Checklist | Flights | Hotels | Inclusions | Visas
Your Charter Checklist
Before you leave
- Organise airline tickets to Padang
- Organise travel insurance - travel insurance is mandatory on all trips for your safety.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to departure and organise a visa (if necessary).
- Pay your deposit to secure your dates
- Pay your final payment 60 days prior to departure
- Fill out the Information Pack (emailed once booking has been made) and email back for Surging Waters to organise your Mentawai Island permits
- Read the Terms and Conditions. You will be asked to sign this upon arrival in Padang.
- Confirm all of your travel arrangements.
Checklist of things to bring
Remember, its always best to travel light!
| In the Water | General | Medical |
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* The boat is equipped to look after emergencies
but it's a
good idea to bring your own medical kit.
** see your doctor before leaving
Mosquitoes
Mosquito nets are a good idea, especially if you plan to trek or visit other parts of Sumatra.
All rooms are equipped with air conditioning but feel free to use a net if you like sleeping under the stars on deck. Generally we anchor well way from land and mosquitoes but we recommend that you play it safe. Malaria and other mosquito borne diseases are a problem in most tropical countries.
Baggage handlers
At the airport in Padang be prepared for hustling baggage handlers. If you use their service please pay Rp. 10.000 this equivalent to about AUD$2.00. If you don’t need them to help you, please say TIDAK (NO) and do not let them carry your baggage.
Money
In some instances it may be necessary to substitute charters. Substitution of vessel qualifies passengers for a refund limited to the differences between prices.
Bring cash or exchange to Rupiah in Singapore or Jakarta or Bali. Padang rates are always lower.
Major credit cards are accepted in Padang.
Trading in islands requires small Rupiah denominations, bring Rp 1000, Rp. 5000 and Rp. 10.000 notes.
Average Tips is Rp 10,000.
Imported goods or wine and spirits are very difficult to find or are very expensive so buy duty free before arriving in Padang.
Best time for surf
The biggest and most consistent surf hits the islands from March to November. Biggest months are usually May, June, July and August. But intense storms in the Southern Indian Ocean can send big swell to the area as early as March and as late as November.
Wind and Weather
Winds are light and variable most of the year, During April to October SE to SW winds favour the left hand breaks and NW to W winds for the remainder of the year favour the rights. E to SE winds are strongest from June till September but expect lots of calm glassy days, especially early morning and afternoon.
Expect the occasional small days (1-2’ Swell) for up to 3 or 4 days. Since the Indian Ocean is running the show there is not much we can do, however there are some special spots that break in the slightest ground swell so bring a short board for mini barrels in crystal clear water.
Also expect some thunderstorms with squalls for short periods of time, followed by calm. Take a break and have a warm rain shower.
Surf Experience
We will do our best to find you and your friends the best waves on the day to suit your level, raw beginners may find themselves watching the group from the shoulder but if you are serious about improving your surfing you will be rewarded.
Things to do other than surf
Snorkel over great coral reef, troll for fish from the boat or dinghy, lie under a palm tree and read a book, or just watch the Mentawai coastline slip by.
