The trip starts in Padang (PDG). It will be cheaper to use a local flight app like Traveloka to book your last flight to Padang. You should plan your international flights to be aarriving in Jakarta in the evening before the official arrival day in Padang. This way you can rest, catch up on the sleep and time difference, fly the next morning to Padang, if there are any delays with flights you don’t have to worry about missing the ferry. Alternatively you could also arrive in Jakarta in the morning and catch a flight to Padang on the same day, but you will be more tired. Once you book, we can recommend some hotels in Jakarta, and the night in Padang is covered in one of the best hotel of the city.

This year, plan your arrival in Padang for September 30th. If you are doing the 12 days, 2 islands trip, plan your return on October 12th. If you are extending to surf and explore 5 more days on the southern island, plan your return trip on October 17th.

We include a pick up and drop off in Padang at any arrival time. We will all meet at the hotel in Padang before dinner on day 1 and likely go out to eat at a great restaurant in the area, or you’re welcome to sleep and order food to your room if you need extra rest.

On the last day, you will come back from the ferry to Padang, stay the night there and catch your departure flight on the following day. That way you do not risk missing your flight if there are any delays with the ferry. Breakfast buffets are included on both days, dinners are not.

This trip is for you if:

• You can catch unbroken waves on your own — no push needed
• You are comfortable when waves reach head-high
• You know how to angle your take-off and ride the shoulder left and right
• You can generate your own speed using flexion extension and arms
• You can position yourself properly in a lineup, read waves and move safely around other surfers
• You can link a few turns and trace a clean line down the face

This trip is probably not for you if:

• You are a complete beginner or have only surfed a few times
• You still rely on a coach or someone to push you into waves
• Your take-off is inconsistent and you fall on most waves you attempt
• Shoulder-to-head-high surf makes you too nervous to paddle
• You are an expert barrel hunter wanting to surf double overhead barrels over shallow reef — since we go during the shoulder season, these waves might leave you wanting more size and consequence. On average, our guest’s surf level is 4-6 for the Mentawais.
  A fit and confidently strong level 3 could manage to have an enjoyable time.
  Not sure of your level? Answer our quiz here to find out.

A quick gut check: if you are wiping out on more than half the waves you go for, the Mentawais will be more frustrating than fun. Come to Costa Rica first, get the foundation solid, and this trip will be everything you imagined it would be once you’ve been surfing for a minimum of 5+ years.

The normal board you surf on typical 3-5ft  waves, one with 2-3 inches more and  3-4L more of volume, ideal for when you get more tired or the waves are faster/heavier, and a step up if you plan on charging bigger waves of 8ft+ (or if you haven’t paddle for a long time).

Bring new leashes, one per board + 1 extra. Good ones (Dakine big wave) Extra set of large fins, wax, reef booties, long sleeve rashguard for sun protection, a 1mm top for reef protection.

International flights from North America typically range from $900–$1,400 USD return depending on your departure city and booking timing. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to get a current estimate from your city. It’s usually much cheaper to get a flight to Jakarta, Singapore or Bali, and then use the local flights app Traveloka to purchase your last flight to Padang.