THE WAVES
Most waves in the region are accessible to average surfers, though as the swell builds, so does the difficulty – with fun perfect breaks at 2-5ft becoming heaving freight-trains at 6-8ft+. Fortunately, we can always find more protected bays to suit varying standards. The quantity of waves and variable equatorial winds on a small tidal range means that there is usually something on offer regardless of swell size, wind direction or tide. All of this marks Sumatra as the jewel in the Indonesian surfing crown …
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The Banyaks
Treasure Island
Cobra's
Bay of Plenty -
Nias
Asu
Lagundri
Beachie
Secrets -
Telos
Missions
Skateparks
Rangga’s -
Mentawais
Macaronis
Lighthouse
The Hole
SURF & EXPLORE The Banyaks
Located further north than well-known Nias, is a lesser-explored island chain called the Banyaks. It is possible to find a wide variety of surf breaks here, from mellow fun waves to barreling lefts and rights. The most famous wave in the region is known as “Treasure Island”, a long fast right with multiple barrel sections. Together with Simeulue, these islands provide the opportunity for real exploration and with numerous surf breaks, small swell options and far fewer operators than the Mentawai’s, there are plenty of waves to go around.
HIGHLIGHTS
Treasure Island
Treasures can legitimately make the claim of being one of the best right hand reef breaks Indonesia has to offer. A relatively easy take off leads into a ruler edged wall that produce multiple barrel sections as it winds down the reef. Tube freaks can head further up the reef to Indicators but most will be stoked with the gems on offer at this truly world class wave. Soak up the beauty of this pristine jungle backdrop and pinch yourself as you watch wave after wave embrace the lucky few that have made the journey to get here.
Cobra’s
Big drops and fast walls are usually the order of the day allowing for turns, the occasional shack, or a full-on speed run. Given the right swell direction Cobras turns into a perfect left barrel. Pull-in from take off and get tubed all the way to the waiting deep-water channel. Definitely one to get your froth on for, its manageable by most until its starts to get solid then it deserves some respect.
Bay of Plenty
Certainly an apt name for this tropical bay. With 3 fun waves populating its shores “the bay” has plenty to keep crew stoked.
Bay Lefts: Fun left point break with long walls for carving turns and speed runs. The inside of the wave offers up the chance to get barrelled for those ready to commit. The reef wary might be best to stick to the outside walls or head deep inside the bay to “Toytown lefts”, a super fun, user-friendly left.
Bay Rights/Joysticks: A fun right that starts with a barrell from take off and leads into a fun wall that begs to be smashed to pieces. Connect to the inside for the chance of another tube or kick out and head back for more.
SURF & EXPLORE Nias & Asu
Nias Island needs no introduction: It’s epic right at Lagundri has been welcoming surfers into its arms for decades. Surfing with a throng of local surfers and wave hungry tourists doesn’t fit with the Tradewinds experience. Instead, our exploration will take us further afield, perhaps visiting the Hinako’s, surfing the lesser-known spots on the coast and sniffing out a few secrets of our own. Make no mistake: Nias has a lot more to offer than Lagundri.
HIGHLIGHTS
Asu
Powerful, perfect, idyllic are all accurate descriptions of Pulau Asu and the left-hand wave that breaks along its shores. Comfortably holding anything from 3 – 12ft ,Asu is another of those straight from a magazine Indo type set ups. When small it’s a fun wave that allows for turns, tubes and is manageable by most levels. 4-6ft is probably most people’s idea of perfection, the wave starts to open up a bit more and offers nice barrel sections and fast walls. Over 6ft (double overhead) Asu has consequence but if you’re up for you’ll likely score some of the best waves of your life.
The Beachie
Depending on the banks this beach can deliver Turquoise A frames , good barrels or soft ramp and turn sections . regardless it’s usually always fun and most importantly empty. A nice change from surfing over reef yet still able to deliver quality waves when the banks are right.
Shoal
The shoal is a new wave as a result of the the 2009 earthquake that caused a lift in the reef. Breaking a couple of Km out to sea means that it’s a little fickle and sensitive to wind but on its day it’s one of the best rights in the region. Shane Dorian and friends were out here last season on one of the solid swells, definitely worth checking if you like solid conditions.
SURF & EXPLORE Telo Islands
The Telos provide a stunning backdrop that combine tropical white sand beaches, dense lush jungle and remote jurassic rock towers.
This stretch of islands boasts a variety of fun waves that whilst lacking some of the intensity of the Mentawais, still have enough power to keep even the more advanced surfers happy. There are numerous lefts and rights reefs from superfun Skateparks, long wrapping points and the occasional freight-train barrel thrown in for good measure.
HIGHLIGHTS
Missions
A super-fun left breaking in front of a Missionary building, “Missions” starts with an easy take off leading to a speed run that connects to a rippable inside section. There’s the occasional cover up to be had and plenty of opportunity to work on your turns as you throw buckets all the way to the inside.
Skateparks
As the name suggests, Skateparks is a fun wave that gives room to work on your repertoire of skills. With something for all levels, this right-hander starts with an easy take off and then stands up for turns and the occasional barrel. Best from 3 – 4ft. It’s a consistent favourite with guests onboard.
Rangga’s
One of the more challenging waves in the region, Rangas is a quality makeable barrel from take off ending in a nice inside wall to bash to pieces. A favourite amongst tube hungry natural footers, score this wave at 3- 4ft and it can make your trip.
SURF & EXPLORE Mentawais
For sheer consistency, quality and density of waves, the Mentawai’s are hard to beat. It is this region that has helped provide many of the images that we have imprinted in our minds when we conjure up thoughts of a tropical boat trip. Despite all manner of boats and resorts operating here, we still seem to have the ability to provide our guests with uncrowded, world-class waves which is testimony, not only to our guides, but the sheer number of waves. Those looking for mid-size perfection should check out our low season charters, which is our favourite time to visit the Mentawai’s.
HIGHLIGHTS
Macaronis
Possibly one of the best and most fun waves in the world! Morning offshores provide for a mechanical barrelling left that can wind itself all the way to the channel. Take off a little further down the line and you have a fun wall which breaks at just the right speed for turns and another chance to get covered. If the wind comes up – no problem, things often just get more fun. The barrels tend to disappear, but what remains is a super rippable wall that gives you that “I can do no wrong feeling”. Goofyfooters will be dragged away from here screaming!
Lighthouse
Far away from the Playgrounds crowds is a long winding right hander that delivers speed runs and some nice barrel sections. Best at 4 – 8ft on a South swell, lighthouse swings in from deep water and wraps around the island. Climb the tower here for an awesome perspective or enjoy the solitude as you’ll likely be here alone.
The Hole
Powerful left-hand barrel machine that gets the heart pumping and blood flowing in more ways than one. When conditions are right, the hole provides for sessions of epic proportions. Take off, commit and with a bit of luck, you’ll make it through the inside bowl. The hole’s certainly not for everybody but those with the ability will reap the rewards. There’s a couple of mellower options nearby so mere mortals can still surf without feeling the need to paddle out.
SURF & EXPLORE The Banyaks
Located further north than well-known Nias, is a lesser-explored island chain called the Banyaks. It is possible to find a wide variety of surf breaks here, from mellow fun waves to barreling lefts and rights. The most famous wave in the region is known as “Treasure Island”, a long fast right with multiple barrel sections. Together with Simeulue, these islands provide the opportunity for real exploration and with numerous surf breaks, small swell options and far fewer operators than the Mentawai’s, there are plenty of waves to go around.
HIGHLIGHTS
Treasure Island
Treasures can legitimately make the claim of being one of the best right hand reef breaks Indonesia has to offer. A relatively easy take off leads into a ruler edged wall that produce multiple barrel sections as it winds down the reef. Tube freaks can head further up the reef to Indicators but most will be stoked with the gems on offer at this truly world class wave. Soak up the beauty of this pristine jungle backdrop and pinch yourself as you watch wave after wave embrace the lucky few that have made the journey to get here.
Cobra’s
Big drops and fast walls are usually the order of the day allowing for turns, the occasional shack, or a full-on speed run. Given the right swell direction Cobras turns into a perfect left barrel. Pull-in from take off and get tubed all the way to the waiting deep-water channel. Definitely one to get your froth on for, its manageable by most until its starts to get solid then it deserves some respect.
Bay of Plenty
Certainly an apt name for this tropical bay. With 3 fun waves populating its shores “the bay” has plenty to keep crew stoked.
Bay Lefts: Fun left point break with long walls for carving turns and speed runs. The inside of the wave offers up the chance to get barrelled for those ready to commit. The reef wary might be best to stick to the outside walls or head deep inside the bay to “Toytown lefts”, a super fun, user-friendly left.
Bay Rights/Joysticks: A fun right that starts with a barrell from take off and leads into a fun wall that begs to be smashed to pieces. Connect to the inside for the chance of another tube or kick out and head back for more.
SURF & EXPLORE Nias & Asu
Nias Island needs no introduction: It’s epic right at Lagundri has been welcoming surfers into its arms for decades. Surfing with a throng of local surfers and wave hungry tourists doesn’t fit with the Tradewinds experience. Instead, our exploration will take us further afield, perhaps visiting the Hinako’s, surfing the lesser-known spots on the coast and sniffing out a few secrets of our own. Make no mistake: Nias has a lot more to offer than Lagundri.
HIGHLIGHTS
Asu
Powerful, perfect, idyllic are all accurate descriptions of Pulau Asu and the left-hand wave that breaks along its shores. Comfortably holding anything from 3 – 12ft ,Asu is another of those straight from a magazine Indo type set ups. When small it’s a fun wave that allows for turns, tubes and is manageable by most levels. 4-6ft is probably most people’s idea of perfection, the wave starts to open up a bit more and offers nice barrel sections and fast walls. Over 6ft (double overhead) Asu has consequence but if you’re up for you’ll likely score some of the best waves of your life.
The Beachie
Depending on the banks this beach can deliver Turquoise A frames , good barrels or soft ramp and turn sections . regardless it’s usually always fun and most importantly empty. A nice change from surfing over reef yet still able to deliver quality waves when the banks are right.
Shoal
The shoal is a new wave as a result of the the 2009 earthquake that caused a lift in the reef. Breaking a couple of Km out to sea means that it’s a little fickle and sensitive to wind but on its day it’s one of the best rights in the region. Shane Dorian and friends were out here last season on one of the solid swells, definitely worth checking if you like solid conditions.
SURF & EXPLORE Telo Islands
The Telos provide a stunning backdrop that combine tropical white sand beaches, dense lush jungle and remote jurassic rock towers.
This stretch of islands boasts a variety of fun waves that whilst lacking some of the intensity of the Mentawais, still have enough power to keep even the more advanced surfers happy. There are numerous lefts and rights reefs from superfun Skateparks, long wrapping points and the occasional freight-train barrel thrown in for good measure.
HIGHLIGHTS
Missions
A super-fun left breaking in front of a Missionary building, “Missions” starts with an easy take off leading to a speed run that connects to a rippable inside section. There’s the occasional cover up to be had and plenty of opportunity to work on your turns as you throw buckets all the way to the inside.
Skateparks
As the name suggests, Skateparks is a fun wave that gives room to work on your repertoire of skills. With something for all levels, this right-hander starts with an easy take off and then stands up for turns and the occasional barrel. Best from 3 – 4ft. It’s a consistent favourite with guests onboard.
Rangga’s
One of the more challenging waves in the region, Rangas is a quality makeable barrel from take off ending in a nice inside wall to bash to pieces. A favourite amongst tube hungry natural footers, score this wave at 3- 4ft and it can make your trip.
SURF & EXPLORE Mentawais
For sheer consistency, quality and density of waves, the Mentawai’s are hard to beat. It is this region that has helped provide many of the images that we have imprinted in our minds when we conjure up thoughts of a tropical boat trip. Despite all manner of boats and resorts operating here, we still seem to have the ability to provide our guests with uncrowded, world-class waves which is testimony, not only to our guides, but the sheer number of waves. Those looking for mid-size perfection should check out our low season charters, which is our favourite time to visit the Mentawai’s.
HIGHLIGHTS
Macaronis
Possibly one of the best and most fun waves in the world! Morning offshores provide for a mechanical barrelling left that can wind itself all the way to the channel. Take off a little further down the line and you have a fun wall which breaks at just the right speed for turns and another chance to get covered. If the wind comes up – no problem, things often just get more fun. The barrels tend to disappear, but what remains is a super rippable wall that gives you that “I can do no wrong feeling”. Goofyfooters will be dragged away from here screaming!
Lighthouse
Far away from the Playgrounds crowds is a long winding right hander that delivers speed runs and some nice barrel sections. Best at 4 – 8ft on a South swell, lighthouse swings in from deep water and wraps around the island. Climb the tower here for an awesome perspective or enjoy the solitude as you’ll likely be here alone.
The Hole
Powerful left-hand barrel machine that gets the heart pumping and blood flowing in more ways than one. When conditions are right, the hole provides for sessions of epic proportions. Take off, commit and with a bit of luck, you’ll make it through the inside bowl. The hole’s certainly not for everybody but those with the ability will reap the rewards. There’s a couple of mellower options nearby so mere mortals can still surf without feeling the need to paddle out.
