Mentawai surf breaks ideal for intermediate surfers
On this page
- Are the Mentawai Islands good for intermediate surfers?
- Which Mentawai surf spots are best for intermediates?
- When is the best time for intermediate surfers to visit?
- Where should intermediate surfers stay?
- How do you get to the Mentawai Islands?
- Tips for intermediate surfers in the Mentawais
- Frequently asked questions
- Keep planning
The Mentawai breaks that suit intermediate surfers are the softer reefs on moderate days: E-Bay, Beng Bengs, Pitstops, 4 Bobs and Burgerworld in the Playgrounds, Lance’s Left on Sipora, and Macaronis or Telescopes when the swell is small and clean. Aim for head-high to slightly overhead surf, and consider May, September or early October for more space.
Are the Mentawai Islands good for intermediate surfers?
Yes, with the right base and the right days. Many of the most famous Mentawai waves are heavy reef barrels for advanced surfers, but the chain also has softer reefs that give intermediates long walls and their first real barrels. Water is 27 to 29 °C all year, and the southeast trade winds often keep mornings clean. The key is choosing a resort, camp or charter that has softer waves within reach and a guide who picks the right reef and tide.
Which Mentawai surf spots are best for intermediates?
| Wave | Where | Direction | Why it suits intermediates |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Bay | Masokut, Playgrounds | Left | More forgiving on moderate days |
| Beng Bengs | Western Masokut, Playgrounds | Left | Shorter, playful, rippable wall |
| Pitstops | Masokut, Playgrounds | Right | Punchy right with shorter barrels |
| 4 Bobs | Playgrounds | Right | More user-friendly right with a short left |
| Burgerworld | Off southern Siberut | Right | Swell magnet that works on small days |
| Lance’s Left | Katiet, south Sipora | Left | Generally more forgiving than Lance’s Right |
| Macaronis | Silabu, North Pagai | Left | Long wall; for strong intermediates on small, clean days only |
| Telescopes | Northwest Sipora | Left | Long left that suits competent intermediates on smaller days |
1. The Playgrounds reefs: E-Bay, Beng Bengs, Pitstops and 4 Bobs
The Playgrounds, the cluster of small islands between Siberut and Sipora, is the most practical area for intermediates because softer reefs sit a short boat ride from the famous heavy waves. E-Bay and Beng Bengs are lefts; Pitstops and 4 Bobs are rights. Read the Playgrounds surf guide and the Pitstops guide.
2. Burgerworld
Burgerworld is a right off southern Siberut that picks up small swells when other reefs are flat, which makes it a useful wave for building confidence. See the Burgerworld small-swell guide.
3. Lance’s Left
Lance’s Left is a separate wave near Katiet on southern Sipora. It is generally more forgiving than its famous neighbour Lance’s Right (HTs), which is a fast, shallow barrel better left to advanced surfers. See the Lance’s Left surf guide.
4. Macaronis on small days
Macaronis is a left, not a left and right. On smaller, clean days confident intermediates can surf its long wall; bigger swells and lower tides make it an advanced wave. Read the Macaronis surf guide.
5. Telescopes
Telescopes is a long left on northwest Sipora that holds a wide range of swell sizes. On smaller days it can suit competent intermediates. See the Telescopes guide.
Waves intermediates should usually skip
Thunders, a heavy left in the Pagai Islands, and Greenbush, a hollow left off southern Siberut, are advanced and expert waves. The same goes for Rifles, Bank Vaults and Kandui Left in the Playgrounds on anything but small days.
When is the best time for intermediate surfers to visit?
The main season runs from April to October. June to August brings the biggest swells and the busiest line-ups, which can push the softer reefs beyond an intermediate’s comfort zone. April, May, September and early October often give smaller but still consistent swell with fewer boats. Our guide to Mentawai wave size by month shows what to expect.
Where should intermediate surfers stay?
Choose a base with softer waves in boat range rather than one built around a single heavy reef. Land resorts and camps in the Playgrounds and on Sipora usually suit intermediates best, and many include guiding and boat trips. Published resort rates run from about US$130 to US$650+ per person per night; see Mentawai surf resort prices, the Mentawai surf camp guide and Mentawai surf tours compared.
How do you get to the Mentawai Islands?
Fly into Padang (PDG), then take the Mentawai Fast ferry to Tua Pejat on Sipora or Maileppet on Siberut, roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours on a direct sailing, followed by a resort speedboat. Slower overnight ferries take 10 to 12 hours. See how to get to Mentawai surf resorts.
Tips for intermediate surfers in the Mentawais
- Use the guide: a good surf guide picks the reef and tide that match your level each day.
- Surf the right tide: lower tides make every reef shallower and more critical.
- Bring a slightly bigger board: extra volume helps with early entry on powerful reefs.
- Insure properly: cover surfing injuries and evacuation. See is Mentawai surfing safe?
- Pay the surf levy: the regency charges foreign surfers a levy of IDR 2,000,000 per surfer per 15 days (since February 2024); many operators collect it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Macaronis good for intermediate surfers?
On smaller, clean days, confident intermediates can surf it. Bigger swells and lower tides make it an advanced wave.
Is Lance’s Right suitable for intermediates?
Usually not. Lance’s Right (HTs) is a fast, hollow right with a shallow inside section. Intermediates staying at Katiet normally do better at Lance’s Left.
What wave size should intermediate surfers aim for?
Head-high to slightly overhead at forgiving reefs is a good range. Choose a base with a spread of breaks so you can avoid the biggest days.
Which month is best for intermediate surfers in the Mentawais?
May, September and early October are often the best balance: consistent swell, clean mornings and fewer boats than June to August.
Keep planning
If you are still choosing an island, read which Mentawai island is best for surfing and our guide to resorts near Macaronis. When you are ready to book, see what a typical stay includes on our Mentawai surf packages page.
