Slab Krui Essence
Slab Krui was born from a dream built through a lifetime dedicated to the ocean. Long before it became a structure, beachfront bungalows, or a surf camp, it already existed in the vision of 
Marcelo “Cland” Gomes. A project created from real experience, shaped by decades of traveling the world in search of perfect waves, understanding the ocean, the tides, and the true essence of surfing and bodyboarding.
The Journey
Before Slab Krui existed, there was The Next Journey. More than just a surf trip project, it became the foundation for years of exploration, experience, and connection with waves around the world.
Through The Next Journey, Marcelo “Cland” Gomes guided surfers and bodyboarders across Indonesia in search of authentic experiences, perfect conditions, and uncrowded waves. It was during those years on the road, living the reality of the ocean every single day, that the vision for Slab Krui truly began to take shape.
Marcelo built his journey through a constant pursuit of authentic waves, real experiences, and a deep connection with the sea. Since the age of 14, he lived intensely through the Brazilian and World Bodyboarding circuits, dedicating 16 years to professional competition.
But over time, he realized that his true essence was never about trophies or podiums. The feeling of riding a perfect barrel always meant more.
Driven by that vision, he stepped away from competition to follow his own path, becoming the first professional freesurfer in Brazil. While most athletes were chasing contest results, Marcelo began traveling the world searching for waves specifically suited for bodyboarding, studying swell, wind, tides, and deeply understanding the nature of every destination.
The Search
For 28 years, Marcelo explored different countries, islands, and surf breaks around the planet. He returned to many of those places several times to better understand wave consistency, seasonal changes, and the behavior of the ocean.
That journey was never just about travel. It became a life mission built through real experience in the water.
After discovering some of the best waves in the world, everything finally aligned in South Sumatra. The quality and variety of waves, the warm water, the natural beauty, the energy of the region, and the deep connection with nature made Marcelo realize he had found the perfect place to anchor his dream.
The Vision
That was the moment when the project began to take shape alongside people who shared the same vision.
Investor and partner Léo Rycnan, a kitesurf instructor and passionate bodyboarder, joined the project bringing even more connection to the boardrider lifestyle and to the spirit behind Slab Krui.
The identity of the space was also brought to life by renowned surfer and architect Paulo Veloso, who designed the entire architectural concept of the project. Every detail was created to respect the surrounding nature, enhance the beachfront experience, and build an authentic environment connected to the true surf lifestyle.
The Purpose
Even with the freedom to choose anywhere in the world, Marcelo decided to transform that place into something bigger than just accommodation.
A true meeting point for surfers and bodyboarders searching for progression, connection with the ocean, and real experiences in the water.
That is how Slab Krui was born. A place created by people who dedicated their lives to the sea, built to welcome those who share the same passion for waves and want to experience surfing and bodyboarding in their purest form.
Drift Into the Rhythm
Wake up just steps from perfect waves, slow mornings, warm sunsets, and the simple rhythm of island life. At Slab Krui, every day flows naturally between surf sessions, genuine connections, and moments that make you feel fully present again.