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MENTAWAI ISLANDS
INDONESIA
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Surfing Indonesia's Mentawai Islands.
Indonesia's surfing potential appears to be limitless. The archipelago of Mentawai, pronounced Mentawi, which runs parallel to the South East coastline of Sumatra, and cuts the Equador, is the latest of its marvelous surprises. There are dozens of islands loaded with perfect lineups, where there is always some wave breaking clean and offshore in whatever wind and swell direction; a combination that existed until recently only in a surfers dreams.
The Mentawais lie to the south of Nias on the edge of the Sumatran Ocean Trench. The islands benefit from every major depression/cyclone crossing the Southern Indian Ocean. Ground swell is given a boost by southerly winds off the Western Australian coast, and then turned in the direction of Sumatra by the South East trade winds above 20 degrees south latitude.
It is not always fun and happiness when you are sailling the high seas into remote regions such as Mentawai, which lies some eighteen sailing hours from the nearest medical assistence. The first-aid kit is called on frequently since many surfers fall victim to the shallow reefs.
Without doubt, a surf trip to Mentawai Islands is only recommended for experienced surfers.
Some useful Information follows:
Mentawai Cultural insight
West Sumatra Info
Travel & health prep.
Swell map for Indian Ocean
Weather maps
Moon phase calculator
