Fun size surf, mostly rights, low crowds and great vibes.
The Kandui Shoulder-Season (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb) has had the biggest misconception for years. Flat surf, onshore winds, tons of rain and not the time to visit the archipelago. While most of the Mentawai faces west and turns onshore from Nov-Feb, the playground area has countless reef passes that remain offshore. While you will not see the large SW swells that result in massive Kandui or Bank Vaults, you will see countless days of overhead surf with winds that favor the rights. You do see a bit more rain than our Regular and Goofy Seasons, but with the Mentawai being located on the equator, it's removed from the rest of Indonesia's heavy wet season so you see plenty of sun as well. A favorite season of everyone that lives in the Mentawai, the Kandui Shoulder-Season results in fun overhead surf in a very friendly environment. Throw in light crowds and offshore conditions, you have the "Mentawai's Best Kept Secret".
The Kandui Shoulder-Season is my favorite time of the year. This time of the year, my kids and I froth out of our skin! Overhead, fun right-handers, offshore winds 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 Regular and Goofy Seasons looking for exactly this! It's super frustrating to see this since I know in my heart that Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb are the months that the majority of our guests would enjoy. If you're looking for Shoulder high to slightly overhead surf, fun barrels and turns, offshore conditions and light crowds, I would love to see you out here with me in Shoulder-Season. - Ray
Rifles, Bank Vaults, Pistols and Indonesia's most consistent surf zone for pumping right-hand barrels.
During the Months of Mar, Apr, May and June, the playgrounds area turns into a Regular-Foot's dream. Once high pressure breaks in the Indian Ocean, solid winter storms start marching from Africa to Indonesia and do not stop until late October. During the Regular-Season, the surf rarely drops below head high and during a standard Regular-Season trip, guests can expect 1-2 swells to really get the blood flowing. Historically the Regular-Season has pumping swells, winds that favor the rights and is the best opportunity to score pumping right-hand barrels. While you do see plenty of fun size surf as well,
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
