SURF MENTAWAI COMPANY, LLC
808.968.1393 Office
Surf Trip Information
Payment: The check should be made payable to: SURF MENTAWAI COMPANY, LLC.
(Wiring transfer instructions are available when neccessary).
Airline Reservations: You may make your own reservations via the internet or use any travel agent you prefer. We have used Jeff Samualson, Ocean View Travel, San Clemente, California in the past. He specialized in airline reservations for surfers going to the Mentawai islands. If you would like to contact Jeff, his phone number is 949.493.5231. His e-mail address is oceanviewtravel629@yahoo.com. Your final destination is Padang, Indonesia.
Departure: Please make sure you call the airline prior to your departure date to confirm your departure times and connections. When making reservations this far in advance, sometimes departure times have changed slightly. Make sure you give yourself extra time to check in your surfboards and get through security. It is much better to have too much time than be running to your gate or missing your flight.
Check in at the Airport: Make sure to mention you are on an International flight. Make sure they check your bags all the way through to your final destination. Please check your baggage claim tickets before stepping away from the desk.
It has not always been like this, but unfortunately the airlines are now charging for surfboards. Be prepared to pay extra for your surfboards at check in. The price has been all over the board with different airlines, but it usually runs approximately $60.00 per board. This can be paid with cash or credit card when checking in.
We recommend if you are traveling with a group, that you all meet out in front and check in altogether. This way, one agent will understand you are traveling internationally as a group.
Frequent Flier Points: If you have frequent flier cards, don’t forget to bring them or tell the travel agent prior to departure. Aloha is partner’s with United. China Air is partners with Delta Airlines. We are unfamiliar with Eva airlines.
Lodging in Taiwan: When flying to Padang, you will either have a lay over in Taiwan or Singapore if you are flying from the United States. Due to flight changes, this season everyone has been going through Taiwan. If you are flying China Air, you will have a hotel room included in the cost of your airline ticket. Make sure you ask your travel agent about the hotel room.
Lodging in Singapore: There is a hotel located in the Singapore airport. You don’t even have to leave the airport. It is incredibly easy when flying through Singapore. We recommend securing a twelve hour block of time. It is cheaper this way. During your layover, you will be able to take a free shuttle into Singapore or stay in the airport. You will not believe this airport. If you are going to be stuck somewhere it might as well be Singapore. You have free internet service, food, workout facilities, massages, movies etc.
If you are going through Singapore, you must make reservations as far in advance as possible. The hotel fills up quickly. The e-mail address is rsvn@airport-hotel.com.sg. We recommend purchasing the hotel room in a 12 hour block. You must book for a minimum 6 hour block. Then you may add additional hours. But it is cheaper to purchase two 6 hour blocks. You may book up to three people in each room. They will need to know arrival time, flight, name of airline, check in time, checkout time and departure date, flight and time. Send them an e-mail and then they will reply. If you don’t get a reply, resend! If you don’t hear from them, follow up. You certainly want a room by the time you reach Singapore. This is a very inexpensive cost to feel so rested. You will be glad you slept well and got a good shower. Now you have a short flight and are on the way to the boat!
Entry and Exit Fee’s: There is a $25.00 entry fee into Indonesia per person. There is a $15-$25 exit fee (depending on which airport) when leaving Indonesia. We suggest you put this money inside your passport immediately and leave it there.
U. S. Dollar’s: $100.00 bills should used when available for exchange to Rupiah. They should be 2006 if available. They should not be folded. They should be as crisp and new as possible. You will get a better exchange rate. You may want to bring several $1.00 bills. These are good if you want to make a small purchase in the airport.
Tipping Baggage Personnel: When arriving in Padang, be prepared. It will be crazy with everyone trying to grab your bags. Be confident and pick ONE person to help you. They will collect your bags and take them to the van. It is customary to tip them 15,000 ruppia (about $1.00 U.S.). The owner of the boat will be meeting you at the airport in Padang.
Tipping the Crew: The crew works extremely hard to make your trip a successful one. It is customary to tip them. You may tip what ever you would like to each crew member, they are very appreciative. We usually tip each crew member $15.00 U.S. There are usually five or six crew members.
What to Bring:
Documents:
-Passport and at least one photo copy of your passport
-You will be issued a 30 day Visa upon arrival
-Travel Insurance
-Airline Tickets
Equipment:
-Surf Boards (most people bring at least two).
-Extra Leashes
-Warm Water board grip
-Reef Booties (must have!)
-Helmet (some people where them for sun and impact protection)
-Lycra Rash guard (sun and coral protection)
-Mask, snorkel, fins, fish bag (lots of shells to collect for the women)
-Ding Repair kit. Seal it up well for air travel
Medical:
-The boat is equipped to look after emergencies. But bring basic medical supplies you might need (peroxide, Neosporin, etc.)
-Insect Repellent
-Good sunscreen
-Skin Moisturizer
-Hat
-Mosquito net (usually would not need this because the rooms are air-conditioned and door are always shut). Generally we anchor well away from land and mosquitoes, but we strongly recommend you play it safe.
Clothes:
-Light weight cotton clothing: Tee Shirts, sarongs, and full coverage gear for sun and insect protection
-Hat with wide brim
-Boat shoes, hiking sandals or sneakers
-Two towels and wash clothes (one towel for out of the water and one for bathing)
-Sunglasses with leash
Food and Drink:
-You might want to bring some of your favorite snacks. It is not necessary, but it might make it seem more like home.
-The Charter supplies 4 beers per person per day. If there is something special you might need, please let us know ahead of time. We will do the best we can to get your special drink or snack on board. We have a chef on board who is incredible. We think you will be very impressed with the food served on your trip. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served everyday. There are always snacks and drinks available at all times.
Entertainment:
-Music: Audio Cassettes, CD’s or MP3 players on board
-Video: VHS-PAL or NTSC or DVD
-Books, cards and games
-Bring favorite music or DVD’s
Travel Insurance:
We require all people to have traveler’s medical insurance. We strongly recommend trip cancellation and baggage insurance. We would not recommend telling them it is a surf trip. It is a vacation.
Following are some companies you may want to check:
Access America: (866) 807.3982 or www.service@accessamerica.com
Travel Guard International: (877) 248.8992 or www.travelguard.com
Travel Ex Insurance: (888.457.4602 or www.customerservice@travelex-insurance.com
Responsibilities:
Baggage: It is the owner’s responsibility throughout the entire trip. SURF MENTAWAI COMPANY, LLC or its representatives assume no liability for loss or damage to baggage in transit to and from surf charter or while on the surf charter.
Our Responsibilities: We have a commitment to do our best to ensure your arrangements are satisfactory. We aim to portray a realistic vision of conditions on our Charters. We accept no liability for any loss or damage sustained as a result of another paying passenger.
Representatives of, SURF MENTAWAI COMPANY, LLC reserve the right to disembark passengers not complying with instructions and those whose mental or physical condition is objectionable to other passengers, or who become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. SURF MENTAWAI COMPANY, LLC or its representatives will not be responsible for costs incurred by persons precluded from completing the journey for these reasons.
Medical and Health: It is vital that persons with a medical conditions make them known to us well before departure. This will enable us to assess personal and group risk that may result from any event caused by a known medical condition. It is highly recommended to obtain medical insurance with a reputable company prior to departure. Vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis are advised, as is malarial medication for precautionary measures. For people in Hilo, you may contact the Kaiser Travel Center for information and an appointment. You do not have to be a Kaiser member to see the doctor. Also, check with the Safeway pharmacy for cheaper shots.
Surf Conditions: We always hope for great surf, unfortunately, there will be times when surf conditions are less than desirable and perhaps unsuitable for the less experienced surfer. SURF MENTAWAI COMPANY, LLC or its representatives shall not be liable in the event, due to climate or other reasons, that satisfactory surf is unavailable. Rest assured, we do whatever is possible to make your surfing experience the best possible.
Limitations of Liability: SURF MENTAWAI COMPANY, LLC, its owners, their agents and employees give notice that they act only as an agent for the clients in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, mechanical breakdowns, quarantine, government restraints, act of wars, weather or any other unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.
Participants in our tour, implies the travelers’ agreement to the above conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What time of year is the surf best? The Mentawai islands get surf all year around but in common with Bali, the biggest and most consistent surf hits the islands from March to November. The biggest months are usually May, June, July and August. But intense storms in the Southern Indian Ocean can send big swells to the area as early as March and as late as November.
How does the wind and weather influence the surf? Winds are light and variable most of the year. During April to October it is possible to get North or South winds that severe affecting the lefts and rights respectively. Expect lots of calm glassy days, especially early mornings and late afternoons.
Expect the occasional small days (1-3ft swell) for up to 3-4 days before the next swell train. The Mentawais are very consistent but the Indian Ocean is running the show and there is not much we can do. We have some special spots that break in the slightest ground swell so bring a short board for mini barrels in crystal clear water.
Expect lots of thunderstorms with squalls for short periods of time followed by calm. Take a break and have a warm rain shower.
How critical are the tides? The tides are less critical than in most surf zones. Mentawai spring tides are only about 4 ft (Bali is 10 ft) and most reef systems keep working well at low tide. Some low tide exceptions are Rifles, No Kanduis, Rags Rights. Bring booties for these low tide experiences.
How experienced do I need to be to surf the Mentawais? Most Mentawai surf breaks are coral reef bottom but the variety and range of wave types is extraordinary. Some of the barrel sections are as perfect and challenging as any in the world (E-Bay, HT’s, Iceland and Mainu). Others peak and then barrel in two or more sections (Thunders, Lances left and Maccas). Others are fat and fun with a fun pit at the shoulder and long walls (Pit-stops, Chubbies, Nipussi and Burgerworld). Most have a workable shoulder or fat section for the less extreme surfer.
We will do our very best to find you and your friends the best waves on the day to suit your level.
What else can we do other than surf? Snorkel over spectacular coral reef, troll for fish from the yacht or dinghy, take a shore party for a jungle trek, lie under a palm tree and read a book, swim in crystal clear water or just do nothing!
What boards should I bring?
For wave sizes in the 2-4 foot range bring 6’1”-6’6”
For wave sizes in the 4-8 foot range bring 6’8” to 7’2” depending on breaks.
For wave sizes over 8 feet use your imagination.
In general, the waves are well shaped, hollow and powerful. You may want to ride a slightly shorter board than you normally do. It will allow you to duck-dive the wave easier and earlier. Bring a well rounded quiver and backups for your favorites just in case. (Note: I surf a 7'2" year-round on the Big Island of Hawaii, but normally surf a 6'8" board in Mentawai. However better surfers surf 6'0" boards regularly in Mentawai).
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Have a great trip!