Mentawai Right Now: Why This Season is Perfect for Regular Surfers
The current surf season in Mentawai is absolutely firing—and if you’ve been holding out for perfect conditions without the peak-season crowds, this is your window. From March to May, the Mentawai surf forecast lights up with long-period Indian Ocean swells, delivering clean barrels, light winds, and uncrowded lineups across some of the best surf spots in Mentawai March–May.
Whether you're chasing advanced surf trips in Indonesia or just want to score with your crew before the rush, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about where to surf, when to go, and what to expect right now in the Mentawais.
Why March to May is the Best Surf Season in the Mentawais
✔ Consistent Swell: The first big pulses of the year are rolling in from deep in the southern Indian Ocean, sending solid, long-period waves straight to the Mentawais.
✔ Lighter Winds: Unlike the mid-year months (June – September) where trade winds become more unpredictable, March-May brings more offshore days, meaning glassy conditions and cleaner barrels.
✔ Less Crowded Lineups: While peak season (June-Sept) attracts massive crowds, March-May keeps it mellow—meaning more waves for you and your crew.
✔ All-Time Conditions: If you’ve been waiting for the perfect balance between big, powerful waves and fun, rippable conditions, this season is the sweet spot.
Best Surf Spots Firing Right Now in the Mentawais
If you’re heading to the Mentawais during March-May, you’re in for a treat. Here’s where you should be paddling out:
🏄♂️ Rifles – The Best Right-Hander in the Mentawais
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- The crown jewel of the Mentawai Islands.
- Super long, perfect right-hand barrels that can run for up to 200 meters.
- Works best March – May when the swell starts filling in but isn’t too maxed out.
- When it’s on, expect multiple barrel sections, high-speed walls, and some of the best waves of your life.
🏄♂️ Lances Right (HT’s) – A Fast, Hollow Machine
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- A consistent, mechanical right-hander with a picture-perfect barrel.
- Fires during this season, especially at 4-6 feet, where it’s still fun and makeable.
- Can handle bigger swells later in the season.
🏄♂️ Kandui (Left) – The Fastest Barrel in the Islands
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- A beast when conditions align—ultra-fast, hollow, and absolutely pumping in April-May.
- Best for experienced surfers—if you hesitate, you’ll get chewed up.
🏄♂️ Greenbush – Heavy Slab Perfection
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- One of the heaviest lefts in the Mentawais, and it gets INSANE during this time of year.
- Works best on a mid-sized swell with a clean direction.
- If you’re ready to pull into some serious barrels, Greenbush is a must.
🏄♂️ Bank Vaults – Power and Consequence
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- A powerful, high-performance wave that starts working best from March onward.
- Big, open barrels with a serious punch.
- Not for beginners—but if you’ve got the skills, it’s an unforgettable ride.
🏄♂️ Nipussi – A Reliable Rippable Right
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- A fun, punchy right-hander, perfect for intermediates looking to level up.
- March and April are prime months—gets good size but stays manageable and playful.
Photo Credit ©Copyright: Mentawai Surf Co
Why You Should Book Your Trip Right Now
Thinking about waiting until peak season (June-September)? Think again. Here’s why March-May is one of the best times to lock in your trip:
🚀 Less competition in the water → Fewer surfers = more waves for you.
🚀 Better wind conditions → More offshore mornings, cleaner barrels.
🚀 Less boat traffic → More empty waves, less time waiting for sets.
🚀 Best balance of swell vs. manageability → If you want high-performance waves without maxed-out death pits, this is your window.
How to Get to the Mentawais for This Season
If you’re reading this and your FOMO is kicking in, here’s how to make it happen:
✈ Fly to Padang, Sumatra → This is your gateway to the Mentawais.
🚤 Take a fast ferry or private speedboat → The quickest way to get straight to the waves.
🏝 Book your stay at a surf camp (like Driftwood Mentawai) or hop on a boat trip.
Packing List for a March-May Mentawai Trip
✔ Step-up board → These waves pack more power than your local beachie.
✔ Tropical wax & extra leashes → They break often.
✔ Reef booties → If you’re surfing shallower spots.
✔ Zinc & SPF 50+ sunscreen → Indo sun is no joke.
✔ Cash → No ATMs on the smaller islands.
What Else to Do Beyond Surfing?
While you’ll spend most of your time scoring waves, the Mentawais also offer:
🏝 Snorkeling & Freediving – The reefs are insane.
🍽 Local Food & Culture – Experience authentic Mentawai life.
🧘 Yoga & Recovery Sessions – Stay loose between surfs.
🎣 Fishing & Spearfishing – Plenty of reef fish to catch.
Book Your Trip Now Before the Season is Gone
The current surf season in the Mentawai is firing, the conditions are perfect, and the lineups are still uncrowded—but not for long. If you want to score perfect Rifles, dreamy Lances Right, and endless barrels, now’s the time to make your move.
🚀 Don’t miss out on this epic season—lock in your Mentawai surf trip today!