Overhead waves, great weather, low crowds and great vibes. The Kandui Resort Shoulder-Season (October – March) has had the biggest misconception for years. Flat surf, bad winds, tons of rain and not the time to visit the archipelago. While most of the Mentawais faces west and turns onshore, the playgrounds region has countless reef passes that remain offshore. While you will not see the large SW swells that result in massive Kandui Left or Bank Vaults, you will see countless days of overhead surf with good conditions that favor the rights. While most of our guests (us included) do not want the massive, scary surf that in-season can yield, our Shoulder-Season results in the fun overhead surf that the Mentawais are known for. Throw in light crowds and great conditions, you have the Mentawai’s best kept secret.
Our Shoulder-Season is my favorite time of the year. This time of the year, my eldest son Dylan and I froth out of our skin! Overhead, fun right-handers, incredible weather and you’re lucky to see another boat to surf with. While it’s rare to see the triple-overhead Bank Vaults or double-overhead rifles swells, you will see overhead surf virtually every day and the kind of surf that is enjoyable, not scary. Every year, I see so many guests during our In-Season months looking for exactly this! It’s super frustrating to see this since I know in my heart that October - March are the months that the majority of our guests would enjoy. If you looking for shoulder high to overhead surf, fun barrels and turns, good weather and light crowds, I would love to see you out here with me in Shoulder Season. – Ray
Ever since the world was introduced to the Mentawai Islands over 25 years ago, the surf world has never been the same. Countless islands, perfect reef passes, light winds, remote location and a conveyor belt of relentless swell from 6,000 miles away, there is literally no other place in this world that compares to the Mentawais. The Playgrounds region is the most wave rich surf location on earth and Kandui Resort is the only resort with beach access.
The Kandui Resort In-Season (April – Sept) is in the center of Indian Ocean SW swell season. Once high pressure breaks in the Indian Ocean, storms start marching from Africa to Indonesia and do not stop till late season. During this time of year, the surf rarely drops below head high and during a standard trip to Kandui Resort, guests can expect 1-2 swells to really get the blood flowing. While the Northern Mentawais have some of the best barreling waves in Indonesia (Kandui Left, Rifles, Bank Vaults, Hideaways), this area is unique in that it has something for everyone. When Kandui Left is triple overhead, Karangbat Left is head high and perfect for cruising. When Rifles is pumping double overhead barrels, 4bobs is slightly overhead and perfect for turns. In-Season is a great time to push your barrel-riding limits while also kicking back and surfing your favorite fish just around the corner. We’ve been stoked to host thousands of guests from all corners of the earth and even more stoked to put thousands on the waves of their lives.
PT Pulau Ombak Indah (DBA Kandui Resort)
Komplek Batang Kabung Asri Blok C/3, RT 04/RW 02
Kel. Batang Kabung Ganting, Kec. Koto Tangah
Kab. Kota Padang, Sumatera Barat
