If you are looking for a surf camp in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia, you have come to the right place. In this post, you will find a complete description of the best surf camps in the Mentawais, where you can improve your surfing skills, meet new people, and simply have fun.
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About the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
When it comes to riding waves, the Mentawai Islands are as good as it gets. With long waves, beautiful barrels, and stunning nature, the Mentawai Islands may be the best surf destinations on Earth.
The Mentawai Islands are situated in southwest Indonesia, just off the Coast of Sumatra. It consists of many small islands facing the south swells coming from the Indian Ocean. Amazingly, you will find hundreds of surf spots on these islands, each producing spectacular waves.
The surf in the Mentawai Islands can be challenging. Due to the frightening power of the waves and the sharp coral reefs below them, most of the breaks are suitable for advanced surfers. However, a few spots actually offer beginner-friendly waves, allowing novice surfers to enjoy this surf paradise too. With such fantastic surf conditions, surf camps in the Mentawai Islands have become pretty popular in the last few years.
Why Are Surf Camps in the Mentawais So Popular?
Going on a surf trip on a tropical island is what surfers always dream about. Nothing can compare with the feeling of leaving everyday stress and dedicating some quality time to something you love. However, planning a surf trip can also be a hassle, especially when you don’t have local knowledge about the destination. That’s precisely why surf camps in the Mentawai Islands became so popular.
By booking a surf camp in the Mentawais, you take the annoying part out of the equation and focus only on having fun. While the camp handles the logistics, you can relax and enjoy your vacation time. Moreover, surf camps in the Mentawais provide an excellent opportunity to meet new friends from different countries.
A List of the 7 Best Surf Camps in the Mentawai Islands
1. Beng Bengs Surf Camp, Siberut:
Located on the idyllic Nyang Nyang Island, this camp provides easy access to the famous break, Ebay, one of the best ones in the Mentawais. It is a place to immerse in the beautiful wildness of Nyang Nyang island and be surrounded by an abundance of world-class waves.
The camp, with space for twelve guests, caters to surfers of all skill levels, with a wide variety of waves right on its doorstep. With over fifteen breaks in the playgrounds and five on Nyang Nyang alone, you will always have perfect waves to ride.
For more details about surf camps in the Mentawai Islands, please click here.
2. Kingfisher Mentawai Resort:
Kingfisher Resort is a gateway to a world of incredible waves, fascinating culture, and wild nature. The resort allows you to experience the joy of surfing in the Mentawais at its best.
The perfect waves along the Mentawai islands set the stage for what has become a mecca for surfers around the world. With a prime location in front of Lance’s Left on the southern tip of Sipora island, this is all you need to be a happy surfer.
For more details about surf camps in the Mentawai Islands, please click here.
3. Hidden Bay:
This camp is situated next to some of the best surf spots in the northern region of the Mentawais. Therefore, it offers fast access to most waves within a 20-minute boat ride. For instance, the nearest spot is Hideaways, which is less than 5 minutes away, and further away is the famous Burger World.
A professional team of surf coaches is here to help you be in shape and ready for all surfing seasons. Yoga, meditation, Pilates, Bio-mechanics, and techniques of five Konzept are tools used to make your surf trip with no pain and minimal muscle and physical stress.
For more details about surf camps in the Mentawai Islands, please click here.
4. The Shadow Mentawai Surf Camp:
The Shadow Mentawai Surf Camp is situated on a private island with local family surfers. As locals born and raised here, they know every reef, corner, and wave in the Mentawai Islands.
Therefore, they can provide the best support and guide you through the fantastic waves in this region.
The camp is happy to host couples, families with kids, big groups of friends, and solo travelers and guarantees an unforgettable vacation.
For more details about surf camps in the Mentawais, please click here.
5. Mentawai Surf Camp:
Mentawai Surf Camp is surrounded by about 20 world-class surf spots within a 10 km radius. It offers all-inclusive surf packages for experienced surfers and lessons for beginners. The camp will take you daily to the best breaks in the area to ensure you get the best of your time here. Moreover, there is a perfect beginner break just a few steps from the camp, where you can learn and practice without danger.
For more details about surf camps in the Mentawais, please click here.
6. Wave Park:
Wave Park Mentawai is a great choice for surfers who want the comfort of a resort on a private tropical island. It offers an exclusive stay to only 12 surfers and their families. With high-end accommodations, transfers, surf coaching, food, drink, and activities, this camp will ensure you have an incredible surf vacation. Whether you are an advanced surfer, a beginner, or anywhere in between, there is a wide variety of breaks that will suit your skill level. With tons of experience, the local surf experts will know how to guide you to the waves of your dreams.
For more details about surf camps in the Mentawais, please click here.
7. Playground Surf Resort Mentawai:
Playground Surf Resort has over 25 breaks just a short boat ride from its doorstep. Therefore, staying here will ensure easy access to some of the best waves in the Mentawais, like E-bay, Beng-Beng, Nokandui, Hideaway, Bank Vaults, Riffles, and Burger World. The team of surf coaches checks the surf conditions daily to ensure you score the best waves every single surf session. It may not be the best choice for novice surfers, but if you are an advanced surfer, Playground Surf Resort is an excellent choice.
For more details about surf camps in the Mentawais, please click here.
How to Book a Surf Camp in the Mentawai Islands?
Once you choose which surf camp in the Mentawai Islands you want to attend, booking it is easy. Nowadays, there is no need to talk on the phone, as everything is available online. The main question is, what kind of surf camp are you interested in? These are the two main options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for a coaching program, the best website to book the surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. On this website, you can get all the details about weekly schedules, surf instructors, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and only need a place to stay close to the waves, you can make your reservation at www.booking.com.
Both websites are reliable and offer excellent customer service, so you can use them to book your surf camp in the Mentawais.
How Much Should a Surf Camp in the Mentawais Cost?
The cost is obviously a crucial part of your decision when choosing a surf camp in the Mentawai Islands. Luckily, the Mentawais offer various camp packages to suit all budgets, and most of them provide excellent value for money. Factors like seasonality, accommodation level, number of days, number of surf lessons per day, and additional services determine the cost of a surf camp. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that suits you best. In most cases, booking a surf camp in the Mentawai Islands will cost you less than booking all the services yourself. As for the numbers, while the low-budget surf camps in the Mentawai Islands start at about $500, the high-budget ones can cost up to $1,000 per week.
Are Surf Camps in the Mentawai Islands Suitable for Beginners?
In general, the Mentawai Islands are a challenging surf destination suitable for advanced surfers. With massive barrels breaking over sharp reefs, this is definitely not the place for beginners. However, a few breaks are relatively mellow and user-friendly, such as Mini HTs, Fish Fingers, and others. Luckily, some surf camps in the Mentawais have specific programs for beginners, and the instructors know exactly where to take their students to help them improve in a safe environment. So, if you are a beginner, remember to check with the camp to see if they have a program suitable for your skills.
What Time of Year is Best for a Surf Camp in the Mentawai Islands?
The surf in the Mentawai Islands is up 365 days a year. However, certain months have bigger swells than others. So, you can choose your preferred time depending on your skill level and what you seek.
May to September is the prime surf season, and massive swells hit the Islands. July and August typically produce the biggest waves. Therefore, this season is recommended for advanced surfers who can deal with such waves.
March to April and October to November are the transition months. During these months, the swell is still consistent but less powerful, and the swell size ranges from 3 to 6 feet. Therefore, these months are recommended for intermediate surfers.
Finally, between December and February, the waves are smaller and range from 1 to 4 feet. In this season, the breaks are less crowded, so some surfers actually prefer to come during these months.
As for the water temperature, it ranges from 26°C to 28°C (79-82°F) year-round, and there is no need for a wetsuit.
What Should You Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in the Mentawai Islands?
Before choosing your preferred surf camp in the Mentawais, remember to go over this checklist to ensure you understand exactly what the camp package includes:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio? Generally, the smaller the group is, the more personal guidance you will get. Therefore, look for a ratio of no more than 5 to 1.
2. Are surfboard rentals included in the package- Will you have to bring your own surfboard, or is it provided by the camp? Also, can you use the camp’s surfboards for practice after the lessons?
3. Are airport transfers included in the package, or should you get there alone? What about transfers to different surf spots in the surroundings?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is all-inclusive, which meals are included?
5. How many surf lessons are included in the package? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you stay at? Is it a private room or a dorm? Which features does it have?
7. Does the level of coaching suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and experienced surfers?
8. What are the qualifications of the surf instructors? Are they licensed? Remember, your safety is the most important thing.
9. Which coaching tools are used in the surf lessons? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the cost of the camp cover everything?
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, the Mentawai Islands offer what any surfer dreams about. With incredible beaches and perfect waves for all skill levels, surf camps in the Mentawai Islands are the ultimate surf vacation. Regardless of which surf camp you choose, prepare for a magical surf experience.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Indonesia and the one about surf resorts in Indonesia.
