Mentawai Islands

Tengirri

  • March - November
  • 8 Guests
  • $3700+
  • 4 Star Rating
  • Airport: PDG

Tengirri surf charter boat is a 14 meter (46 foot), live aboard, power catamaran designed and built in Australia in 2004 specifically for luxury surf charters in the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia.

Tengirri is one of the strongest, safest, and fastest vessels operating in the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia. From their base in Padang you will be surfing the morning after you arrive into Indonesia. To maximize your time surfing they also do most of their traveling at night but are flexible to stay on the move if conditions change during the day. The Tengirri’s guides and hosts, Phil and Anthony Kiem, have been surfing this area for well over a decade and their experience is second to none. Utilizing this experience and knowledge virtually guarantees that you will score waves every day. Even when you aren’t surfing or fishing you will be relaxing in style and making the most of the boat’s luxurious facilities.

 

 

Why

The Tengirri departs port on every charter with an experienced and qualified (Master Class 5 Seaman) Indonesian skipper. They also have two Indonesian deckhands and a cook who are there to help you with anything you need.

 

 

 

How

Most guests fly into Singapore from their respective departure cities. From there you fly from Singapore to Jakarta, Jakarta to Padang, Sumatra.  It’s a long haul but well worth the payoff when you arrive. Singapore Airlines is hands down the best carrier; their prices are affordable, they don’t charge for boards, and are known as the best airline in the world.

 

 

 

Included/Not Included

What is Included?

• Transfers to and from Padang airport
• Use of tender for fishing and exploratory trips ashore
• Use of fishing and snorkling equipment
• Three gourmet meals per day
• Snacks and fruit
• Non-alcoholic refreshments such as bottled water, hot drinks soft drinks and juices
• 24 cans of Bintang per passenger
• Use of onboard entertainment systems including DVD video and stereo
• Use of all  onboard equipment and amenities.

What is Not Included?

• Photo Service
• Mentawai Surfer Tax – 100US$ per surfer
• Airline tickets
• Travel Insurance (compulsory for all guests, including medivac coverage and coverage for lost charter days)
• Alcoholic Drinks other than Bintang described above, (Passengers are welcome to stock up on beer at local prices prior to departure). If requested a wine list can be forwarded for passengers wishing to purchase specific wines and spirits before departure. A minimum of 90 days notice is required for specific orders.
• Tips for the crew. Tips typically start around US$50 and up. If you’ve had a really good time and the crew’s been outstanding, let them know! Please give all tips to the captain for dispersal to the crew.

 

 

 

Before Your Trip

1. HOW DO I GET TO INDONESIA?
We recommend that you travel to Padang in Sumatra (port of departure) via Jakarta. World Wave Expeditions can coordinate all flights on your behalf.

2. WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST I PACK FOR MY TRIP?
The best advice when packing for a surf trip is to pack as light as possible. This fundamental rule of travel is especially true on a surf charter through the Mentawai Islands – when most of your time is spent in the water.

3. WHAT KIND AND HOW MANY BOARDS SHOULD I TAKE?
Most people bring 2-4 boards. Most people will ride their standard shortboards most of the time but a good idea to follow is  to track the swell forecast before your trip and plan accordingly.

4. WHAT TYPE OF HEALTH PRE- CAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?
A. Most travelers usually update their tetanus and hepatitis shots before traveling to any remote region of the world. B. Malaria is a reality in some parts of Indonesia including the Mentawai Islands; consult your doctor for more information. C. If you take a prescription medication make sure you bring the necessary paperwork that goes with it in case of an emergency. D. If you are prone to seasickness please bring some- thing to counteract its effects such as dramamine or bonine. E. For more information please consult your doctor.

5. DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Travel Insurance is mandatory for your personal safety. A decent travel insurance package will provide coverage for the following: trip cancellation and interruption, baggage delay, baggage coverage, travel delay, emergency medical and dental, emergency, medical transport and evacuation, and travel accident insurance.

6. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
Citizens of the United States or Australia need a passport with at least six months of validity left and one other form of identification.

7. CAN I BE CONTACTED WHILE I’M ON THE BOAT?
The boat currently carries a satellite phone for emergencies and cell phone coverage is available in some areas.

8. WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES?
Our operation is drug free. Indonesia has some of the strictest laws against drug use, drug trafficking, drug anything! The Addiction does not condone drug use in any form on our boat – guests who are found to be using drugs on the boat will be asked to leave immediately. It’s just not worth the hassle and trouble! Our policy is simple – no drugs allowed… please.

9. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY FLIGHT IS DELAYED OR MY BOARDS DON’T MAKE IT?
Fortunately we rarely encounter problems with our guests boards. In the rare instance that your boards do not make it we still send the trip out on schedule and potentially make arrangements with another boat to rendezvous with us and drop off your boards. If your flight is delayed we react accordingly. Whatever time you arrive in Padang we’ll be there to pick you up at the airport and take you to the boat.

10. HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN INDONESIA?
Most travelers coming from the US, Australia, and Europe are issued tourist visas upon arrival, but if you carry a passport from other countries it is worthwhile checking to see if you need a visa. The standard tourist VISA is applicable for up to 30 days. If you plan on staying longer in Indonesia you must apply for an extended stay VISA at your local Indonesian Embassy prior to departure or in Singapore.

11. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
Citizens of the United States need a passport  with  at  least  six months of validity left  and  one  other  form  of  identification. We require that you send us your passport information including the number, date of issue, and place of issue prior to your departure so we can arrange the necessary harbor permits for your travel through the Mentawais. In case you misplace any vital documents you should also carry a back-up photocopy of your passport, id, and airline ticket with you at all times. It doesn’t hurt to leave another copy at home as well.

When you are in Indonesia you will be issued an immigration form that you must keep until your departure. When you leave they will ask to see it to determine how long you were in Indonesia. Please take care of that form once they give it to you.

The most important thing to remember on this list is to make sure that you have an updated passport and a valid VISA. You will not be permitted to enter Indonesia if your passport is going to expire within six months of your departure or if you are from a country that requires a special VISA to enter. Most people can take care of their VISA upon entering Indonesia including citizens of the United States and Australia but before you purchase your airline tickets please check with your local authori- ties to make sure you’re covered…

12. HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO TAKE?
Once you get to the boat all you have to focus on is getting as many good waves as possible. Most of our guests bring extra money for the following reasons: A. Traveling Money: $150US B. Souvenir money: $50US C. VISA money: $25US D. Money for tipping the staff: $75 – $? Please bring crisp,   new bills if you plan to use spending money inside Indonesia.

13. IS THERE A PHOTOGRAPHER AVAILABLE FOR MY TRIP?
Please contact us for details about photography on your trip and updated availability

14. WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE ON THE BOAT?
Boats voltage is 240V AC 50 Hertz so make sure any battery chargers etc you have are suitable. Electrical sockets on board are the 3 pin Australian type. We have some adapters on board but bring your own if you want to be sure.

15. DO YOU HAVE FISHING AND/ OR DIVING GEAR ON THE BOATS? We have some fishing equipment on board, but if you are a keen fisherman bring some of your own lures and maybe your own casting rod. If you’d like to snorkel please bring your own equipment for sanitary reasons. If you must bring a spear gun there is a risk of it being confiscated by customs. We suggest you break it into it’s components and separate them in your baggage.

 

 

 

The Boat

  • Enjoy extended periods of perfect Indo surf onboard the Tengirri, a luxury and air-conditioned surf charter boat.nd
  • Top fishing and snorkeling!
  • Fabulous food!
  • Experienced skipper and crew will get you to the best, most uncrowded waves available under the given swell and weather conditions.
  • To maximize surf time Tengirri aims to travel at night at a comfortable speed of 10 knots and have you on the waves on daylight. If the conditions change during the day the Tengirri can travel at 15-17 knots to a better location.
  • Surf anywhere you want in the Mentawai Islands and Telos Island regions!
  • Small groups (maximum 8). You only need 4 people and you can have exclusive use if the boat.

 

 

Accommodation

We get a lot of people asking about the layout of the boat, so we have put this short Tengirri video tour together to try give people an idea of what it is like.

The Tengirri is a catamaran. Catamarans are well known for delivering a spacious layout and unmatched stability at sea. Accommodation on the Tengirri includes:

  • 3 large outdoor deck areas (back-bottom deck, back-top deck, and front of the boat) fully covered from the sun, ideal platforms to chill out, take photos/video and/or take in the scenery.
  • Spacious indoor saloon and seated dining area.
  • Flat screen TV, I-Pod compatible stereo, media player, satellite phone and all the toys you need to have fun in the tropics.
  • Comfortable sleeping arrangements for 8 guests plus crew in 6 separate cabins: 2 cabins with a double bed in each; 2 cabins with 2 single beds in each; and 2 cabins with 1 single bed in each. Everyone gets their own bed and if you only have 6 onboard everyone gets their own cabin!

 

 

 

Life Onboard

What is the experience like on a Tengirri boat trip? For most people it consists of three things, surfing, eating, and sleeping! This section answers a multitude of questions we hear from our guests about “Life Onboard.

1. WHAT ARE THE WAVES LIKE IN THE MENTAWAI ISLANDS?
The Mentawai Islands are blessed with some of the most consistent, user friendly surf in the world. Waves range from friendly and rippable to downright scary.

2. IS THERE A GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT I SHOULD FOL- LOW DURING MY STAY?
They work hard to give you the best experience possible. The following list offers a quick glance at the do’s and don’ts of boat living in the Mentawais

• Feel free to ask our staff any questions at anytime or for anything you need.
• If you’re hungry tell someone.
• Please smoke in designated areas only – outside only.
• Do your best to keep wet clothes outside.
• Point out problems or potential problems to the staff.
• No drugs allowed.
• Keep your belongings in designated areas. Always use proper surf etiquette.
• Conserve as much water as possible – please take short showers.
• Always look out for other people. Put trash where it belongs.
• Housecleaning is everyday unless you request otherwise.
• If your towels are dirty, please leave them on the floor and we will give you fresh ones.
• When you arrive we will give you one big bottle of water, please refill it as much as you’d like.
• Please use sunscreen, nothing can ruin your vacation more than a sunburn.
• Please share waves with the guests from the charter boats.

3. CAN I MAKE A PHONE CALLS AT THE ON THE BOATS?
The boat currently use a variety of ways to stay in touch with the outside world. They offer a satellite phones for emergencies and cell phone coverage is available at some anchorages. They do not have an internet connection.

4. WHAT SHOULD WE DO IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE OR TSUNAMI?
The boat only anchors in areas they deem to be safe in case of a significant earthquake. If you feel an earth- quake please alert the members of our staff onboard.

5. WHAT IS THE DINING EXPERIENCE LIKE ONBOARD?
They offer full meals ranging from local Indonesian dishes to pasta plates, pizza, chicken and of course fresh fish. We consider every meal extremely important to give you the energy you need to surf all day. Addiction trips are famous for their food which is prepared by professional chefs! There is a set schedule for meals so you don’t have to wonder what time you eat.

6. WHAT TIME ARE MEALS SERVED?
For early-birds, there is cereal, fruit salad, and toasts available in the main galley.

BREAKFAST – 6:00am – 8:00am
LUNCH – 12:30pm – 2:30pm
DINNER – 7:30pm – 8:30 pm

7. WHAT TYPES OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE AVAILABLE?
Beer is available for all guests.

8. WHAT OTHER TYPES OF ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE ONBOARD?
We’ve got dvd’s, boardgames, books, diving gear, fishing gear, snorkeling gear, a ton of great extras to keep you occupied. The primary emphasis is on surfing, eating, and sleeping.

9. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP THE STAFF WHEN MY TRIP FINISHES?
This is entirely up to you. The aver- age tip starts at around  $50US and goes up from there; if you’ve had a great time, the staff did a wonderful job and were accommo- dating, let them know how you feel

10. CAN I CELEBRATE A SPECIAL OCCASION ON THE BOAT?
Hopefully with enough advanced notice we can accommodate any and all requests.

 

 

Local Climate

The local climate is considered tropical, hot, and humid with a temperature range between 70 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 – 32 degrees Celsius.

THE WATER temperature is always around 85 degrees (29 degrees Celsius) no matter what time of year you visit.

THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE is dense, tropical forest with four main islands and dozens of auxil- iary islands – sprinkled with a few main coastal villages throughout.

THE DRY SEASON in this area spans from February to September and the wet season typically occurs between October – January. At any time of the year however expect regular rainfall in short intervals – heavy at times.

LOCAL WINDS surrounding this region are variable throughout most of the year but occasion- ally go through intermittent periods of storminess, called “Badai’s”. Mentawais lies exactly 1 degree below the Equator and as a result is not influenced by the steady easterly trade winds often associ- ated with the rest of Indonesia – that’s what makes this area so unique!

 

 

 

General Specifications

  • Registration: INDONESIAN FLAG
  • Length OA: 14.1 Metres
  • Length Hull: 13.0 Metres
  • Beam: 5.00 Metres
  • Depth: 1.58 Metres
  • Draft: 0.66 Metres
  • Fuel Capacity: 2 x 1750 Litres
  • F/W Capacity: 2 x 420 Litres
  • Lightship Weight: 13 Tonnes
  • Construction: Aluminium Alloy
  • Hull Type: Symmetrical Hard Chine
  • Main Engines: Cummins C-430 8.3Litre 430Hp @ 2600 rpm
  • Transmissions: ZF 302IV Ratio 2.184:1
  • Propellers: MIKADO 4 Blade Skewed
  • Max Speed: 15 Knots
  • Cruise Speed: 12 Knots (day); 10 Knots (night)
  • Genset: Perkins
  • Watermaker: 120Litres p/hour

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions

• Deposit required to confirm your whole boat booking is $8000 USD or $1000 USD per person.
• The standard trip price is for 8 people only max
• Telo or Nias fuel surcharge: $3000 USD
• Final balance is due 90 days before sailing
• No refunds of deposits or payments unless boat does not sail.
• Travel insurance with inclusion for Medivac is MANDATORY
• A current passport with 6 months validity from date of entry to Indonesia required.
• Absolutely no drugs of any kind tolerated. Foreigners caught with drugs may face capital punishment or life imprisonment.

 

 

 

 

The Surf

The Mentawai Islands are arguably the most famous surf destination in the world. Their broad exposure towards the vast, southern Indian Ocean provides these majestic islands with remarkable consistency and quality. There are great waves in this area year-round. However, the most ideal time to surf in the Mentawai’s is during the dry season, late March to early November, the southern hemisphere’s winter, when the Indian Ocean is an ultra-active, groundswell producing machine. During the entire year surf charter boats offer the average surfer the opportunity to score the best waves of their lives in the premiere surf location in the entire world, nothing else comes close… We have compiled a brief glimpse of twenty well-known surf spots in the Mentawai Islands that our guests will have access to. We have provided descriptions of the most well known spots – the rest you’ll have to find out about on your own!

 

 

 

  • Waves Rating by Month

    • Ideal Size: 2′ – 10′
    • Tides: ALL
    • Swell Angles: SE / S / SW / W 
    • Wind Direction: ALL

     

     

     

     

     

  • Average Wave Size (feet) and Period (seconds)

     

     

     

     

  • Average Water and Air Temperatures by Month (°F)

     

     

     

     

Waves Overview

  • 4 Bobs

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    4 Bobs

    4 Bobs is a short, playful right-hander located directly in front of Kandui Resort. Swells that break here wrap considerably around the south end of the island and break over a relatively shallow reef. If you’re fast you can take off deep and try to float the first section where most people take off; otherwise, it’s strictly a one or two turn wave. Ironically, despite it’s relatively tame appeal, 4 Bobs is a perennial favorite to almost every person who surfs it and is one of the most consistent and fun waves in the Mentawais.

  • A Frames

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    A Frames

    Candies is one of the most consistent lefts in the Mentawai Islands. Situated in front of an idyllic island it is one of the many good waves found in the Playgrounds region. There are generally two sections to surf, the top and the inside. The peaks at the top can be a bit shifty and require a fair amount of paddling around to find the right area while the inside section is more dependable and offers up a better wall to work with. A Frames is easily one of the most popular spots in the Mentawai's and is sometimes referred to as "A Frames".

  • Bankvaults

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    Bankvaults

    Bankvaults is a thick, barreling right punctuated by a shifting line-up. Sets seemingly emerge out of nowhere and can wreak havoc if you're caught out ofposition. The ideal size to surf Bankvaults is head-high to a triple overhead, in any swell size, getting caught inside is a certainty. Despite the dangers, snag a clean, open barrel here and you'll be talking about it for years.

  • E-Bay

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    E-Bay

    E-Bay is a fast, barreling left that gets good when it's head high or bigger. When a pumping west swell is marching through, E-bay does a close impersonation of Padang Padang on Bali without the death cliff looming inside. The overall set-up at E-bay is flawless, stereotypical Indonesian, with beautiful, bluish-green water and tall palm trees everywhere. Besides its aesthetic beauty, double overhead E-bay is a beast and force to be reckon with.

  • Greenbush

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    Greenbush

    Greenbush has gained a lot of recognition and prominence in the last few years. It is a very challenging left that breaks deep inside a beautiful bay. But don’t let it’s beauty fool you! Greenbush has a relatively tame drop on the right swell but things quickly turn more perilous as you charge down the line and the reef gets shallower and shallower - eventually it becomes completely dry. If you are not a competent barrel rider or aren’t keen to leave a lot of your skin on that inside section we recommend you leave it alone!

  • Hideaways

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    Hideaways

    Hideaways is an occasionally heavy left near the Playgrounds region that is frequently visited by Kandui guests. In the last few years it has been one of the "go to" waves because it is a lot more consistent the other world class waves in our area and can handle a lot of the more annoying wind directions like straight souths. Hideaways has the ability to be a sick cavern or offer up a rippable shoulder. You can really only surf it on medium to high tide, at low tide it sticks out of the water and unless you like reef cuts stay away!

  • Iceland

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    Iceland

    Iceland is a sizable left that is known as one of the "big wave" spots in the Mentawais. It has a very large playing field and a few different take-off options including a few rights when it is small - but watch out for the paddle back out! Iceland isn't known as a barreling wave unless it has some serious size - if big enough it will look more like Hawaii Five-O than most other waves in the Mentawais and when it looks like that Telescopes is a much better option. There are a few quirky waves in this area but nothing world class except Telescopes.

  • Kandui

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    Kandui

    Kandui a.k.a Kanduis or Nokandui is one of the fastest, down the line, left-hand barrels in the world. Kandui is an obscenely hollow wave with your only option for survival being tucked inside its enormous, gaping jaws. Unless you're comfortable pumping inside the barrel the best you can hope for is to find the right line, exert a little extra front foot pressure, and hold on. Most of the waves will simply outrace you; however, the thrill of charging through the longest barrel possible is more than worth the effort. If the conditions are right you'll take your share of beatings; butchances are you'll kick out of the best barrel of your life as well.

  • Lance's Right

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    Lance's Right

    Lance's Right, also commonly referred to as “HT’s”, is a fast, perfect, barreling right-hander. Out of all the breaks in the Mentawai’s “HT’s” best exemplifies the term “swell wrap”. The waves here wrap around the south end of the island and into a guarded bay over one-hundred and eighty degrees before unloading over an unmerciful reef aptly named “The Surgeon’s Table”. It is probably one of the top five most famous waves in the entire world and not without good reason. There are three main take-off zones, but it’s the deepest zone, dubbed “The Office” that serves up the heaviest, scariest, roundest, most mesmerizing barrels in the world.

  • Lance's Left

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    Lance's Left

    Lance's Left is one of the most popular destinations in the Mentawai’s for consistency and quality. It is an occasionally grinding left with multiple take-off zones and during the right conditions two distinct barrel sections. Despite its relatively harmless allure Lance’s Left can pack a serious punch, especially if you get caught inside and find yourself parked on the reef. The extreme inside sports a series of lava fingers with deep gaps in between, keep this in mind as before you try to squeeze in that last roundhouse. The place can hold size, up to ten feet, and is often compared to G-Land’s Moneytrees section as steep take-offs throw you down the line with impressive speed and flow. Lance’s Left is always a good call if the winds are right so it’s no surprise that many boat captains and traveling surfers frequent the area.

  • Macaronis

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    Macaronis

    Macaronis more commonly referred to as “Macca’s” is one of the best lefts our planet has to offer. It is the premiere destination of every boat charter in the Mentawai’s and more often than not there are a minimum of six boats camped out in front of it. Every magazine and surf video nowadays devotes an obscene amount of coverage to this wave, remarkably, it deserves it. The wave itself barrels graciously on the take-off before walling up into the most high performance oriented waves imaginable. To top it off, the scenery surrounding it is breathtaking as it sits comfortably inside a picturesque cove with emerald green water lapping its shores. The only downside to surfing Macaroni’s is the fact that it’s usually smaller than everywhere else because it faces an awkward direction. Macca’s works best from three to six feet, it is possible to surf here during larger swells but the drops begin to look more like Teahupoo and the consequences become more substantial.

  • Nipussi

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    Nipussi

    Nipussi is a high-performance right situated inside a reef-laden cove. Most people line up at the apex of the point and surf a solid wall that hugs the inside, but during a west swell some people prefer to sit wide and wait for the swinger sets which break in the middle of the cove. Tikis always has waves and is a good alternative when the rest of the islands are flat. It's known as one of the mellowest waves in the islands but it's still a powerful wave.

  • Pitstops

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    Pitstops

    Pitstops is one of the most high performance waves in the Mentawai Islands. Located a few hundred yards away from E-Bay you can’t really tell if Pitstops is breaking unless you take a close look. The wave itself starts breaking in a compact area over reef, remarkably, if you’re not paying attention, the take-off can be quite challenging. However, once you’re on your feet you’ve got a really fun, semi-backwashy wave to carve, pull in, or boost on. As the wave progresses it starts breaking over a combination of sand and reef until eventually expiring itself on a beautiful tropical beach. One of the most photogenic waves in the world.

  • Playgrounds

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    Playgrounds

    Playgrounds Left lies smack dab in the middle of "Playgrounds." It breaks best on a direct south swell and is a fairly straightforward wave for people of all abilities. The wave itself runs almost exactly one hundred yards over a shallow, but manageable reef. While sitting in the line-up you are surrounded by a triangle of islands which offer a really unique perspective. Easily visible from Playgrounds is surfed by those people looking to take a fish or longboard out and get some longish rides. Even though it's soft a lot of the time with a medium tide you'll have a blast!

  • Rags Left

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    Rags Left

    A great lefthander that can hold the biggest swells. It is very hollow and can often dish out some of the heaviest hold-downs in the island chain. Usually a bit more water moving around so a larger board can be useful.

  • Rags Right

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    Rags Right

    Rag's Right is a formidable opponent to your health, safety, and well being. It is a wide-open right capable of churning out oxygen-sucking dry barrels. Perhaps the most difficult part in the Rag's Right equation is the drop. The wave stands up and explodes over a nearly exposed reef, the faster you are able to get into it, the greater your chance for success. If it's breaking, it's definitely worth a gander as eight to twelve second tubes become standard. If you can swing it, ride a shorter board for increased maneuverability and control deep in the barrel.

  • Rifles

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    Rifles

    Rifles is one of the longest, most perfect, awe-inspiring waves in the world. When it's breaking properly with a hint of northwest wind you can expect four to six hundred yard right walls with numerous tube sections. Rifles is a violent barrel from start to finish, sometimes when you think you are coming out another section will throw over, and another, and another. If you do come out and see it lining up, you have to put the pedal to the metal to make itthrough the next barrel section. Surfer Magazine dubbed Rifles the 6th best wave in the world!

  • Roxy's

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    Roxy's

    Super fun right in a picturesque cove.

  • Telescopes

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    Telescopes

    Every thing you've heard about Telescopes is true. It's a remarkably long left which tempts you to sit deeper and deeper, almost daring you to backdoor an impossible section. With size, the wave breaks for over a half mile outside and descends upon the formal take-off area at mach-one. Fortunately, by the time it reaches the pack its slowed down a bit and ready to serve up a wondrous, steep, hollow wall. Telescopes is frequented by many boats based on its premiere quality. However, there always seems to be plenty of waves to go around andwhen its absolutely firing at six to eight foot many less accomplished surfers watch it from the safe confines of their boats, videocameras in hand.

  • Thunders

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    Thunders

    Thunders is the largest, most consistent break in the Mentawai’s. Aptly named, Thunders powerful lefts break so hard that it not only makes a booming sound; but it also creates a weird, sea foam that often has trouble clearing out before the next set. The line-up is extremely complicated as waves seem to break everywhere around you; however, on a rising swell a solid, slabby wall offers a serious drop followed by a forceful shoulder. The wave breaks in deeper water than you’d expect so it’s unlikely you will hit the bottom here. The reality of surfing Thunders on a big day, which is often, is you’ll get stuck inside and probably have to make a trip to the shore to make it back out. Grab a big board and charge.

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