SURF COACHING BOAT TRIPS

Yes, as long as you are not an absolute beginner.  If you catch waves by yourself (without being pushed) you are ready for a Sumatra surf trip.
Of course some spots are for expert surfers, but that happens in all surfing areas around the world. You don’t have to surf there; actually many surfers don’t.
There are literally hundreds of surfing spots at the Mentawai, Telo, Nias, Hinako and Banyak, and of course there are waves for surfers of all levels.
Our surf-guide pays particular attention to those who are surfing in Sumatra for the first time, advising about each surf spot, how and when to paddle out, the best tide, if you need reef-shoes in that particular spot, what not to do in that wave, etc.

NO!!! That’s a myth!
There are more than 50 waves at the Mentawai, more than 30 waves at the Telo islands, more than 20 at Nias, etc., etc., and of course there are waves of all kinds: hard-core, medium and easy waves, fast and slow waves, barrelling and not barrelling waves, etc. Therefore there are waves for all levels of surfing skills.
The average wave-size in Sumatra is 3-6 feet (1-2m). Occasionally the waves get bigger (8 feet/2,5m) but when that happens it’s only for 1 or 2 days, and even then usually there are alternative spots to surf smaller waves.  We know many spots for those surfers who don’t want to surf 8 feet barrels, so don’t worry, we will find the right waves for you.
Most waves break over coral reefs so a careful approach is needed particularly at low tide. But our surf-guide will not take you to surf on dangerous spots or in hard-core conditions.
Often our guests surf all the spots demanded on a trip.  Many of them tell us they’ve had the best surf of their lives, or the best barrels …or their first barrel ever!

• For trips on low season (October – November/ March – April) we will be chasing for small shoulder high waves. Retro boards, fun boards and mini-malibus, according to your preferences, will be more appropriate on these coaching trips.
• You can also Rent one of our surfboards for the whole duration of the trip for 150,00 euro, saving the trouble of traveling with heavy board bags. Please contact us if you want to reserve one of our surfboards for your trip to make sure the board of your preference is available.
• Bring reef-shoes although most of the times you won’t need to use it.  You will not need a wetsuit as the water temperature is around 28º C, but a light rash-guard offers good protection against the equatorial sun as well as to your ribs from contact with your board deck …and also in case you hit the reef.  Bring a couple of leashes and wax for tropical water.
• Your surf-guide is always ready to assist you and advise on the conditions and details of each surf spot, recommended board, or any questions you might have.  Don’t be shy to ask him, he really wants to see you happy and scoring.
• Take turns in the line-up and respect the surfers who are waiting for a wave for longer than you.  NO SNEAKING please!

Yes, it’s mandatory. You know the old story: accidents only happen to others…until they happen to us! Indeed it is true. Over the years we have seen several accidents, fortunately nothing very serious (torn ligaments, dislocated shoulders, infected wounds, etc.), but even so, some of them required hospitalization, physiotherapy, changing flights, etc. These expenses are more than enough to justify insurance coverage.

Passport with at least 6 months validity;
2 photocopies of the passport;
Printing of the round-trip flight ticket to Indonesia (sometimes the border authorities require the presentation of the return ticket home);
Photocopy of the insurance policy, with the information to trigger it (contacts, procedures, etc.);
Credit/debit cards for withdrawing money from ATMs.

Often yes, but not always. Currently, there are already many places on the islands of Sumatra with mobile network coverage, and every year there is more and better coverage. It’s rare to go more than 2 days in a row without a network.
We also have a satellite phone on board for situations where there is no mobile phone coverage, and for emergencies.

Sometimes. When cell phone coverage is good, it is possible to access the internet with a smartphone. The best way to do this is with an Indonesian mobile network SIM card in an unlocked smartphone, and a data package. You can buy them in Padang before boarding; is not expensive.
You can’t count on excellent coverage or fast access, but it’s enough to send and receive emails, check surf forecasts, and sometimes even make video calls (skype, whatsapp, etc.).

There is no minimum number of passengers. We can even make a trip with 2 or 3 passengers as long as they pay the travel costs. The more passengers on board, the cheaper the price per person.
For groups of less than 8 passengers, the price per person is expensive, so we recommend groups of 8-10 people.
The maximum number is 10-12 passengers, depending on the boat.

At first light in the morning (around 5:45 am) the boat will already be anchored in front of a surf spot. The surf guide gives you a quick briefing on that wave and you can surf alone enjoying the sunrise while the other surfers are still sleeping.
Back on the boat, have a full breakfast, relax a bit, and get back in the water whenever you want. It is normal to surf twice before lunch.
Lunch is served around noon, but if you’re surfing don’t worry, the cook will store your food for you.
Until nightfall you can surf as much as you like, eat, rest, surf, take a nap, surf again, watch a movie, surf again…
At sunset, you’ll be drinking cold beers with friends and discussing the day’s waves, while the boat sails to another surf spot or to a safe anchorage, usually 1 or 2 hours away, to spend a peaceful night. .
Dinner is served around 7:30 pm, and after dinner the photographer does a session with the best photos of the day.
Shortly after (21-22h) you will be sleepy as each day begins at sunrise.

Yes, as long as there is someone to replace him. It is not difficult to find a replacement, as long as you have some time in advance.

You can swim, snorkel in the colorful coral reefs, go fishing or spearfishing, explore the surroundings on a SUP board, relax on a beach and drink coconut water, photograph tropical scenery, visit a village, or just relax on board, reading a book swinging in the hammock and letting yourself fall asleep, doing some yoga or stretching those sore muscles from surfing, playing chess with the Indonesian crew, playing cards, watching a video or listening to music… and everyone’s favorite pastime , see and review that sequence in your tube in detail and show it to your friends!