Hollow Trees
Mentawais, Indonesia
Reef breakExpert
The Mentawais' most iconic left, a thick, cavern-like barrel that locks in over a shallow reef, producing some of the longest and most perfect tubes anywhere on earth.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
SE
Offshore
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
May–September
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Left
Bottom
Very shallow coral reef
Shape
Thick, sucking barrel, the definition of a perfect left
Length
100–200m (barrel can last 5–15 seconds)
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Expert
- •Why: The wave throws hard, the reef is inches below, and the take-off zone is brutally unforgiving.
Hazards
- •Extremely shallow reef
- •Remote, hours from medical care
- •Powerful hold-downs on wipeouts
- •Can be crowded given its fame on the charter circuit
Local Tips
- •Time your take-off from deep, the wave sucks the water off the reef, look more accessible than it is.
- •Watch several sets from the boat before paddling out to understand the current and the best take-off spot.
Location
-2.5167, 99.8167