Sumatran Surfariis runs two types of trips: trips to the Mentawais and trips to North Sumatra, though we can visit both given a long enough duration.  The first stop on our North Sumatra trips is the Telo Islands, a stunning chain of jungle-covered isles and rock pinnacles that offer a more relaxed, uncrowded surf adventure.

Stretching across the equator, the Telos enjoy light winds and often cleaner conditions than further south, though sometimes a bit less swell.  The waves tend to have a deeper-water feel, with longer walls and fewer barrels.  Waves like Church (Mishoes), Bojo, Skatepark (Easy Peasies), Burn Point, and the visually stunning Pinnacles are perfect for open face carves and snappy lippers.

That’s not to say you can’t get barreled in the Telos.  One of the more famous waves that we initially named Rolland’s (now going by multiple names like Pull Backs, Bombers, Pastis, and Painted Lady), offers three distinct barrel sections and room to jam turns in between.  Coronas (AKA Rangas, GTs, or Bus Stop) and Coffins offer a more slabby barrel experience.  And when the wind switches Slayers on the other side of the islands gives a McFrights-like drive through a heavy, shallow left-hand barrel.

The Telos is the most wave-rich zone of the four areas we travel to on our North Sumatra trips, and as a result, we often spend the most time there.  There’s a ton of variety, so like our Ments trips, we can easily customize your surf levels and wave preferences.

Sumatran Surfariis has been exploring this area longer and more often than anyone, and we know all the little nooks and crannies and the nuances of swell, wind, and tide.  With rich local culture, crystal-clear water, and fewer boats in the lineup, the Telos are perfect for surfers looking for something different — an adventure that’s a little quieter, a little wilder, and every bit as unforgettable.