Sumatran Surfariis started running charters to North Sumatra in 1998. We were one of the first operators to dedicate many months each year to surfing all over the region. By late 1999, we had already explored much of the Telo Islands, most of the perimeter of Nias, through the Hinakos and Banyaks, all around Simuelue, and up to the very tip of the Aceh mainland. By 2000, we were running charters into the north area for seven months of the year, and our season has only expanded in length since.

These days there are some resorts, camps, and other boats visiting the areas, but the crowds are still noticeably less than the Mentawais. The main waves can get busy occasionally, but it’s still relatively quiet, and we have many spots we can sneak off to and surf alone. In general, the Mentawais is considered to have more hollow, mechanical waves than North, whereas North has a few rawer and open-ocean setups with fewer people. With that said, there are plenty of clean, empty line ups up North, and it’s often better suited for surfers who like power and carving opportunities with less concern about hitting the reef.

For standard trip lengths, our Mentawais and North trips are priced the same. This allows you to make a game-time decision as to the destination. In other words, if you’re planning to head North, but the swell, wind, and crowds look better for the Mentawais, we can alter the destination at no additional cost. This flexibility also applies to trips intended to head to the Mentawais that can switch to North at the last minute. The only time we’d charge an additional cost for heading North is if you wanted to go very far up in a shorter time frame.

South is a new frontier we are exploring, and we want you to come with us to discover more. Trips to this area require extra miles and travel time, and there is still a bit of the “unknown” factor. However, with greater sacrifices often come greater rewards. If we score a new jewel in these islands on your trip, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you were truly pioneering and surfing it for the first time.

We do have plenty of experience in this region, and we’re hoping you’ll help us gain even further knowledge. A trip down South is an excellent option for those wishing to try something new or different. Often our seasoned vets come with us on these trips, but they are open to anyone with enough time and an open mind. Usually, we schedule a more extended set of dates. The nightly rate would be slightly higher than our Mentawais and North trips to account for extra fuel and ground travel costs. Our dream is to have a roaming trip where you book flights to Jakarta, and we organize where to meet the boat based on the latest forecasts.

South trips are reserved for full groups who all want the same adventure. We are looking for groups who have a few “test pilots” on them but are also able to trust in our knowledge and advice when surfing new spots. We can provide more details via email if you’re a serious group, but otherwise we’ll stay pretty tight-lipped to keep this charter quiet.