THE WAVES
surf in the mentawai islands
-surf conditions-
If you decide to come to Mentawais you can do it from March to November; due to their position in the Indian Ocean the islands are exposed to the South-Southwest swells, so from March to April the waves are smaller but consistent as well. Then they will become stronger in May. The same happens to the ending of October and the beginning of November: smaller but consistent waves again.
From April to October strong swells from South Africa and Antarctica reach our coral reefs carrying amazing waves that roll into clean and perfect barrels. Now you can plan your trip thinking of this: if your choice is NO crowded and easier surfing we suggest you to book in March, April, October and November, if you like to play rough you must book from May to September! Surfline suggests Mentawai in August is the Best Bet in the world.
-THE waves-
HT'S
Hollow Tree’s, known locally as HT’s or Lance’s Right, in short, is one of the best and most consistent fast, barreling right-handers in the world and our resort looks straight out over it. You are welcome.
The wave wraps around the south end of the island and into the sheltered bay where it unloads on the reef known as The Office and finally the Surgeon’s Table. As the name suggests, this wave is for intermediate and advanced surfers and rated as one of the top five waves in the world.
With 10 world-class waves within a short boat or bike ride from our resort, there’s surf to suit all levels. Or if you don’t want to hit the waves, then simply enjoy a tropical paradise and watch the action unfold from the beach.
LANCE’S LEFT
Lance’s Left is a long and consistent left hander right around the corner from the Resort. The wave offers a barrel of the take off and a long open face for multiple manoeuvers down the line. Being on the other side of the island and facing east the left is a good option when the wind is onshore at HT’s. Perfect for all levels and long perfect lefts lovers.
COBRA
Cobra is A frame peak just a few meters up from Lance’s left that offers a good backdoor left hand barrel. Don’t forget to kick out before it closes out on dry reef. Sometimes you may get lucky and connect with Lance’s Left and get one of the longest waves. This wave is a good option to get away from the crowd of Lance’s left.
LANCE’S LEFT
Lance’s Left is a long and consistent left hander right around the corner from the Resort. The wave offers a barrel of the take off and a long open face for multiple manoeuvers down the line. Being on the other side of the island and facing east the left is a good option when the wind is onshore at HT’s. Perfect for all levels and long perfect lefts lovers.
ACTIVITIES
FUN THINGS TO DO
Hammocks
Chill out in one of our many hammocks strung up in the shade of the palm trees around the Asu Camp property. With a view of the wave from every hammock, a book, and a cold drink, what more could you need?
Yoga/Fitness
Yoga, stretching, and fitness with exercise balls, yoga mats, dumbbells, barbells, bands, pull-up bar, TRX, and a variety of cross-training videos.
Snorkeling
The reefs around Asu boast a variety of coral, caves and crevices to be explored, and a multitude of reef fish and shell fish.
Tide pools
There is a tide pool just in front of the camp that is ideal for a mid-afternoon cool down. We call it the aquarium, sit back and enjoy the sun in the cool, shallow waters of the tide pool while tiny little fish swim all around you. There are 3 pools, one cascading into the next, which one you enjoy depends on the height of the tide at the time.
The Beach
A 10-minute walk to the East shore of Asu and you arrive at the pristine white sand beach. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling up the reef to the north, or just a walk on the sand.
Walk around the island
You can walk all the way around Asu at a leisurely stroll in just 2.5 hours. Search for shells along the beach, look at the tide pools, stop in at Mama Silvi’s place for a cold soda, water or beer, and a jump in the ocean on her beautiful stretch of white sand beach.
Games
We have a Ping Pong Table, Chess and Backgammon boards, decks of cards, Jenga, Chinese checkers, and other distractions.
Visit Hinako
There are 8 islands in the Hinako Islands chain off of Nias of which Asu is one. Visit the most populated and 2nd biggest of them and take a walk around to see how the locals live.
Bonfires
The beach in front of the camp is loaded with driftwood. Collect wood in the cool of the afternoon while enjoying sunset and pile it up for a big bonfire at night.
Play Music
We have an acoustic guitar, a drum, 2 berrimbaus, 2 tambourines, and various other percussive toys.
Stargazing
We have thin sleeping mattresses for taking down to the beach at night. On a clear night, lay down on the sand and gaze up at the majestic skies of the outer islands. Without artificial lights to disrupt the view, the stargazing is amazing.
use the wifi
We have camp wide wifi. Be on the edge of nowhere and keep in touch with loved ones and work, if necessary.
Fishing
We've got 2 speedboats at your service. If the surf is not up to your standards or if you're just not in the mood, try going for a troll or having a cast out the back.
Fish on!!!!
Spearfishing
Spearfishing is not as easy as it seems, but it is a great way to go for an adventure when the surf is down. Come try your luck and see if you've got the skills.
Beach darts
There's just nowhere else on earth that you might find yourself sipping Ice Cold Bintangs and throwing darts with this amazing sunset backdrop... so jump in and see if you can beat Ian, the Camp Champ.