Mentawai 2026 Season: The Best of Driftwood So Far
We're not calling this the season wrap-up.
Not yet.
The Mentawai 2026 season is still running, the boats are still heading out, and there are plenty more sessions to come before we put 2026 in the books.
But we're far enough into the year to take a look back at what's happened so far.
Guests have arrived from around the world. Old faces have returned. New crews have discovered the Playgrounds for the first time. Boards have been snapped, barrels have been made (and missed), fish have been caught and a ridiculous amount of footage has made its way onto hard drives.
So, rather than another guide to surfing the Mentawais, here's a look at the Mentawai surf season 2026 as we've actually experienced it at Driftwood.
The Waves
This is the Mentawais. The waves were always going to get top billing.
Being based in the Playgrounds gives us access to a huge variety of breaks, from more playful options to some of the reefs people fly halfway around the world to surf.
One of the biggest advantages we've had throughout the season is running two daily surf boats.
It means everyone doesn't have to chase the same thing.
When conditions allow, one boat can head off looking for something more challenging while another group targets a wave better suited to their ability or what they want from the session.
That flexibility is a big part of the way we approach surfing at Driftwood surf camp.
A Recap of The Days That Were Dreamy
March: Pumping Bank Vaults: a dream run of swell that kicked off the 2026 season with a bang. Non-stop waves from early season back-to-back swells.
April: April had some super fun days in the Playgrounds.
May: May lit up with crowd favourites such as Bank Vaults, EBay and mellower days at Burgerworld
June: June started off a bit slow as compared to other years but still showed up with some perfection.
July: Kandui, Hideaways and EBay delivered some classic Mentawai sessions, the kind of waves that you travel half way around the world for.
August: We had a VANS trip with guests such as Shane Sykes, Shane Borland, Luke Slijpen and Micky Clarke. The boys were going for it, stacking clips for their upcoming movie parts.
For anyone planning a future trip, you can explore more of the surf around Driftwood and see just how much variety sits within reach of camp.
The People
A Mentawai surf recap could easily become ten paragraphs about waves.
But that would miss half the story.
2026 has brought another mix of returning guests, first-time Mentawai surfers, mates travelling together, families, creators and surfers who have had the islands on their list for years.
That's what changes the atmosphere from one trip to the next.
The people on the boats become the people around the dinner table that night. A crew that arrived together ends up surfing with someone from the other side of the world. Returning guests catch up with the Driftwood team and settle straight back into camp life.
The surf matters.
So does who you share it with.
The Missions
Most mornings begin with the same priorities: check the conditions, work out what the ocean is doing and decide where the boats should go.
Then the day takes its own direction.
Some missions are about finding the best wave for the whole group. Others are about chasing something heavier when the conditions and surfers line up.
And some of the best records of the Driftwood Mentawai highlights are sitting in this year's photos and footage.
Barrels. Turns. Wipeouts. Boat rides. Drone shots. The stuff that happened before and after the session.
For surfers who want more than a few phone clips from the boat, Driftwood can also arrange surf photography and content support to help capture the trip properly.
The Lay Days
Not every day needs to involve six hours in the water.
When the surf backs off, the wind isn't playing along or everyone's shoulders need a break, there's plenty to do away from the lineup.
This year has included fishing missions, island hopping, snorkelling, beach BBQs and the kind of slow days that become increasingly appealing after several days of paddling.
You can explore more of what's available on our Activities page.
A lay day isn't a write-off.
Sometimes it's exactly what you need before the next pulse arrives.
And, Obviously, the Food
Surf. Eat. Surf. Eat.
There's a reason that rhythm works.
Big days in the water require big meals, and food is a serious part of daily life at Driftwood.
Post-surf breakfasts, fresh fish, proper dinners and beach BBQs have all been part of the year so far. Meals are also one of the few times everyone stops moving long enough to end up in the same place.
Boards get discussed.
Tomorrow's forecast gets analysed.
Today's questionable claims get challenged.
Then everyone does it again the next morning.
You can see more of camp life and accommodation on The Resort.
2026 Isn't Finished
Here's the important part.
This isn't a retrospective because the Mentawai 2026 season isn't over.
There are still remaining trips available later this year, and we're currently offering 30% off those dates.
Later-season trips shouldn't be viewed as what's left over. Depending on the conditions, shoulder season can deliver playful surf, plenty of variety and generally lighter pressure in the lineups than the busiest peak-season windows.
If you've spent the year watching everyone else's Mentawai surf trip 2026 unfold from your phone, there's still time to stop watching and get on a plane.
And with the current offer, it's a particularly good time to do it.
2026 isn't finished yet. We've already had an unforgettable season of waves, crews, boat missions and island life, and there are still trips left to come.
Save 30% on our remaining 2026 dates and come make your own highlight reel in the Mentawais.