HTs vs Macaronis: Comparing Two Iconic Mentawai Waves
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HTs vs Macaronis for surfing: HTs (Lance’s Right, at Katiet on Sipora) is a fast, hollow right over very shallow reef, best for advanced barrel riders. Macaronis, on North Pagai, is a long, predictable left with tube sections and open walls for turns, suiting confident intermediates to experts. Macaronis is usually the more crowded of the two.
Comparing HTs vs Macaronis for surfing is a bit like comparing two different sports that happen to share an ocean. Both are among the most famous waves in the Mentawai Islands, both break over coral reef and both can be world-class on the right swell. But one is a right and one is a left, one is a precision barrel and one is a high-performance playground, and they suit different surfers on different days. This guide compares the two honestly so you can decide which to build a trip around, or how to make the most of both.
First, a naming note: HTs and Lance’s Right
“HTs” stands for Hollow Trees, and in most surf guides it is the same wave as Lance’s Right, located near the village of Katiet on the south of Sipora. You will see both names used, sometimes on the same page. When people compare Macaronis vs Lance’s Right, they are comparing the same two waves covered here. Our earlier guide to the Lance’s Right surf break goes deeper on the wave itself.
Macaronis sits further south, off North Pagai, and has a long-standing reputation in surf media as one of the most fun, high-performance lefts anywhere. Our Macaronis surf spot guide covers it in detail.
HTs vs Macaronis for surfing: side by side
| Factor | HTs / Lance’s Right (Katiet, Sipora) | Macaronis (North Pagai) |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Right-hander | Left-hander |
| Shape | Steep, sucking takeoff into fast, hollow barrels | Hollow start, then long, open walls with multiple tube sections |
| Reef | Very shallow, sharp coral; inside section known as the Surgeon’s Table | Coral reef with a shallow takeoff and inside, especially at low tide |
| Ideal swell | South to south-west; often best around 4–8 ft, handles bigger | South to south-west; around 4–6 ft is playful, 6–8 ft longer and heavier |
| Ideal wind | Light east to south-east in most guides | Generally east to south-east |
| Ideal tide | Mid to high is safer; low tide exposes the sharpest reef | Works on most tides; mid to high gives more water over the inside |
| Skill level | Advanced to expert | Intermediate to advanced; expert on big or shallow days |
| Crowds | Busy in peak season and on good swells; quieter at dawn on ordinary days | Usually very busy; one of the most sought-after waves in the islands |
What surfing HTs is like
HTs rewards commitment. The takeoff is steep and sucks off the reef, and the wave quickly throws into a fast, hollow barrel. Make it through and you are on a long, racing right with more tube chances. The inside section, the Surgeon’s Table, earned its name: it is very shallow, and wipeouts there can cause serious injuries, especially at low tide.
For regular-footers who love barrels, it is one of the best rights anywhere. For goofy-footers, it is a backhand tube test that many experienced surfers relish. Either way, it is a wave for surfers who are comfortable in hollow, shallow surf and who know how to fall safely.
If you want to stay close to this wave, our article on HTs Mentawai surf resort options explains what basing yourself near Katiet involves, and our Sipora Island surf resort guide covers the island more broadly.
What surfing Macaronis is like
Macaronis is famous for being both high-quality and rippable. The wave typically starts with a hollow section, then stands up into long, predictable walls that invite turns, airs and re-entries, with more barrel sections along the way. At 4–6 ft it is fun for a wide range of capable surfers; at 6–8 ft it becomes longer, faster and more powerful, and the tube sections grow.
Its predictability is a big part of the appeal. Surfers who are still building confidence on reef can progress here in a way that is harder at HTs. But it is still a coral reef wave: the takeoff and inside are shallow, particularly at low tide, and bigger days demand real skill. Popularity is the other trade-off. Expect company, especially in peak season. Our Macaronis Mentawai resort page explains what staying near the wave involves.
Which wave should you choose?
- Choose HTs if you are an advanced or expert surfer, you love hollow, fast waves and you are comfortable on shallow reef. Regular-footers get the frontside barrel.
- Choose Macaronis if you are a confident intermediate or better who wants long rides, lots of turns and some tube time on a more predictable wave. Goofy-footers get the frontside.
- Choose both if you are on a charter or a flexible itinerary. A boat trip can often reach both zones, and some travellers split a trip between Sipora and the Pagai Islands.
Timing and crowds
Both waves work best through the dry season, roughly April to October, with the most consistent swell usually from mid-June to early August. Both get busy in peak season. Lighter crowds are more likely in shoulder months and at dawn, and good operators spread guests across different breaks to avoid crowding a single wave. Our guide on how crowded the Mentawai surf breaks are covers timing and etiquette.
Prices for stays near either wave vary by operator, room type and season, with peak months typically at the top of each operator’s rates. Compare inclusions such as surf-boat access, transfers and guiding, not just nightly rates.
Quick facts
- HTs = Hollow Trees = Lance’s Right, near Katiet, south Sipora
- Macaronis: North Pagai, southern Mentawais
- HTs: hollow right, very shallow inside (Surgeon’s Table), advanced to expert
- Macaronis: long, predictable left, intermediate to advanced, usually busier
- Both: best on south to south-west swell, generally cleanest with light east to south-east winds
- Safer tide for both: mid to high
Frequently asked questions
Is HTs the same as Lance’s Right?
Yes, in most surf guides HTs (Hollow Trees) and Lance’s Right refer to the same right-hander near Katiet on Sipora.
Which is harder, HTs or Macaronis?
HTs is generally considered more critical: steeper, hollower and over a shallower inside reef. Macaronis is more forgiving but still a serious reef wave on bigger days.
Can intermediate surfers ride Macaronis?
Confident intermediates often do, especially around 4–6 ft at mid to high tide. Larger or low-tide days demand advanced skills.
Which is more crowded?
Macaronis is usually the busier of the two, being one of the most sought-after waves in the islands. HTs can also be crowded in peak season and on good swells.
Can I surf both on one trip?
Yes. A charter boat can often reach both, or you can split a land-based trip between Sipora and North Pagai. Allow for transfer time between the two areas.
Plan your trip around HTs or Macaronis
We are an independent planning guide to Mentawai surf holidays and do not own resorts or boats. Tell us which wave you are chasing, your level and your dates, and we will help you compare suitable stays or charters and connect you directly. WhatsApp +62 811 3941 4563 or email bd@juaraholding.com.
