The best advice when packing for a surf trip is to pack as light as possible. This fundamental rule of travel is especially true on a surf trip through the Mentawai Islands- when most of your time is spent in the water.

The following list is divided into two categories: In the Water and Out of the Water. It was created to give you ideas and help you keep track of items you may or may not need to bring on your next Mentawai surf adventure.

In the Water

• big wave leash (2)
• boardshorts (2)
• fin keys (3)
• fin sets
• helmet (optional)
• leashes (4)
• leash teathers
• long sleeve rash guard (optional)
• reef booties (optional)
• short sleeve rash guard (optional)
• snorkeling gear (Optional. SKM boats do not carry snorkeling gear for our guests do to sanitary reasons - please bring your own if you'd like to snorkel)
• surfboard(s)

What boards should I bring?
Most people bring 2-4 boards. Mid length boards generally get used and only occasionally do the short boards and guns get pulled out.  I generally bring 4 surfboards - two shortboards (6'2"), one mid sized baord for when it gets a little bigger (6'5"), and one gun for the biggest days (6'10"). If you are going to bring an extra board we would suggest a replacement for the board you will use the most as it is not uncommon to break boards.

The best answer I can think of is to pack whatever you feel most comfortable surfing on. Be prepared to ding up your boards and possibly break a few of them on your trip. Lastly, a good ding repair kit is crucial! The resort should have them but it's still highly advisable that you bring your own just in case. At the very least bring some sort of sun cure resin for quick fixes. A.M.

• surf hat (optional)
• sunblock
• tropical surf wax
• wax comb

Out of the Water

• airline tickets
• airline tickets (copy)
• binoculars (optional)
• cash (crisp, new bills)
• comb or brush (optional)
• contact lenses (plus extras)
• contact lense case
• contact lense solution
• credit cards (accepted at the resort)
• deodorant (optional)
• ding repair kit / sun cure resin
• driver's license
• driver's license (copy)
• electricity adaptor (optional)
• energy snacks (optional)
• eyeglasses
• laptop computer
• long sleeve t-shirt
• malaria medication (optional)
• moisturizer (optional)
• mosquito repellant with dht (optional)
• multi-board travel bag
• nail clippers (optional)
• pain medicine (optional)
• pants (1)
• passport
• passport (copy)
• prescription medicine (optional)
• sandals
• sealable ziploc bags (video/camera equipment)
• shampoo
• shaving cream
• shaving kit
• shoes
• shorts (2)
• silica gel (for inside ziploc bags)
• soap
• socks (3)
• still camera (digital works best)
• still camera film (optional)
• still camera lenses (optional)
• sun hat (optional)
• sunglasses
• surf towel (1)
• towel (bath)
• t-shirts (3-4)
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• travel backpack
• visa (if necessary)
• visa (copy)
• video camera (optional)
• v.c. tapes (6) (optional)
• v.c. batteries (optional)
• v.c.r tapes (optional)
• waterproof jacket (optional)
  

* The most important thing to remember on this list is to make sure that you have an updated passport and a valid VISA if your passport is issued in an obscure country like Sweden. You will not be permitted to enter Indonesia if your passport is going to expire within six months of your departure or if you are from a country that requires a special VISA to enter. Most people can take care of their VISA upon entering Indonesia including citizens of the United States and Australia but before you purchase your airline toickets please check with your local authorities to make sure you're covered.

If you have additional questions related to packing or traveling throughout the Mentawai Islands please visit our "Travel Information " section where you can dowload this list and basically all of the other information on this site as well. Of course if you have any specific questions about packing we are alwyas available to help answer your questions via e-mail or toll free in the United States at (714) 478-2487.