Sumatra

Every year the Indies Trader IV explores the outer Mentawai Islands in Western Indonesia.  We cruise to the remote areas of the archipelago, where we rarely encounter other surfers but always uncover incredible waves. Fishing, swimming, diving and relaxing deserted islands compliment the epic surf. The crew of the Indies Trader has the inside line on all the secret spots catering to all levels and abilities of surfers.

Captain Martin Daly has systemically explored this entire region and believes it to be one of the world’s best and most consistent surf destinations. No other organization can bring you to these remote locations in as high a level of luxury with as intimate  knowledge of the secret spots. EpicQuest trips on the Indies Trader IV offer special features and options found nowhere else; pro coaching, photography, wellness programs and helicopter access.

This trip departs from Padang, Indonesia on the Island of Sumatra.  We recommend that you travel to Padang via Singapore, but Jakarta is also an option. An EpicQuest guide meets you at the airport in Padang on arrival for transfer to the yacht.

Upon arrival on the boat you will kick off your shoes, settle in, and we’ll cruise (typically overnight) to the outer islands and start scouting waves!

Citizens of the U.S., Australia, and many other countries may obtain a visitor’s VISA upon arrival in Indonesia, with six months of validity remaining on their passport. Guests from other countries should check with the airline upon ticketing for VISA requirements.

Surfers keep the Mentawais on their bucket-list for the world’s cleanest, most consistent and powerful waves. The dry season, from April through September, is known for producing those indelible images of perfect, empty, remote offshore barrels and sunny skies. Over the past decade the Mentawais have risen to global surf fame, for good reason; the surf is consistently perfect. While the other operators in the area surf the same famous waves, the Indies Trader slips off into to distance accessing the secret spots Captain Daly discovered and holds secret.

The Mentawais feature a wide variety of rights and lefts, from mellow to rip-able to outright heavy. Wave heights range widely; from small wave perfection to big-wave paddle-in spots, to all-out tow waves. There’s something for everyone. The Indian Ocean is the most consistent swell-generator on the planet. Ground swells combine with the predominantly light winds and perfectly shaped reefs to produce epic surf. Enjoy.

Warm, tropical weather is characteristic of the region.  The weather in the Mentawais’ is variable, but you can count on plenty of sun. Rain squalls occur occasionally, but often provide a nice cool-down and beautiful lighting. Winds tend to be light and variable. Regardless of direction, we can find calm or offshore conditions. People are often surprised by the remarkably consistent, perfect surf conditions. Light winds, quality reefs and minimal tide swings make the Mentawai Islands a surf paradise.

The average water temperature in the Mentawais is 80-85°F, while the average air temperature is 80-90°F.