Telescopes Mentawai Surf Guide: North Sipora’s Long Left
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Telescopes Mentawai surf is a long, powerful left-hand reef break off northwest Sipora, near Mapadegat. It is named for its long, tube-shaped barrels. It works best on south to southwest groundswell with east to southeast winds, usually around mid tide, and suits intermediate to advanced surfers, becoming expert-level when big. Nearby lodges reach it by short boat ride.
Telescopes is one of the classic waves of the central Mentawai and one of the most accessible from the main island hub. It is a left that runs a long way down the reef, with walls for turns and sections that line up into long, round tubes. Unlike some of the more remote breaks, it sits close to North Sipora, a short distance from Tuapejat, so it is surfed both by charter boats and by guests staying at lodges and homestays along the nearby coast. This Telescopes Mentawai surf guide covers location, conditions, level, hazards and where to stay.
Where is Telescopes?
Telescopes breaks off the northwestern side of Sipora (also spelled Sipura), near Mapadegat beach and the small island of Pototogat. Tuapejat, the regency capital and arrival point for the fast ferry from Padang, is on the same part of Sipora. That makes Telescopes one of the easier big-name waves to reach once you land. The surrounding area holds several other quality lefts, including Iceland (or Icelands) and Scarecrows. For the island’s wider wave menu, see our guide to the key surf spots around Sipura Island.
What is the wave like?
Telescopes is a long left-hand reef wave with several sections. On smaller days it is a rippable, fun wall. As the swell builds, the sections connect and the wave produces long, cylindrical barrels, which is where the name comes from. It is exposed and powerful, and the reef is shallow in places. Some descriptions online call it a right, but the reliable spot guides describe it as a left; do not confuse it with Bintangs, a separate short, hollow right nearby.
Ideal conditions
| Factor | What Telescopes likes |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | South to southwest groundswell; west swells can work depending on angle |
| Size | Fun from about 2 to 3 ft; serious from about 8 ft; some guides give a 3 to 12 ft range |
| Wind | East to southeast is generally offshore |
| Tide | Mid tide is the usual recommendation; low to mid often favoured |
| Level | Intermediate to advanced; expert when big and hollow |
Size ranges are approximate and depend on swell period, direction and tide. Ask a local guide where the reef gets shallow and which tide window is working during your stay.
Telescopes Mentawai surf guide: how to surf it
- Watch first. Spend time in the channel on your first session. Note where the take-off zone sits for the swell direction and where people kick out.
- Pick your section. Telescopes has more than one take-off point. On bigger days the outside section is heavier; the inside can be shallow.
- Go early. East to southeast winds are good here, but light morning winds still produce the cleanest waves.
- Use the right board. A step-up a few inches longer than your shortboard helps on overhead days. See our guide to what surfboards to take to the Mentawais.
- Respect the reef. Fall flat, cover your head and clean every cut the same day.
Hazards
- Shallow coral, especially at lower tides and on the inside.
- Long hold-downs on bigger swells.
- Currents along the reef and in the channel when the swell is large.
- Boat traffic when several charters are present. Stay clear of anchored boats and propellers.
Telescopes compared with other North Sipora lefts
North Sipora is unusual in having several quality lefts close together, which gives guides options when one is crowded or the tide is wrong. Telescopes is generally the longest and most complete of the group, with the most sections and the best chance of a long barrel on a solid swell. Iceland is another well-known left in the area, and Scarecrows, also a left, is often surfed by guests of lodges on the nearby coast. On a typical day a guide might start at whichever wave suits the morning tide and wind, then move as conditions change. Ask your accommodation which of these breaks its boats visit routinely.
Best time to surf Telescopes
The main Mentawai swell season runs roughly from April to October, with June to August usually bringing the most consistent and powerful south to southwest swells. Trade winds from the southeast are common in the dry season, which suits Telescopes well. April, May, September and October can provide good waves with fewer boats. From November to March, swell is generally smaller and less reliable and winds vary more, though Telescopes can still offer fun waves on a decent swell.
Where to stay for Telescopes
You have two main options. Land-based stays on North Sipora, including lodges, surf resorts and homestays near Mapadegat, put Telescopes within a short boat ride, with some purpose-built surf lodges quoting around ten minutes. Several homestays sit on Mapadegat beach and about ten minutes by road from Tuapejat harbour. Standards range from very simple to comfortable, so check what each includes: boat trips, guiding, meals and transfers.
Charter boats also visit Telescopes, often as part of trips that cover several Sipora and Playgrounds waves. They offer variety but mean more boats in the lineup in peak season. Our Sipora Island surf resort guide and broader Mentawai surf resort guide explain how to compare land-based stays.
Getting there
Fly into Padang (PDG), then take the Mentawai Fast ferry from Muara Harbour to Tuapejat, typically around three and a half hours. From Tuapejat, North Sipora accommodation is a short road or boat transfer away. Allow a buffer day in Padang in case of weather delays.
Quick facts
- Location: northwest Sipora, near Mapadegat and Pototogat island.
- Wave: long left-hand reef break with barrel sections.
- Name: from its long, tube-shaped barrels.
- Best swell: south to southwest groundswell.
- Best wind: east to southeast.
- Tide: mid tide usually recommended.
- Level: intermediate to advanced; expert when big.
- Nearby lefts: Iceland, Scarecrows.
Frequently asked questions
Is Telescopes a left or a right?
Telescopes is a left. Bintangs, a separate nearby wave, is a short, hollow right.
Why is it called Telescopes?
The name refers to the long, cylindrical barrels the wave produces when it lines up, which look like the tube of a telescope.
Can intermediate surfers surf Telescopes?
Yes, on smaller and moderate days, if you are comfortable on reef waves. When it is big and hollow, it is a wave for advanced and expert surfers.
How far is Telescopes from Tuapejat?
It is on the same northwestern part of Sipora. Homestays near Mapadegat are around ten minutes by road from Tuapejat harbour, then a short boat ride to the lineup.
What other waves are near Telescopes?
Iceland and Scarecrows are well-known lefts in the same North Sipora area, and Bintangs is a nearby right.
For a complete overview of the region, see our surfing Mentawai islands homepage.
Plan your Telescopes trip
We are an independent planning guide and do not own lodges or boats. Tell us your dates and level and we will help you choose a North Sipora base or charter that suits you. Message us on WhatsApp or email bd@juaraholding.com.
