Roaming Reflections: The Mentawai Islands

The Mentawai Islands — every surfer’s ultimate dream destination. The idea of traveling to Indonesia, specifically the Mentawais, always feels larger than life. The long travel days, the cost, and the weight of adult responsibilities scare a lot of people from taking the leap. Most say, “Next year…” and for many, that year never comes.

Luckily, my line of work gives me the freedom to pick up and go for a month whenever I can. After a long summer grinding with my own business — surf lessons, boat charters, and a hitch back at work on the ship — I was beyond ready for a trip. Kristen and I had been talking about the Ments for over a year, and finally, we pulled the trigger — booked a 10-day all-inclusive stay at Hidden Bay a week before leaving.

After countless hours of travel, we arrived in Padang, spent the night, and caught the ferry the next morning to our dream destination. The excitement and nervousness I felt were unlike any trip before. Standing on the top deck of the ferry, watching long-period swells rolling through, I started wondering if it might be too much for me.

It’s funny — you watch all these Indo surf clips online and the waves look so perfect and easy. But when you’re actually out there paddling over razor-sharp reef with less than two feet of water under you, you realize it’s the complete opposite. You want to push your limits — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip — but you also have to respect the consequences. You’re in the middle of nowhere, far from help. It’s all about finding that happy medium between charging and staying safe for me.

When our ferry finally stopped near the resort, we literally jumped off into a little 15-foot boat and headed toward Hidden Bay. The surf guide greeted us with coconuts and said, “Let’s go, it’s firing.” No time to rest — straight into the action. It was the most surf-oriented trip of my life: two to three sessions a day, every day, for ten days straight.

Every day was at least overhead, with a few days pushing well above that. We surfed almost every wave in the Playgrounds Area and probably scored Hideaways the best — a perfect left reeling endlessly with barrel sections at the start and end. The reef was shallow, the wave was steep, and I was intimidated for sure… but I got a few good ones.

After our time at Hidden Bay, we weren’t ready to leave. We caught a private boat to Tippajet and stayed near Telescopes. The first morning there, a new swell arrived. As our boat pulled up, we watched Occy get drained on the inside section, fully slotted — one of those moments burned into your memory forever. The waves were macking, but we got our share. I definitely took one of the biggest sets of my life on the head — a proper Indo welcome.

When the wind turned onshore, we chased waves elsewhere. A few boat rides and a jungle moto mission later, we ended up near Hollow Trees (Lance’s Right). We didn’t score Lance’s, but we found Bintangs Right and a fun little beach break that made for an adventure all its own.

Beyond the surf, the Mentawai people blew me away — easily some of the kindest, happiest people I’ve ever met. They live so simply, with almost nothing, yet seem happier and healthier than most people back home. Every kid runs barefoot down the street with the biggest smile, shouting “Hello!” or “How are you?” in their best English.

Traveling, to me, is the best education there is. It reminds you how lucky you are — and how different life can be. Surfing is a gateway to everything positive, and surf travel will forever have my heart.

I’m so grateful to experience trips like this, and I don’t ever want to stop. Your job isn’t that serious. Life isn’t that serious. Take the trip — you won’t regret it.

In one month, I’ve met lifelong friends from across the world and opened up doors for future adventures. I can’t wait to see where surfing takes me next.

Written by: Ernie

Photos by: Kristen