Mentawai Surfboard Guide: The Best Boards for Every Wave and Style
The Mentawai Islands are legendary for a reason. No other surf destination offers the same variety of world-class waves in such a concentrated, tropical paradise. Whether you’re chasing mellow peelers, punchy performance peaks, or heaving barrels, there’s a wave (and a board) with your name on it.
But here’s the truth: scoring the best sessions in the Ments isn’t just about luck and swell—it’s about bringing the right surfboard quiver. This Mentawai surfboard guide breaks down exactly what to pack, how to match your board to the waves, and pro tips for stress-free travel. Get ready to maximize your surf time, minimize headaches, and ride better than ever in Indo’s most wave-rich playground.
Mentawai’s Variety: Know Your Waves Before You Pack
From cruisy lefts like Beng Bengs to freight train barrels at Kandui, the Mentawai Islands demand a strategic approach. Your surfboard selection should match the wave diversity:
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Small to Medium Waves: Think playful, forgiving spots like Burger World and Beng Bengs—perfect for adding extra foam and glide.
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Performance Peaks: Rifles and Playgrounds light up with fast, rippable walls.
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Heavy Barrels: When the swell turns up at Kandui or Bank Vaults, you want paddle power and hold.
Why does this matter? Because one board just doesn’t cut it in the Ments. Build your quiver to cover every scenario and you’ll get more waves, adapt to conditions, and avoid the heartbreak of a snapped stick with no backup.
Surfboard Recommendations by Wave Type
1. Small to Medium Waves (Beng Bengs, Burger World)
Board Type: Fish, funboards, or hybrids with extra volume
Why? These boards paddle easy, catch waves early, and generate speed in softer surf.
Example: Al Merrick Channel Islands Twin Pin
Twin fins, rounder outline, and plenty of flow—perfect for making the most of smaller days.
Best surfboards for Mentawai waves:
5’4”–6’0” Fish (extra foam)
Hybrids with forgiving rails
Funboards for the glide
2. Performance Waves (Lances Left, Playgrounds)
Board Type: Standard shortboards with a balanced rocker and responsive rails
Why? Need speed, quick transitions, and the ability to push through turns.
Example: Lost… Surfboards Mayhem Sub Driver 2.0
Fast, responsive, and designed to handle the Mentawai’s punchy sections.
Recommended:
6’0”–6’2” shortboards, moderate rocker
Thruster fin setup for versatility
3. Heavy Barrels (Kandui, Bank Vaults)
Board Type: Step-ups with pin tails and extra length
Why? Paddle power, control in steep drops, and the ability to hold a line in the barrel.
Example: Step-up boards 6’3”–6’6”, pin tails, heavy glassing
(surfer.com)
Pro Tip:
Heavier glass jobs help boards survive gnarly wipeouts.
Pin tails = more hold and less slide in hollow, powerful waves.
Building the Perfect Mentawai Surfboard Quiver
How many boards to bring?
3–5 boards is the sweet spot.
Recommended setup:
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Fun board/groveller for small days (twin fin or fish)
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2 x high-performance shortboards (always bring a backup!)
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1 x step-up for bigger swells (pin tail, extra length)
Don’t forget:
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Bring at least one backup—Indo reefs can be unforgiving.
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Check airline policies: You’ll pay per board on most international flights and again on the ferry to the islands.
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Pack boards with bubble wrap, towels, and board socks inside a coffin bag for best protection.
Mentawai surfboard quiver = more waves, less drama.
Tailoring Your Board Choices to Skill Level
Beginners
Go bigger, go foamier:
7’0”+ funboard or soft top
Extra volume = more waves, better stability, less frustration.
Intermediates
Versatility is key:
Hybrids, performance funboards, and a shortboard you trust.
Look for something that can handle both small and medium days.
Advanced/Pros
Performance, tailored for the spot:
Fine-tuned shortboards, step-ups dialed for barrels, and experimental shapes if you want to mix it up.
Mentawai is a dream test ground—bring what you rip best on.
Surfboard recommendations for Mentawai
Don’t skimp—if you have a magic board at home, bring it here.
Essential Gear Checklist: Fins, Leashes & Board Care
Fin Setups
Neutral fins: All-rounder for most conditions
Speed control fins: More rake/less flex for barrels
Ride numbers: 4.5+ for bigger waves, 3–4 for playful days
Leashes
Bring 2–3 leashes (they snap more than you think!)
6’ for shortboards, 7’ for step-ups
Board Protection + More
Board bags
Ding repair kit (essential for Indo)
Sandpaper for touch-ups
Wax (bring more than you think you’ll use)
Sunscreen—reef-safe, high SPF
Basic disinfectant, antibiotic creams and plasters to make sure that your reef cuts stay dry and clean (this is ultra NB)
Real Surfer Insights: What the Crew Brings to the Ments
“When visiting the Ments I always pack a quiver of boards ranging from a fun board or grovler, usually a twin such as the twin pin from CI Surfboards, 2 x high performance boards (1 as a back up as boards get chewed up here in Indo) and 1 x step up for the bigger days. My step up is usually a 6’3-6’6 pin tail set up. Always bring a ding repair kit, heaps of wax, spare leashes and plenty of sun protection and some basic medical aid for reef cuts.” – Evan Hamlyn, Driftwood Marketing Manager
Stay & Surf: Why Driftwood Mentawai is the Perfect Base
No matter your skill level or surfboard quiver, Driftwood Mentawai makes trip planning easy:
Local surf guides help match you with the best waves for your boards each day.
Secure board storage and advice on repairs and maintenance.
Communal vibe: Trade tips, swap boards, and geek out on gear with surfers from around the world.
Packages for all surfers, plus local knowledge to keep you scoring.
Learn more about Driftwood’s surf packages:
👉 The Surf at Driftwood Mentawai
Dialing in your Mentawai surfboard guide makes all the difference—pack the right boards, protect your gear, and get ready to score every kind of wave the islands throw at you. Your perfect session is just one board choice away.
Ready to ride the perfect wave with the perfect board? Discover how Driftwood Mentawai can make your surf trip unforgettable.