What are the waves like?

Last Updated: 12 June 2009

The best thing to do if you want to check out the waves you will be surfing is to browse through our Photo Gallery which shows some of the waves scored by TENGIRRI guests during 2005. For a full update of current surf conditions check out The Official Tengirri YouTube Channel.

A trip on TENGIRRI is all about exploration and getting away from it all. The areas we go to and the waves you will surf are amongst some of the most perfect and consistent on this planet. Plus with the speed and range of TENGIRRI we can access a HUGE variety of waves. This means we can ensure great surf in most weather and swell conditions and cater for a wide range of surfing abilities and preferences. The peak surf period is from March to November and this part of Indo is super consistent during this time BUT there is also plenty of great, empty waves in the non-peak months of December-February.

From our departure point in Padang you have a variety of options…
We can head straight out to the Mentawais OR we can head north of the Mentawais to a smaller group of secluded islands which are home to a variety of different waves (both lefts and rights) which are usually uncrowded. The waves in this secluded island chain are generally smaller than the Mentawais and Nias but it is the perfect place to get over your jet lag and ease your way into the Indo reef breaks, get used to booties, boards etc OR if your trip coincides with a massive swell and you don’t feel brave enough to charge straight into 8-10 foot barreling reef breaks on the first few days of your trip then this area is the place to be.

After staying in this area for a few days you can either choose to stay a bit longer or head back south to the Mentawais.

For an extra fee we can also head further north into the Nias and Hinakos area, though this would increase the travel (ie-non surf time) of your charter. Regularly surfed waves in the Nias and Hinakos area include Asu, Bawa and the infamous Lagundri Bay right but that is just the tip of the iceberg. With the TENGIRRI we can get you there quickly and in comfort.

The quality and consistency of the waves in the Mentawais area is well known but, even though there are several charter boats operating, there is still PLENTY of waves to be had and it is DEFINITELY still possible to score perfect, uncrowded surf in the Mentawais due to the number and variety of breaks. Click here for a good summary of most of the waves in the Mentawais.

Note that the best thing about the Mentawais and West Sumatra area is that the majority of waves are surfable on all tides meaning it is possible to surf ALL DAY!!! The other good thing about this area is that there are reefs facing every direction of the compass, meaning there is always a perfect wave breaking... somewhere – with TENGIRRI we will get you there!!

We still have some semi-secret breaks up our sleeves, and try to get you surfing alone whenever possible. We like to keep ahead of the pack and give our guests 100% commitment to put them on the best waves possible.

Please note photos and surf descriptions are indicative only. As surfers we all know that due to the variability and unpredictable nature of surf and weather conditions it is IMPOSSIBLE for anywhere to be perfect all the time. However, the good news is that due to the large number and variety of waves in the islands off Sumatra, and the high-speed of TENGIRRI, your chances of above-average (or perfect), uncrowded surf are higher here than anywhere else in the world!!! While we cannot promise perfect surf for your entire trip, in our experience most 12 night charters score good to above-average waves for the majority of the time and it is very rare not to come away with at least 2 or 3 of the perfect, uncrowded and memorable sessions that we all dream about...