Ask any surfer: If you could go on a surf trip anywhere on the planet, where would you go? There is no doubt that the Mentawais would be one of the most popular answers. These secluded tropical islands deliver the absolute perfection that surfers dream about all their lives.
A mind-blowing selection of 15+ world-class breaks.
Experience perfection: from flawless barrels to world-class playful waves.
Fast boats to surf spots daily, all healthy & delicious meals, & a gorgeous resort.
Beautiful & spacious beachfront bungalows with A/C & hot showers.
High quality of surf coaching: 4 guides for 10 surfers max.
The Mentawai islands is probably the most wave-rich location on Earth. To our knowledge, no other destination offers as many perfect waves within 45 minutes of each other. By looking at the map, it’s easy to see that no matter the swell or wind direction, this incredible wave selection will provide unforgettable rides. With its variety of reef breaks, point breaks, secluded bays, rights and lefts, we will find the perfect waves for you.
The area is known for its flawless, warm-water waves, consistent swells and light winds. You might have heard of one or more of these famous waves:
Intermediate spots:
As a “beginner-to-intermediate” surf coaching company, we know you are probably not looking for 12 feet grinders breaking over extremely shallow reef. That is why we are here. We chose the Nyang-Nyang location because it is also loaded with easier and safer waves (but still world-class!). On any given day, clean, shoulder-to-head high waves are almost guaranteed to peel flawlessly.
Beng Beng
Pitstops
Nipussi
4 Bobs
A Frames
Burger World
Secret spots
Not all the waves in the Mentawais are known. There are still plenty of waves that are relatively unknown that you could end up surfing with just a few friends!
While most surf camps aim for the “big name spots”, our team of 4 surf guides for a maximum of 10 surfers will make sure you surf the best waves for your level every day. The team is dedicated to finding the absolute best options, often navigating to unchartered territory to search for uncrowded peaks.
Only 10 spots available, with 4 surf guides
The best guide/surfer ratio in the Mentawais! You will be taking boats to surf amazing spots with only 4 other surfers (2 surf coaches for 4 surfers per boat, on average, depending on how the group is split). One guide will be in the water, helping you understand each spot and providing tips for you to catch some of the best waves of your life. The other guide will be taking videos of the waves you take as a souvenir and for further technical analysis.
Local knowledge & unlimited transfers to waves
In order to bring you to the optimal spots for your level, we have 2 different boats and offer unlimited rides to the waves twice per day (unless the surf is better just down from the resort!). Our guides have the experience and knowledge to take you to unknown spots so that you can enjoy perfection with only a few surfers out!
Is this trip for me?
This is an “intermediate” only surf trip. You need to have a minimum of experience to truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You can join this trip if:
You can catch unbroken waves by yourself.
You can angle your take-off to go either left or right.
You can draw your line on a “green wave” with a minimum of control.
You feel comfortable in head-high waves.
You’re an intermediate surfer wishing to surf epic waves while progressing to the next level.
This trip is not for you if:
You have never tried surfing
You surfed a few days in the past but still struggle with your take-off
You are a very advanced surfer looking for 12-feet grinding barrels over shallow reef*
*To provide a personalized surfing experience, we bring our intermediate guests to the best conditions for their level. We do not take very advanced surfers on this trip as it would compromise our ability to provide a unique, customized service.
Our team would be very thrilled if we could help intermediate-to-advanced surfers get some of their first barrels, but if you have the level to ride big, hollow barrels, other charter boat services would be a better option.
About
Gallery
About The Host
We believe only dedicated, passionate human beings can create amazing surf travel experiences. This is why our focus is on building a family of highly professional team members from across the world. Each member of our team is carefully hand-picked, trained and committed to offer the best surf travel experiences for beginners & intermediates.
Itinerary
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Am I too old or too young for this trip?
A lot of our first-time guests are concerned about this!
To give you an idea, about 80% of our guests are between 25 and 55 years old, with the most significant concentration being in their 30's and 40's. This is, on average, each trip is a bit different.
We are firm believers that age is just a number! If you are under 25 or over 55, you are certainly welcome in our retreats. What is important to our organization is to be transparent in the type of experience we deliver. Our guests come to focus on their surfing progression and to have a great time. Some of them enjoy a beer or a cocktail at sunset and might go out once or twice during the retreat, but if you are looking for a place to party all week, this is not the right experience for you.
I have never surfed in my life. Is this trip for me?
About 20% of our travelers have never touched a surfboard. We are here to help beginners learn how to surf and help intermediate surfers progress faster.
Unless you don't know how to swim or if you wouldn't be comfortable swimming at least 40 meters without a floating device, you can join our coaching retreats in Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Bali. For the Mentawais and the Maldives, only intermediate level surfers will be able to enjoy those experiences.
How are the waves/temperature during month X?
We only open during what we believe are the best months for both waves and temperature in each of our destinations. These decisions are made according to statistical averages of swells and the type of spots in each destination.
Predicting surfing conditions is a bit like predicting the weather, we can only have a good idea of what the waves will be like a few days before a retreat. Therefore we can not guarantee you that waves will be a certain size or shape on any specific week, months in advance. This being said, your chances of getting quality surf are very high as each surf season is specifically chosen according to average surfing conditions. Since we opened in 2012, we have not had one "flat day"!
We avoid opening during the rainiest months and choose the best surf spots around, according to your level. For example, if the waves are big, we will take you to a bay or a sheltered break, where the waves are smaller and conditions are safer.
Should I bring my own surf boards?
We recommend bringing your own surfboards. Bring the type of surfboards that you are used to ride and that you feel comfortable with (minimum 2, preferably 3). Bring at least one board on which you feel you have plenty of paddle power and length. Too often, we see intermediate surfers on the latest 5'6" "Hypto Krypto" because that is what the marketing says they should be on, and they only get onto a couple of waves each session. That's no good for enjoyment. Or improvement. contact us for details.
How much cash money should I bring / What else do I need to pay for?
Bring cash money if you bring back souvenirs for friends and family. Sometimes, freelance photographers could take in-water surf shots of you if you are lucky, you might want to purchase those!
Tips are not mandatory and are to the discretion of each traveler. If you want to tip, you can either give tips directly to your surf coach, cleaning or cooking staff.
Does my surf level fit this surf coaching retreat?
Only intermediate level surfers can join (level 2.1 and 2.2) You must be able to:
-catch unbroken waves by yourself
-angle your take off to go either left or right
-draw your line on a “green wave” with a minimum of control
-feel comfortable in shoulder-to-head-high waves
Do I need to arrive one day early not to miss the surf on the 1st day?
The first and last days of a trip are also travel days (no surfing planned). For example, if a retreat goes from October 11th – 20th, there is nothing planned other than transportation and a welcome dinner on the 11th, and breakfast plus transportation back to the airport on the 20th. Please wait for us to send details of the itinerary before booking your international flights. Your flight schedule will need to work with the private fast boats in the Mentawais.
How does the airport transportation work?
To benefit from the free shuttles included in our packages, you must arrive and leave on the same dates planned in our camps. For example, if you have booked a surf trip from January 4th to 11th, you must land on the 4th and leave on the 11th to catch our free shuttles. Outside of these dates, transportation from the airport is not included.
You can land at any time on our retreat dates, and we will send an airport shuttle for you. For the intermediate only retreats (Mentawais & Maldives), you will need to catch a boat after landing from your international flight (included in your package). Therefore you need to wait for us to send you those details by email once you have secured your spot before booking your international flights.
Do I need a visa to enter the country?
Yes. You can get your visa directly at the airport in Denpasar (Bali trip) or Padang (Mentawai trip). It cost around $35 USD. If you plan to travel for more than 30 days, we recommend you to apply for a visa online. Depending on where you are from, you might be able to apply for a 60-day visa.
Is there a minimum age to go on a surf trip?
You must be 18 years old to book a trip by yourself.
What's the ideal currency?
The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere in all of our destinations. For Indonesia, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, we recommend you bring between 300 and 400$ and a debit/credit card to be able to withdraw local currency in an ATM if needed.
For intermediate only retreats (Mentawais & Maldives): These are very remote locations. Please refer to your travel guide for more information (given to you after you reserve your spot).
How do the shared rooms work?
Rooms for 2 guests (2 separate beds), or a 2-story bungalow with 2 beds per level.
We separate men and women in shared rooms. This is feasible in most of our retreats, but sometimes it is impossible. In the rare cases where this is not possible, you will be notified in advance and can accept or decline to join the trip (we will refund you if you do not join the trip in this case).
Is it safe to travel to this country?
In each of our destinations, you will be led by experienced surf guides, who have an in-depth knowledge of the area and the surf spots. We also choose very secure places to accommodate our travelers.
This being said, we leave our travelers the freedom of exploring and experimenting with each destination as they wish, as we believe in the beauty of travelling. We give the necessary security advice for each trip. If these are respected, the risks of any trouble are very low (robbery, accidents, etc.).
What type of travel insurance should I get?
We recommend our clients to get quality travel insurance with a well-known company.
What airport should I land to? Can I land at a different airport?
Padang (PDG)
I am planning to travel alone on this trip. Will there be any other lone travellers on my trip?
About half of our travelers are “lone travelers”, so you will most probably not be the only lone traveler in your group. Whether you are travelling with other groups of friends, couples or lone travelers, you can expect to meet new friends with who you will have a great time!