtone

Question is what would have happened if somebody came over to some hawaiian locals, on the north shore beach, accusing them, with no proof, of stealing a snorkeling mask and get into a fight with them?? when for a simple double interference in a contest guys bring their UFC, PRIDE etc... champions! Lesson to be learned, stay home, surf YOUR OWN homebreak and leave the locals alone! Especially when you display the "locals above all" attitude when you're home!

Posted Mon Jun30, 2008, 9:13 PM — By Think

"Lesson to be learned, stay home, surf YOUR OWN home break and leave the locals alone! Especially when you display the "locals above all" attitude when you're home!" I disagree on the stay home and surf your own turf.That's such a closed minded approach to that situation. I agree with you that he had no proof and he could of gone about it differently. He just made a dumb decision and he was going to pay for it. He just lucky he got out alive. But i agree it probably was his fault. And from my experience Hawaiians are very protective about their beach's ,respect and the whole local ism thing but when they go out of Hawaii and other peoples turf they are straight up dicks.

Posted Mon Jun30, 2008, 9:21 PM — By Ted

While I agree with your sentiment about the absurd, hair-trigger machismo of certain Hawaiians (pitbulls, jujitsu and ribbed abs...we get it), I'm not sure the lesson to be learned here is "stay home." I mean, travel can be humbling and some people clearly need to be humbled. That said, I wouldn't be so quick to assume the locals weren't at fault. I guess there's some measure of haves/havenots, but theft is theft regardless of who's from where and if homies gripped a snorkel, homies should have given it back. On an aside, I saw a piece of this incident where Joey's father was interviewed and capped it with, "I am damn proud to be an American." I'll assume he's referring to embassay's efforts (I guess??) but still, but if that's any reflection of the Cones' family ethos, diplomacy is not their game.

Posted Mon Jun30, 2008, 9:39 PM — By autochtone

If you say they are straight up dicks, so be it. I just whish we all get along and to do that there's only 2 ways, either surf your own home break or give reciprocity to the strong word so often used: RESPECT! Unfrotunately the later is poorly put into actions so I go for the first one.

Posted Mon Jun30, 2008, 9:41 PM — By Summer2

Autochtone: I understand what you're saying about Hawaiians being very territorial, and, if you look at the more prominent figures, I think you're right. But even with that in mind, it doesn't mean that EVERY surfer to call Hawaii home is going around cracking guys and putting them in juijitsu locks. There are all types of people with all types of attitudes all over the world. All Aussies aren't sexist, all Brazilians aren't retarded, and not all Canadians have bad haircuts. Jokes aside and getting back to another point, the story doesn't say that he accused them, with no proof, of stealing his stuff. It said he talked to them and then things got out of hand. What if they said that they took the mask, and no, fuck off, I'm not giving it back. I think if that's the case you have the right to be pissed. I'm not saying it's OK to get in a fight in a place where you're a guest, but if under those conditions, you'd be hard pressed to find someone not pissed.

Posted Mon Jun30, 2008, 10:33 PM — By kiwi73

I think he should have just sucked up the theft and got on with it, good lesson to be learnt here...Indonesian people in general don't like Americans sorry to say but the US has a bad rep in just about every country of the world and what you have to realise is even though theft is theft in the world of our countries justice is carried out differently in others, There could have been some diplomacy carried out to get the mask back, may be get an indonesian to try and sort it out first before having a physical confrontation. I mean how the hell did it get to that stage in the first place? hmmm aggressive Hawaiian perhaps? karma's a bitch..

Posted Mon Jun30, 2008, 10:42 PM — By kaiborg

first of all this guy "joey whatever" is not even from hawaii. he is from houston. so, second of all get over this hawaiian political shit. this joey guy sucker punched this kid for nothing, then in a frenzy choked the kid out. the KID did not even try to fight back. he forgot to tell everyone that he started the whole thing. over what? a mask and snorkel!! what a joke. the crew i am staying with now saw them beating these kids up and went over to help the mainland guys out because they were in trouble with the mentawai. they took them to their camp. the mentawai were going to kill these guys for coming to their home and beating the crap out of their kid. the camp guys protect them and negotiate a price for them to get home alive. they gave 3 grand of their own money to get them out. and then there's this made up story about being kidnapped and shit. they need to own up to what they did. no ifs,what, or buts. and they need to pay back these guys 3,000 dollars for saving their lives. that's

Posted Mon Jun30, 2008, 11:10 PM — By bali expat

i think the title to this article sucks. you give visions of deadly terrorism linked to Indo and that's FAR from what seems to have happened. whether the guys stole his stuff or not, without proof there is no excuse for confronting the locals and sounds like he got what he deserved, regardless of who threw the first punch, especially ina place like the mentawaii which is notorious for head hunting back in the day... This article should be titled "cocky surfer gets his ass kicked" nothing about "hostages" and "deadly"! Indo has had enough real terrorism in the past and is just recovering so keep your headlines a little more realistic...

Posted Mon Jun30, 2008, 11:23 PM — By kc

It sounds like he deserved his beating to me.What a shmuck.Joey, you are in adifferent country full of extremely poor people and your walking around with your wounded pride over a freaking snorkel mask!Good grief!You sound like such a moron!I cant believe you can even survive in hawaii. Suck it up!And you should probably move on if Da braddahs are on to you shmoe!

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 1:49 AM — By take 2

Take two mask or more next time you donkey!

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 2:28 AM — By Hauula sun Rise

Joey Kook! Keep the North shore out of this KOOK your not from Hawaii so don't be claiming it. As for the rest of you so fast to dis Hawaii just because some people on Fuel TV act like they are they are gods gift to ego's.Don't just lump us all together. In hawaiian values you give respect then you will get it in return. So all you Soclown cry babies take your own advise stay home if you don't want to Give respect First. Aloha HSR

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 2:46 AM — By Amakataik!

To Whom it may concern. (JC?) Contrary to the belief of this Mr. Joey Cones fearing for his life to be taken by these savage villagers, there is truth. First of all how much does a mask and snorkel actually cost? A persons life? Not even! $100.00 USD at the most? secondly it's "only a mask" give me a break! your here to have the time of your life, most people only dream of someday coming to a tropical paradise such as this, let alone being able to afford it! This is such a petti situation on the so called "Victim's" part, not to mention the Kid who was the so called perpetraitor of the situation, what about him and his well being? have you even tried to contact any one on his behalf? or even thought about his current condition? Yes he is still in very bad condition and let's not forget about the sympathetic people who came to your rescue, that you eventually tried to throw under the bus by your false accusation's, and the $$$$$ they gave you to get you out of here,think o

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 3:45 AM — By amen

this kid that got beat up works for me from time to time and so do some of the villigers that were involved.i have known them for 5 years.today i asked the kids older brother if he was ok yet and he said that his ear is still bleeding..STILL 2 weeks later. i rolled up after the indo's told me what was going on..i was there..i seen it ..i heard it from steven's mouth as well that joey had totally beaten the shit out of the small kid..steven told me that joey would not stop ..he mounted this kid and beat him untill others pulled him off.steven seemed like a stand up kid but joey is a total kook..matter of fact after he ate breakfast here and we helped him he never said good buy, or thanks..i guess he was nicely full and thinking of how he could turn this story 360 when he got back.. joey you deserve slaps and im sure that you will get yours...oh yeah, you do owe the villigers money still..indo is small joey..dont fool youself about coming back untill you admit to the surfing world what really happend.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 4:16 AM — By mentawai local

nothing worse than being a liar. not the way to be a famous buddy!!!!!!!!!!

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 5:53 AM — By your buddy........

YOU ARE LIER

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 9:29 AM — By Daniel

Yeah, go to indo. Cheap as can be. Surf the greatest waves, great food and people. They (2 dodgy lads) stole my glasses and all my cash at Keremas. Saw them later on and figured, hey, this place is inexpensive and cool. they probably need the money and the glasses. so wrote it off and enjoyed my trip. You should have done the same. Don't be a cheapo. Just a farkin mask.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 11:33 AM — By Webster

ATTENTION SURFERS: Please note there are multiple forms of the word "your," each with an entirely different meaning. They are: YOUR - Possessive, as in you or someone else "owns" something. "I think those Indos stole YOUR mask." YOU'RE - A contraction of YOU and ARE. "Hey, I don't care where YOU'RE from, it sucks when a macho Yankee beefneck kicks your ass." Same deal with "they're," "their," and "there" but we'll tackle that beast next time.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 12:00 PM — By Thane of Cor.

Flip the script: the belongings in your car get raided at Makapuu or Makaha. What are you going to do...Beat down some local kid merely on suspicion? That local kid may have an extended family that will smack you back. No different in Indo.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 2:05 PM — By Should have let it go bra..

Look what happens when a"tough guy" hawaiian leaves the little fish bowl...Almost gets hacked to death. Leave the attitude back home. In the real world it could get you killed.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 2:55 PM — By Ryan

"Things got a little bit heated and before I knew it we were on the ground fighting." The most important part of the entire interview slipped through the cracks with this shitty sentence. Come on, what actually happened between the time when Joey confronted the two kids and when they were on the ground fighting?

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 2:57 PM — By amosandy

I have to say this was an amazing story to read initially. However, the comments by others damning Hawaiians as totally aggressive etc are way out of line. I've never seen any territorialism worse then in Calif. Not until I got to the post that stated that this travler actually sucker punched a 110lb Indo kid for a stupid snorkle mask do you get to the "full story" of what happened. What a waste of ink on a stupid surfer helping to keep that idiot macho American image out there for the rest of the world to yawn at!!! I would love to know how many people this guy hassled out in the water too on his vacation to paradise.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 3:10 PM — By Jeff

I love the way we treat theft abroad as a given, the "gringo tax" as it's known in Baja. Even the wealthiest haole in the poorest nation does NOT deserve to have his stuff stolen, regardless of where he leaves it (not saying the Indos did it...just making a general statement). That attitude is SO apologist. Conversely, that situation doesn't inherently mandate an ass-whooping, but the idea that "they need it more than you do" is backwards, non-productive and misinformed. And where do we draw that line? A mask & snorkel? A surfboard? A wallet? Leave the social-cultural angle out of it...None of us know for sure if the mask was stolen, none of us were in the jungle when this went down. There does seem to be some consensus that Joey was overly-aggressive - certainly reads like he was - and for this, I say we repossess his Bowflex and force him to buy a tiny little purse dog.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 4:06 PM — By Ohana

To begin with, Joey messed up, risking not only his own life but as well as the people looking out for him (Stephen, Gonzalio). However, to clear the story, the alleged boys beaten were actually 28 year old men that were 5'2'' and weighed 115 lbs. In a sense, they visually appeared as boys but these were men. Futhermore, to stereotype an entire ethnicity(Hawaiians and Indos) isn't any more logical then resorting to beating up a helpless person. And don't feel so sorry for the surf camp owner either. When my buddy Stephen reached out to him when he thought he was gonna die due from Joey's actions, the owner told him not to touch him slapping his hand away. Stephen already had to sell every sufboard he owned (which was to the surf camp owner)and all the clothes on his back to save Joey and himself. True joey was too agressive knocking out people in the jungle but he was soon after dealt his by the villagers who probably saw all the money stolen by the corrupt government in Indo. Respect

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 6:03 PM — By kevin

Hey Joey, I found your mask. It was stashed under some coconuts with a black t-shirt. Did you forget it there?

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 6:21 PM — By ratpak16

You have got to be kidding me. What kind of touchy-feely BS is this, that you'd go up to the sketchiest thugs in the jungle to inquire about a farkin' missing diving mask? Cones may be a good surfer, a bit short on situational awareness, though. Now he's mucked it up for any other traveling honkies. Thanks for the Ugly American confirmation.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 7:31 PM — By Rick Kane

The best thing this guy could've done was swallow his pride and kept his mouth shut. Acts like this only make things worse for future travelers. This clown shoe brought the owner of a surf camp into his problem because of his poor choices. What kinda fall out do you think the surf camp owner is gonna feel? What about the other guy he ran into? I personally would've gave him up if I was either one of them two guys just for getting me involved. The best part is he said he'll return again. If I was that surf camp owner I would post this guys face all over the place and circulate it to other camps and charters banning his kooks ass. - King Of The Pool Surfers

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 8:42 PM — By Kaiborg

anybody can be Kaiborg, it does not mean it is the realy Kai. If I post an account of the story does that make it anymore factual?

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 9:27 PM — By Vince

You took his stuff. You pound um.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 10:09 PM — By Rickter Kane

Chandler said Da Hui were descendents of Kings not petty theives.

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 10:23 PM — By haveing a goog chuckel

And what does Joey do when he lands in hawaii "The first thing we did was drive through Jack in the Box and then we went home to get some rest." This kind sums up Joey as a person... Oh and call Surfermag WHAT A JOKE

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 10:51 PM — By Jordan Heuer

I am the person who founded Kandui Resort. I personally know the locals involved in this incident, and also talked directly with Stephen right after the incident took place, on the porch of Kandui Resort Restaurant. This story in Surfer Magazine is so lopsided, and far from the truth that it makes my head spin. Here is what really took place.....Joey beat up an innocent young man from Mentawai, who has worked for us from time to time. Joey was told by the 2 locals he was staying with, who are known thieves themselves, that this innocent kid, had stolen their mask, and snorkel. Lie Joey went to find him, and completely pounded the poor guy for no reason. He beat him up so bad that he was coughing up blood, and had blood coming out of his ears, and was hospitalized in Padang. The other locals then ganged up on Joey, did the same to him for being such a stupid, violent donkey kook. Stephen, you seemed like a good kid when I met you at my restaurant. Please write to Surfer mag again, and tell them the whole story

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 11:15 PM — By Jordan Heuer

continued....Stephen, you know the truth. You seem like a good kid, and were just traveling with the wrong person. The locals should have taken Joey directly to the police for processing, and detention, instead of taking him to the village, and threatening his life, and this is where they went wrong. Joey should not be free right now for what he did, and should be behind bars in Indo. His behavior has demonstrated that he is a theat to society. Joey should be greatful for fact that the chief of South Siberut, 'Moses', and my American partner, 'Ray', stepped in to stop the entire near by village from killing Joey for what he did. Joey, you really screwed up and you are lucky you got away with only a beating. You are also lucky that the resort fed you after your beating, and helped you by buying your crappy boards so you could pay the village a down payment, onthe admitance of guilt contract you signed with Moses, so you could leave to go get the rest of the $ you agreed to pay the guy you beat

Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 11:41 PM — By Vince

Surfermag.com interviewed this fool and only quoted the guy's answers. The only part that Surfermag.com got wrong is calling Joey Canes a hostage.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 1:52 AM — By Bruce

I usually leave all my gear with the Ments. locals as should everyone traveling there should. All that $ you spend on that trip goes to greedy camp and boat owners; Christie, Jordan, Emon, Paul King and all the other greed balls= white people. The locals make $7 a day, snorkle and mask, shit give them a board.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 2:34 AM — By Snuffaluffagus

So many different accounts and versions of the story. Chalk this one up as a learning experience for everyone. Don't act stupid when traveling. Leave your attitude at home and leave some goods behind for the locals. Joey sounds lucky to be home in one piece. He should make restitution to the local village when he gets a chance in the future. That will go a long way and healing this obvious bad experience for everyone. Aloha!

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 3:41 AM — By Jordan Heuer

continued.... This Joey guy is the first tourist to ever get beat up, or threatened by Mentawai locals that I have heard of. The Mentawai people are predominantly Christians, and are peace loving people.The locals did not follow the law exactly, but were simply practicing an 'eye for an eye' principle. Joey is such a shmuck, piece of shit, that he goes down in history as the first tourist to get beat up by the Mentawai Locals. The locals learned a lot from this incidence, and will most likely follow the law if something like this were ever to happen again. Bruce, who commented above...check your facts, bud. I have personally donated over 30 good, perfectly intact surf boards to Mentawai locals who want to surf, and continue to do so every chance I get. Kandui Resort has contributed more income to the Mentawai community than all other companys opperating here combined. Without the jobs we are providing the locals, their only other income was collecting coconuts, cyanide fishing, and cutting down the

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 3:59 AM — By Jordan Heuer

continued.....and cutting down the rainforest for timber. Kandui Resort alone is the main income for a couple of villages in South Siberut. The other option besides a high dig resort is to have a scenario like Nias....hundreds of ghetto bungaloes, charging 50 cents per night per person, which has many negative impacts on the community. 1. very little income for the community. 2. over crowding of the surf spots by Ferals. 3. theft, and violence exponentially increased, because the locals are not getting paid enough to be happy. The best thing anyone can do for the siberut people is to either go to the villages, and throw $ up in the air in the middle of the village, or come stay at Kandui Resort, which is doing the best it can for the community without going belly up. Wake up Bruce. As for Stephen. Please come forward and tell the real story. Joey is a wacko, and needs to be brought to some kind of justice. You are the person who can do that, so hopefully you stop lying for Joey, and tell the truth! J out.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 4:14 AM — By anybody

there goes another kook on the comment bax, named bruce. Bruce guy, Joey stayed in an illegal homestay. The homestay wasnt licensed and owned by local family, and yes they are the greediest familiy i've ever met in my entire life!!! they are in big trouble because of Joey, but you know what? THEY DESERVE IT!!!!!! Joey was their karma! That's how i put it. So this is no Christie, no Jordan, No Emon ( who the hell Emon is?) and Paul King?( he hasnt exist in the ments for ages!!!!) it was some comment,bruce guy!

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 4:42 AM — By Amakataik

Here are some of the not so thought out Quotes of Mr. Joey Cones interview: "when the surf went flat and we decided to go diving. On the way down to the beach we passed these two shady guys. We were friendly, talked to them, said good morning, all that stuff. Then we went out to the beach and went diving and came back to our home stay and were just cruising. That’s when I found out that my snorkel mask had been ripped-off. I thought that it was probably those two shady guys I saw earlier,but...." But What! But...You actually misplaced your "snorkel mask"? But...If it was these "SHADY GUYS" that you "THOUGHT" "PROBABLY" "RIPPED(YOU)OFF" wouldn't you have seen them around your "HOME STAY"/feral camp if you had just got back from diving?(with your"SNORKEL MASK"no doubt) how many "SNORKEL MASK'S" do you bring on a trip anyway? But... you beat the crap out of this kid, sent him to the hospital,(where he still r

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 5:23 AM — By Amakataik!

Amakataik Continued..... BUT....YOU beat the living crap out of this kid, sent him to the hospital in Padang 90 miles away (where he still remains nearly 2 week's later) and all the while your still crying about it? Joey your 38 years old, don't you think it's time to man up to your mistake and at least try to make a mends? If not, thats ok because this little mess you got yourself into will definately eat at your soul and haunt you for the rest of your life "BRAH". I really feel sorry for people like you, sometimes they lie to get a "quick out" of a situation and the sad thing about it is that they actually end up beliveing their own lies, bless you for you know not your ignorance. Come Clean Joey you can do it. the longer you wait to tell the truth, the more lie's accumulate and then it gets harder to cover them all up, one last word, you are only fooling yourself. You too Stephen it's gonna haunt you too, for the rest of your life, so do the surfing world a well

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 6:12 AM — By Henry

Texas surfer commenting here: Please don't let the fact that this person came from Texas influence your view of us. We are generally a respectful, peaceful lot with good knowledge of surfing history, surf etiquette, karma. We are alarmed and saddened to hear of this incident and join the rest of you in sending our love and deepest regrets to the good people of the Mentawai Islands, and to especially wish the injured young man a speedy and full recovery.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 7:33 AM — By blackelvis

jordon is a good and generous man, i have been on the recieving end of his hospiltality!(howzit jordon?),joey needs lessons in manners. lesson one,it is rude to adress an indonesian as an "indo" just a little tip if you want to avoid stinkeye.two if you run into g lo adress him as mr. lopez, three stick to bali before moving on to the zeneth of an indonesian surf adventure.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 12:42 PM — By texan

Joey-Texas is probably is not the place for you either. That type of decision making talent will get you in trouble just about anywhere.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 1:35 PM — By Ainokea

The entire atricle is completely false. Many people are aware of the real story and you should come clean about it. Don't make yourself out to be the victim either. If you live in Hawaii you should know there are boundaries for surfing and you just don't mess with the locals. So, how could it be any different there? Haven't you at least learned the "Aloha Spirit"? Hopefully this was a good lesson to learn about letting go of something not worth losing your life over. Good luck showing face in Hawaii after this drama. You'll be the talk of the Island!! Can't wait to fly back to Hawaii in August for school, I'm sure I won't be the only one to talk story about you. HAHA

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 1:40 PM — By Ainokea

Just kidding, Your probaly cool and a nice guy. We all fumble the ball sometimes. I really think your special and plan to throw you a party upon my return. Peace out

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 3:32 PM — By Vince

be cautioned. people my not be who they say they are. people may be just trying to frame others. At the moment, it may have been a very good idea to get donkey boy out of the country. but, would it have been a better idea to get the indonesian cops involved? what about still reporting this case? that way if donkey boy returns to indo., the cops can arrest him and throw his donkey ass in jail.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 4:25 PM — By lonestar

TEXAS Local, You are an idiot and need a beating like joey too. You give Texans , a great surfing community, a bad name.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 5:06 PM — By fedup

change this title please "HAWAIIAN SURFER SPEAKS ABOUT VIOLENT INCIDENT IN INDONESIA" he ain't hawaiian.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 5:12 PM — By Syco Ozzie

Joey sounds like a "grade A" twat. Don't come to Australia there are no Jack in the Boxes here for your comfort. Should have left him in jail to hang with Schappelle Corby.

Posted Wed Jul 2, 2008, 7:32 PM — By Larry

Joey, you're scum. Be glad your 19 year old boyfriend is O.K., macho man.

Posted Thu Jul 3, 2008, 9:21 AM — By carpet

Headline: 'Yet anouther American invades remote region with un-founded allegations, and starts a war!'. Seriousely though what is it with you seppo 'surfers' at the moment? Birdrock Bandits? Paps on the beach in malibu? and now this! Do you know any other way to settle disputes other than violence? And as for this joker above me way to show a nations pride by threatening to murder someone and leave his body in the hills!

Posted Thu Jul 3, 2008, 11:10 AM — By Sneeze

Confusious say, ignorance not always bliss my friend

Posted Thu Jul 3, 2008, 12:45 PM — By Aidan Botha

You 2 disrespectful little bastards. You've selfishly blemished one of the last true heavens. For what?!?!!

Posted Thu Jul 3, 2008, 11:48 PM — By SURFER MAGAZINE

WE DO NOT CONDONE THREATS OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE. YOUR POSTS/COMMENTS ARE BEING INVESTIGATED.

Posted Fri Jul 4, 2008, 1:33 AM — By SURFER ADMIN

While all are entitled to an opinion, and we welcome spirited discussion, the use of threats on the SURFER Magazine message boards is entirely unacceptable and illegal. All posts have accompanying IP addresses and personal data, and will be investigated to the furthest extent of the law should the post threaten the safety of any individual - be it witness, pro surfer, or SURFER staff member. We will not tolerate this type of discussion, and encourage you to go elsewhere if you wish to speak violently towards others. Furthermore, Jeff Mull expressed no opinion in his editorial and cannot be faulted for conducting an interview with the subject of an international incident. The entire event is extremely unfortunate for all parties, but we cannot overstate the illegality of physical threats that jeopardize the safety of others. If you wish to post, think about what you are going to say carefully - it's the law.

Posted Sun Jul 6, 2008, 4:54 PM — By Dan

Dear Admin, You've got a valid point re: posting threats. Uncool, uncivilized, and (potentially) un-legal. But a word of journalistic advice: it's up to the READERS not the PUBLICATION to decide the slant of a given article. Your little disclaimer re: Jeff Mull's objectivity is positively asinine. You published the piece, you obviously believed in its stance (or lack thereof) now the rest, the judgment, is up to us. It sucks, it's great, it's got heaps of subtext, etc...OUR CALL, not yours. Put another way: you publish, we'll interpret. That's how it traditionally works.

Posted Thu Jul10, 2008, 4:45 PM — By DA MAN

Wow it seems like everyone has an opinion. Like an asshole (which most of the writers are). Get over yourselves. You all have nothing better to do but blog cuz you got no waves and are hard up. Seems like everyone writing was on the island and knows what happend. Surf camps like Kandui are owned by asshole with no motive but personal profit. Bottom line if no one stole his shit there would have been no fight. RIGHT? Get yer head out of yer ars. As for the Ausies chiming in about seppos c-mon Ausies cause more problems surfing than any other race but Brazil sluggs. None of you pussies surf country anyway you small wave hacks. Don't come to Hawaii cuz be we don't want idiots like you.......

Posted Sun Jul20, 2008, 5:43 PM — By Kaipo

I personally know Joey Cones and have known him for well over 10 years. Joey, while not being an angel by any definition is not the douche he is being portrayed as here. I have never once in the 10+ years I have known Joey seen him take a violent or confrontational attitude with anyone. He is normally humble and shows aloha to just about everyone he comes across. I find the 'facts' that many have asserted to be very hard to believe. As for Jordan Heuer's comments in regard to Stephen. Stephen should be lucky you fed him after the beating?!?! Lucky you bought his boards to pay off a bogus charge and admission of guilt?!?!??! Sounds like he was shook down to me. You, Jordan Heuer win the douche of the year honors from me. Maybe next time you should call the authorities instead of shaking down young surfers for everything they own. Good luck on drawing American surfers and their fat wallets in the future.

Posted Sun Aug 3, 2008, 8:15 AM — By Jordan Heuer

Kaipo, If you see Joey, you can tell him to pick up his boards, and pay back Kandui Resort the $, that we graciously paid him for his boards, so he could get a downpayment together to pay the young Indonesian man, Edward, that he beat up for no reason, and to stop the mob from proceeding to do something bad to him. Joey also owes The Resort approximately $900 for all of the transportation we povided for him during this episode. You may think you know Joey, but he lied to you about what really happened. What would you do to Joey if he were to beat up your 16 year old son, brother, family member, or friend, for no reason? Please don't be so fast to jump to conclusions without getting both sides of the story. Luckily, my partner, Ray just happened by, right when the mob were ready to mess up joey enven worse. Ray fully jumped in, with nothing to gain, putting his life on the line, so he could mediate, and thus Joey was saved. Joey, come buy your boards back, and $900...that was only meant to be a temporary l

Posted Thu Aug 7, 2008, 5:51 PM — By rugger1

Wow, a lot of people talking about a lot of things they nothing about sounds like. Jordan, ever hear of Hearsay? You and your Boy Ray haven't a clue what happened? ray thanks for helping like you did Joey is good people, but seriously you haven't clue what happened in the Jungle. You Jordan are just covering you ass to keep Us Americans coming back to your resort. (very nice by the way) All you so called surfing experts on here talking about the Aloha spirit and what not, need to start thinking about the word Hypocrites! I am grew up on the South side, Sandy's port lock point etc and I know damn well how the locals treat even other local when someone is surfing their spot!! Do I need to explain it? That is the problem with the surfing community, most of you are stupid. I get the North shore boys and their issues with outsiders, they have the best waves in the world and it sucks that when it is up they have to share them jackass from Cali, Australia etc... who don't show respect. The surfing w

Posted Thu Aug 7, 2008, 6:11 PM — By rugger1

that it isn't your waves!! It is OUR waves!! Be polite and true to the spirit of surfing. As far as Joey is concerned I know Joey and I know damn well he just didn't run into the jungle and beat down a kid(who is 28) Joey is not made that way. Did he kick his ass? yea probably( guy must be a pus, sorry Joe) Joey is like 5'10 140lbs soaking wet! You need to give Joey the benefit of the doubt over some uneducated island people and a few guys that are getting free pub out it! Ray thanks again for helping our boy, I hope you know that Karma is king and if you did the right thing then great, if Joey didn't he lives with it, but like you knowing these islanders we know Joey so come correct you weren't there when it went down. By the way, if someone steals your stuff you don't just look the other way just because they are poor, stop acting as if you all would be all, " oh no worries bra, take it. HYPOCRITE!! DON'T COMMENT ON WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW!

Posted Sat Aug23, 2008, 2:09 PM — By Amakatiak!

Joey, Oh Joey, I beleive You! You are soooo Loved and honored for your truthfullness, I cant beleive anyone could ever doubt your word, YOU FUCKING DONKEY KOOK! Dont Ever come back to Indonesia YOU MAHOO! Back to Bush's little war headquarter's for you Bitch! Oh! How's your little Butt Buddy Stephen? You guy's get married yet? We gonna throw you guy's a double bachelor party when you get home, we invite all your Mahoo friends. Ha Ha Donkey!!!!!!

Posted Thu Sep 4, 2008, 11:11 PM — By TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE

SOUNDS LIKE MOST OF THESE COMMENTS ARE DESPARETELY COMING FROM THE MONEY HUNGRY OWNERS OF THE CAMP WHO ARE CURRENTLY TRYING TO MAKE KANDUI ISLAND EXLUSIVE TO THEIR RESORT. WHILE CHARGING SUCH HIGH DOLLAR FOR THEIR FICKLE WAVE, CAN THE OWNERS TRULY PROTECT THEIR CLIENTS FROM HARM AND EXTORTION. SOUNDS LIKE THE ISLANDERS AND OWNERS GOT AWAY WITH $$$ MORE THEN JOE GOT AWAY WITH. WHAT´S TO STOP THEM FROM DOING IT TO SOME ONE ELSE?!!!!

Posted Fri Sep 5, 2008, 12:02 AM — By get da facts first

Ray is a hardened extortionist in his own right. Does everyone realize Ray was already planning on going to Padang City to get major supplies for his important customers that were arriving 2 days after the incident.Ray had to go no matter what! So if "Poor Ray" is genuine he would stop F"#@ing crying about his $900 boat ride! Does everyone realize, Ray gave Joe and Steve $2000 for 8 brand new Arawkawa´s and JC´s (2 of wich were high $$$ epoxies). Ray definately didn´t give the boys the $2000 out of the kindness of his own heart, that´s for sure! Does everyone realize that the so called innocent kid that joe confronted wasn´t even a kid. Edward is actually 26 years old with a history of stealing and of course the camp owners are defending him, he works for them. Who is Joe or anybody for that matter, to Ray and the rest of the owners when your not staying at their over priced camp.

Posted Thu Oct 2, 2008, 3:45 PM — By Victim

Just another 'reap me off'/sad story coming out of Indo. Indo is got both the best waves and the most corrupted people in the world. Jordan, the owner or Kandui Resorts, which by the way is for (half/ownership) sale for $8,000,000. I wonder why? Jordan, Ray, Jeff who's really the owner. I would caution surfers, especially from Europe and US. Do not go to Indo at all, you are really risking you and your family's well being. Some Indonesians have a way to get to your family too, be very careful.

Add Comment

Name (Required):

Email (Required, will not be shown to public):

Comment (Required, max chars: 1024):

You have characters left.

Type the characters you see in this picture

Here's the fastest way to bring home the best magazine covering the surfing lifestyle -- Surfer Magazine -- at no risk! During this special online offer, you can get a TRIAL ISSUE and receive 11 more (a total of 12 issues) for only $14.97! You save 68% off the cover price

If you choose not to subscribe, just write "cancel" on your invoice, send it back and owe nothing. Either way, the trial issue is yours to keep -- without obligation. Just complete the information below, and click on submit.

GIVE A GIFT