Surfing in the Mentawais (What’s It Actually Like)?

Surfing in the Mentawais || Ever wanted to go surf the Ments? At the start of the season, I got the opportunity to visit and surf the islands with a bunch of friends due to a last-minute dropout. We stayed at HTs Resort and surfed Lances Right every day! The waves were fun, but surprisingly tricky for a seemingly perfect wave. In addition to showing you the waves on offer, I’ve explained everything you need to know for a land-based Ments trip, from how to get there, where to stay, and estimated costs. Enjoy and fire away with any questions in the comments! Yew!

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00:00 Introduction
01:09 First Look at HTs
02:15 Surf Session
04:42 What HTs is Actually Like?
06:10 The surgeon's Table
06:44 Crowds
07:28 HTs Resort
08:18 The Ments on a Budget

[DanHarmon]

This was my first trip to the Mentawai!! Hope you find some of the info helpful to make a Ments trip happen! Any questions, sick ments stories or info, please fire away in the comments!! Yew!

[samimoring]

really appreciate the underwater views..
we all know how shallow it is, but from hearing about it to seeing it is a whole different perspective.

[lowcountrygrits]

I spent 2 weeks feral in the Mentawais in 2005 living with no electricity, no phone, no internet, and no running water. I remember the nightly rain storm but also how we surfed empty waves near Kandui resort. I took the overnight ferry to get back to Sumatra and it was a long and arduous trek. Oh - and the local police showed up and demanded our local taxes be paid as well, which I was happy to pay. I think my 2 weeks cost around $200 if my memory is right. I'd love the chance to go back but not sure if that'll happen now that most my best surf days are behind me. Shout out and thanks to the UK surfers who befriended me and gave me a hand-drawn map on how to get there / who to talk to and to Damien the Aussie who was crazy enough to join me on that adventure. It was the best 2 weeks of the 2 months I spent in all of Indo!

[aapopow]

I used to go to Ments in the 40s, absolutely no crowds, we we're getting shacked in self-made canoes. I almost died of smallpox, but still the best surf trip of my life!

[brirags]

I was there in the 90's on the legendary boat Christine. No island resorts, hardly any other boats and every session was enjoyed with our crew of about 7 surfers. We also practiced not paddling out if another boat was already on it and if you missed a wave it's back to the end of the line. But with a smile knowing you'd be on the next one in minutes. Spent 2 solid weeks surfing both unknown and legendary breaks with no one around. Trip of a lifetime for sure.

[caseyhansen]

I was there in 1995.my friend cut his knee on the Ht reef.good times no resorts no crowds i sat on the beach just jungle .no a/c looks nice i will keep my memories thanks for the videos

[richardallen]

I found HTs narly too, was one of the most dangerous waves i surfed. Looks perfect, but is very narly. Nias and Treasures, and Grunters (on the same par rights) are of lesser consequence.

[btube]

Nice, im from a near city in Mentawai, Padang. Well now i know why foreigners go to west sumatra, they want to goto mentawai lol

[RandyWouldGo]

great video dude... i surfed at hts last summer... stayed at kingfisher... had a blast but def felt that reef at HTS....

[theoffender]

I use to surf the Mentawais in the 80’s & 90’s no one around and empty barrels. A beautiful lonely experience

[bwatt]

What time of year did you go Dan? Boys have booked late august but worried about crowds and waves being XXL on that hectic reef. Cheers man!

[johnflegal]

Good overview of the reality of destination surf resorts in Indonesia. The waves can be excellent but reef scrapes and cuts happen often. I spent a week at Nihiwatu/Sumba and scored big, heavy waves. It was the best waves of my life but I still am so glad I didn't get pounded on the reef as medical care is a long journey away. When you get back home to surf it feels safe like a kiddie pool. Keep charging Dan!

[DillTheAlmighty]

Such a nice video! Excited to see more from you brother!

[SihyungLee-tmuc]

Veautyful. Thanks for nice energy kkkk

[schnitty_NSBR]

nice and informative dude, subscription earned

[DanDanNo]

Hi Dan, great content! A quick question regarding the Mentawai fast ferry. Do you know if it's the same ferry that goes from Padang to both Tuapeijet and Sikikap further south, i.e does it pass through both ports on it's way to/from Padang? I'm trying to plan an upcoming trip and looking to get from Sikikap to Tuapeijet in the middle of my trip. Also where/when do you pay the Mentawai tourist tax if not going through an organised pre-paid trip?
Cheers!

[kamakazitv]

Planning on going summer 2024 from Hawaii. Looks so beautiful can’t wait to hit the waves out there

[Ripoispo]

looks amazing what a dream ... even though too shallow for me hate to meet the "surge table" after all the effort & cost to get there

[madh]

Try Krui in South Sumatra. It’s like The Ments but all the waves you can get to by scooter. And no charter boats dropping crowds

[MMLA]

This video really hurt deep down in the pit of my stomach enjoy it you guys while you can people god bless you all