We’ve all daydreamed about it – getting barreled in crystal clear water, surrounded by untouched landscapes and the allure of uncrowded, perfect waves. The Mentawais, an Indonesian archipelago, is a name that resonates among surfers worldwide. Pictures and videos capture the essence of this surfing paradise, boasting epic waves, endless barrels, and the idyllic backdrop of white sand beaches and palm-lined shores.
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The Ments has earned its reputation as surf mecca, but is it only reserved for the elite, fearless surfers? Absolutely not.
The Mentawais can be an accessible and thrilling destination for longboarders and surfers at the beginner to intermediate levels. By understanding the nuances of this mesmerizing surf destination and making some strategic choices, you can turn your dream of conquering the Mentawais into a reality.
Time Of Year: Strategic Planning For Optimal Waves
Timing is crucial when planning a surf trip to the Mentawais. The peak season, characterized by powerful and often intimidating waves, might not be the ideal time for those still honing their skills.
Don’t plan a trip for June, July, and August if you’re hoping for smaller waves. Instead, opt for the shoulder season or even the off-season when the waves tend to be smaller and more forgiving.
Off Season In The Ments
Although December and January are considered off season, if you’re willing to roll the dice, you might have some of the best surf of your life in empty waves that are perfect for a beginner to intermediate. The reduced crowd ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, allowing you to focus on improving your skills and savoring the beauty of the surroundings.
Inevitably, there might be days when the wind is howling or there’s no swell in the water – that’s okay, you’re in paradise! Spend those days snorkeling, spearfishing, paddle boarding through the mangroves, or just relaxing with a book by the ocean. The other perk of the off season is you’re bound to find some epic deals to make it more affordable.
Shoulder Season In The Ments
March through the end of May and September to October are typically what we would consider shoulder season. This is the best time for intermediate to advanced longboarders as there will be more consistent swell and more spots will be working.
Spots that we were working for beginners and intermediate surfers during off season will now be working in a much different way. But this also means that spots that weren’t working at all during off season, will pick up and be good for beginner and intermediate surfers during shoulder season.
If you’re curious about what I mean, look for YouTube videos of Telescopes in off season, shoulder season, and peak season. It looks like a completely different break! Be honest with yourself about your skill level and plan your trip accordingly.
Accommodation: Proximity To Surfing Nirvana
Choosing the right accommodation is paramount when aiming for an inclusive and enjoyable Mentawais experience. While you can reach any surf break by boat, strategically selecting accommodation close to beginner-friendly or longboard-appropriate waves is a game-changer.
Conduct thorough research to identify resorts that cater to surfers of all levels. Look for accommodations that provide easy access to the breaks suitable for the skill level you are comfortable with. Proximity to the waves not only saves travel time but also allows you to make the most of your surfing sessions, ensuring that you can catch the optimal waves during your stay.
Surf Guide: Your Trusted Ally In The Waves
Your surf guide can make or break your Mentawais experience. These experienced individuals have an intimate knowledge of the local breaks, the best times to surf, and the conditions that suit different skill levels. When embarking on a surf journey to the Mentawais, be transparent with your surf guide about your surfing proficiency and experience.
By communicating openly, your surf guide can tailor the experience to match your skill level, ensuring that you enjoy the waves while staying within your comfort zone. During the off and shoulder seasons, there are often waves that cater to beginner and intermediate surfers, allowing you to progress and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Similar to a surf guide, find a good surf crew to go with! There’s nothing better than having friends sitting in the line-up with you. I know it’s hard to coordinate a whole trip, but there are plenty of surf trips to the Ments organized by really cool people that you can jump in on! It’s an amazing way to make new friends with similar interests. Making friends as an adult can be weird and hard, but surf trips and retreats are a cheat code!
Reef Booties: Navigating The Ments Safely
One of the unique challenges of the Mentawais is it’s predominantly reef breaks. For beginner to intermediate surfers, navigating these reefs can be intimidating – or straight up terrifying.
However, this challenge can be easily overcome with the right gear – reef booties. I know we all think these look dorky, I get it. But here’s the thing, even if it’s just for the sake of mentally knowing that in the worst case scenario, you can safely put your feet down, this could be the difference between catching waves and psyching yourself out for an entire session.
Invest in a reliable pair of reef booties to protect your feet from the sharp coral beneath the waves. While it might be nerve-wracking to think about touching the reef, trust your surf guide to take you to spots that are safe for your skill level. Wearing reef booties not only provides a sense of security but also allows you to focus on the joy of surfing rather than worrying about potential hazards.
Also Read: Catch A Wave At These Best Destinations For Surfers!
Over Pack – Words You’d Never Thought You’d Read
Yes, you heard me correctly. Over pack for your Mentawais trip. Bring multiple rash guards, all of your zincs and sun creams, an extra surf leash, surf fins, first aid supplies and antibiotics, lots of surf wax, and mosquito spray. For some timeless and functional surf pieces check out the Noserider Surf Club.
The reality is, you’re on a remote island. I forgot toothpaste on my trip and had to use a very strange herbal toothpaste for 9 days straight – but I’m so happy this is the only thing I forgot!
Here’s A List Of My Must-Haves For A Ments Trip
- Sea sickness pills – you’re going to be on a ferry and spend most of your days on a boat, even if you don’t think you need it, bring it.
- Medicine – Antibiotics, steroid cream, antiseptic ointment, and any other medicine you sometimes take. This is a worst case scenario type thing, but if you don’t use it, someone else might be incredibly thankful that you thought to bring this.
- Sun Protection – Bring rash guards, surf hats, zinc, suncream, aloe, a good moisturizer (face and body), and anything else you think you might need because the sun is strong. Nothing ruins a surf trip like a sunburn.
- Extra Surf Gear – You’re surfing twice a day for multiple days in a row. You want to be prepared. Even if it doesn’t break, you might just want options! If you’re considering bringing a second board, do it. The worst thing would be to regret not having it when you’re there. Bring a second leggie, you never know when yours is going to snap. I brought multiple single fins to switch them out for different conditions, but one guy randomly lost a fin in the water. He was insanely grateful that he had a backup set. You just never know.
The Best Day To Book Your Next Surf Trip Was Yesterday, Today Is The Second Best Day
The Mentawais, with its awe-inspiring waves and captivating beauty, is not reserved solely for the elite surfers seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush. By strategically planning your trip, choosing the right accommodation, collaborating with a knowledgeable surf guide, and equipping yourself with great gear, you can transform the Ments into an accessible and fulfilling surfing destination for longboarders and those at the beginner to intermediate levels.
Embrace the challenge, surf waves slightly outside of your comfort zone, learn to navigate a reef break, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Mentawais – where every surfer, regardless of skill level, can find their own slice of paradise.
