Surf Training Tips from the Pros: Prepare for Your Next Mentawai Trip
Planning a surf trip to the Mentawais? Good call — you’re heading to one of the most wave-rich regions on the planet. But before you dream of backhand snaps at Pitstops or that clean line at 4 Bobs, there’s one thing you should know:
The better you prepare, the more waves you’ll catch.
Whether you're an intermediate looking to sharpen your turns or an advanced surfer chasing heavier reef setups, how you train before the trip can make or break your performance. That’s why we’ve tapped into the wisdom of our seasoned surf guides like Justin Sykes, to bring you this no-BS guide to getting surf fit — physically, mentally, and technically.
Let’s break it down with the essential surf training tips for Mentawai trip success.
Why Preparation Matters for Mentawai
Mentawai surf trips are no average beach holiday. You’ll be paddling multiple sessions a day, navigating reef breaks, and timing your rides on fast-moving waves — often in warm water with serious power. It’s paradise, yes, but it’s not exactly a chill cruise.
To surf your best, you’ll need more than stoke — you’ll need endurance, strength, clarity, and the right gear. That’s where this guide comes in with practical surf preparation tips.
Physical Conditioning: Build a Body That Can Surf Harder, Longer
Cardio is Key
You don’t need to be a triathlete, but you do need gas in the tank.
Try swimming laps, paddling in the pool, trail running, or cycling 3–5 times a week. Long sessions in the Mentawais can leave you gassed if you’re not prepped.
Top Tip: Simulate longer paddle-outs with extended freestyle swimming sets — great for shoulder endurance.
This foundational surf fitness Mentawai cardio work is your baseline.
Strength Training That Translates
Focus on paddling power and pop-up explosiveness. You don’t need a gym membership — bodyweight workouts are more than enough if done right.
Push-ups and pull-ups for paddle strength
Planks, hollow holds, and Russian twists for core
Lunges, squats, and mobility work to support takeoffs and balance
Flexibility + Mobility: Your Secret Weapon
Yoga or surf-specific stretching routines can be game-changing. Looser hips and hamstrings = smoother transitions, better positioning, and fewer tweaks.
Apps like Surf Yoga or even 20 minutes of morning mobility work can seriously improve your surf fitness Mentawai prep.
Surf-Specific Drills You Can Do Anywhere
Paddle Technique
Find a flatwater spot or pool and practice efficient arm movement and breath timing.
Wasted energy = fewer waves. Small improvements in technique go a long way here.
This kind of muscle memory is a key part of your surf training tips for Mentawai trip readiness.
Pop-Up Practice
Use your board on the lawn or a yoga mat inside. Repetition builds speed and instinct.
Set a timer and rep out 10 pop-ups at a time, focusing on control and quickness.
Balance Work
Balance boards or surf skate drills can help improve board feel and flow — especially if you’re landlocked.
It’s not just strength, it’s knowing how your body reacts when you shift weight. If you’re short on water time, this is some of the best surf advice you can take into the tropics.
Mental Preparation: Stay Sharp When It Counts
Mentawai surf can be intimidating — even for experienced surfers. Conditions shift fast. Waves break over live reef. That’s why mindset matters.
Visualization Techniques
Picture yourself sticking that takeoff, setting your line, or making a barrel.
Visualization builds muscle memory, even before you paddle out.
Mindfulness = Focus
Try short daily meditation or box breathing to help handle nerves, focus your energy, and stay calm when a set’s stacking outside.
You’ll surf better when your mind is clear — that’s real surf advice pros swear by.
Fuel Like a Surfer — Not a Grom Living on Nasi Goreng
Nutrition Basics
Fuel your sessions with a mix of complex carbs, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Whole foods > processed snacks. Think: oats, eggs, fruits, rice, grilled fish, avocado.
"Eating clean keeps your energy steady. I see it all the time — guys bonk halfway through a session because they skipped breakfast or lived on sugar." — Justin Sykes
Hydration
Drink water constantly. You’ll lose more fluids than you think under the Indo sun. Add electrolytes if you’re doing long sessions back-to-back.
Sleep + Recovery
Sleep is when your body repairs — don’t shortchange it.
Consider a rest day mid-trip if you’re feeling worked. You’ll surf better the next day.
Don’t Let Equipment Be Your Weak Link
Board Selection
Bring your go-to shorty — but also consider:
Something with more volume for smaller days or longer paddles
A step-up for faster, steeper waves
Twinny or grovel board for Burgerworld and fun sessions
This is one of the most underrated surf advice for the Mentawai Islands — having the wrong board can cost you good waves.
Gear Checklist
Leashes (x2)
Ding repair kit
Tropical wax
Spare fins
Basic reef-cut kit (betadine, gauze, bandages)
Rash vest or surf hat if you burn easily
Train Smarter, Surf Harder
At Driftwood, we don’t just drop you at the wave and wish you luck.
You’ll surf with our seasoned guides like Justin Sykes — with years of Mentawai experience. He reads the charts, knows the tides, and helps you get the most out of every single session. Whether you’re chasing your first reef barrel or trying to tighten up your backhand, this is the place to level up.
Our surf packages are built around progression, comfort, and community. We keep the crew small, the vibe relaxed, and the waves dialed – Book your trip.
The best surf trips happen when you show up ready — physically, mentally, and with the right gear. Train a little now, and you’ll surf a lot better out there.
These surf preparation tips are simple, effective, and meant to make every wave count.
Ready to elevate your surfing skills?
Join Justin Sykes at Driftwood Mentawai for an unforgettable surf training experience.