Playgrounds High Performance Surf Resort - Mentawai, Sumatra. Indonesia
INTRODUCTION
A Trip of a Lifetime!
The trip starts from Padang, West Sumatra Indonesia where you will get picked up from the airport and taken to the port for boarding the ferry boat. The overnight crossing on the ferry to the Mentawai Islands takes around 12 hours. You will be provided with accommodation on the ferry to have a good rest before arriving early morning for the first surf session. A major part of the High Performance camp is the filming and photography so our HPC coaches can analyse and give feed back and see your surfing transform over the trip. Apart from the surfing, our HPC guests can enjoy a range of fun activities at the resort including board games, cards, ping-pong and mini golf. HPC offers stand-up paddle boards to discover the bay and surrounds and there is the most beautiful and colourful reef right at the resort door step for snorkeling. The resort also offers fishing experiences where you can catch Big Mahi-Mahi, extra large Giant Trevally and Tuna. Morning Yoga sessions are available with picturesque views to relax your body and soul and Mentawai trekking and hiking adventures for cultural sharing and fun. On your last day you can surf and then get the ferry back overnight to Padang arriving in the morning. Staff will be ready to transfer you to the airport.
You can look back on your life changing trip with all the great memories on your own personal movie and photos as well. Had too much fun? We’ll see you again next year!
THE ACCOMMODATION
The Resort was built in traditional Indonesian style, featuring functional and comfortable accommodation for your surf trip.
The main house is divided into 4 spacious suites, a large kitchen, dining room, open plan lounge multimedia room, toilet, coffee bar, air-conditioning and internet access.
When you are taking a break from surfing some of the worlds best waves, the resort offers a range of board games, cards, ping-pong and mini golf. There are stand-up paddle boards to discover the bay and surrounds and there is the most beautiful and colourful reef right at the resort door step for snorkeling. The resort also offers fishing experiences where you can catch Big Mahi-Mahi, extra large Giant Trevally and Tuna. Morning Yoga sessions are also available with picturesque views to relax your body and soul and Mentawai trekking and hiking adventures for cultural sharing and fun.
THE ACTIVITIES
High Performace Coaching Camp has over 20 surf breaks around the resort including world-class waves for all surfing levels. All the surf spots are very near the resort, In around 5 – 15 min we can check around 10 – 15 waves, There is a few more which will take no more than 20 – 30min. We also have some secret spots that our surf guide will take you to score in the right conditions. Check out some information about the most famous waves in the region below.
A range of waves to suit all different tastes of surfers
BANKVAULTS
Bankvaults is a barreling right, with shifting line-up. The ideal size to surf Bankvaults is head-high to a triple overhead, in any swell. A barrel here is very memorable and will be in your mind forever.
- Best Size: 4-10 ft
- Ability Level: Advanced
- Swell Direction: South/Southwest
- Best Wind: North
- Best Tide: Medium – High
BENG-BENG
Beng-Beng it’s located only 5 min boat ride from our door setp, one of the most consistent and probably the easiest lefthander wave to surf in the Mentawai. It’s fun for surfers of all ability levels. Any type of board works great here.
- Best Size: 2-4 ft
- Ability Level: All levels
- Swell Direction: Southwest/West
- Best Wind: None or East
- Best Tide: Medium-High
BURGERWORLD
Burgerworld is considered a good option when swell is flat, there s always something to ride here. Even though it’s not a premiere wave it is a fun alternative when everywhere else isn’t breaking. Shortboard or fish are most suitable for this wave.
- Best Size: 2-5 ft
- Ability Level: All levels
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Best Wind: West/Northwest
- Best Tide: medium
E-Bay
E-Bay is a fast, barreling left that got one of the most beautiful and photogenic barrels in the region. One of our favourites and only 7 min from the resort door step. Usually you can get away with your shortboard but anything overhead and you might want to grab the next step up in your quiver.
- Best Size: 4-8 ft
- Ability Level: Advanced
- Swell Direction: Southwest/West
- Best Wind: None or Southeast
- Best Tide: Medium-High
HIDEAWAYS
Hideaways is a world class heavy left that can handle the straight souths wind. Hideaways has the ability to be a sick cavern or offer up a rippable shoulder. A slightly bigger board will be the choice for this wave.
- Best Size: 4-8 ft
- Ability Level: Intermediate – Advanced
- Swell Direction: Southwest/West
- Best Wind: Southeast/East
- Best Tide: Medium-High
KANDUI
Kandui is one of the fastest, down the line, left-hand barrels in the world. Kandui is a hollow wave with your only option for survival being finding yourself pumping inside of the best barrel of your life. The bigger the better. Use a mid-size board to help you get to the wave earlier.
- Best Size: 4-10 ft
- Ability Level: Advanced – Expert
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Best Wind: Southeast/East
- Best Tide: Medium – High
NIPUSSI
Nipussi is a high-performance right that always has waves and is a good alternative when the rest of the islands are flat. It’s known as one of the mellowest waves in the islands. A short board with good volume is the best approach here.
- Best Size: 2-6 ft
- Ability Level: All levels
- Swell Direction: South/Southwest
- Best Wind: North/Northwest
- Best Tide: Medium
PIT STOPS
Pit Stops is one of the most high performance waves, with many movie segments being filmed here. Located a few hundred yards away from E-Bay, the wave itself starts breaking over a combination of sand and reef until eventually expiring itself on a beautiful tropical beach. One of the most photogenic waves in the Shortboard/Fish
- Best Size: 2-4 ft
- Ability Level: All levels
- Direction: Southwest/West
- Best Wind: Southeast/East
- Best Tide: Medium
RIFLES
Rifles is one of the longest, most perfect, breathtaking waves in the world. If you catch it good, just one good wave, your trip is a success and your return to the resort will be a routine. Get your fastest fins and board for this wave.
- Best Size: 4-8 ft
- Ability Level: Advanced
- Swell Direction: South
- Best Wind: West/Northwest
- Best Tide: High
A-FRAMES
A Frames or John Candies is very consistent left with two sections to surf, the top and the inside. Can be a bit shifty and require a fair amount of paddling around to find the right area but the inside section is more dependable and offers up a better wall to work with. Any type of board works great here.
- Best Size: 3-5 ft
- Ability Level: Intermediate
- Swell Direction: South/Southwest
- Best Wind: None or West
- Best Tide: Medium
SPEED BOATS
We are known to be first at the best spots daily.
1 x speedboat with 2x 40 HP outboards.
1 x large speedboat with 2x 85HP outboard.
With the best local knowledge to guide you on your search for the best waves
YOGA
Morning sessions off Yoga with a relaxing view. Make your body and soul more comfortable with daily stretching amongst the beautiful Mentawai nature.
FISHING
With our extensive fishing experience, we will take you to catch some great speedsters of the ocean, you better be prepared! Big Mahi-Mahi on light gear, extra large Giant Trevally and Tuna on lures all available in the calm waters.
SNORKELLING
We are very blessed to have one of the most beautiful and colourful reefs at our door step. Enjoy the amazing underwater world of the.
ENTERTAINMENT
We have a range of board games, cards, ping-pong and even a lush green grass area to practice your mini golf skills.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
High Performace Coaching Camp has stand up paddle boards for guest use to go discover the bay and surrounds.
LOCATION & GETTING HERE
Location
The resort has more than 20.000m2 of lush green landscape surrounded by coconut trees and native vegetation. Located 40m above sea level offering a beautiful E-Bay view. There is a natural source of clean fresh water which provides plenty of quality water for guests usage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What level of surfer do I need to be?
Must be able to paddle onto a wave unaided and surf across the wave. Not for beginners. Only intermediate or advanced and have your own equipment.
What qualifications do your HPC coaches have?
All HPC coaches are Level 2 Surfing Australia qualified coaches. Every coach on our team has up to date Surf Rescue or Surf Bronze Certificates and First Aid qualifications as well as a Working With Children’s check.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes it is mandatory to have travel insurance that includes an evacuation plan. More info here: www.surftravelinsurance.com.au
Where do we meet?
When you arrive at Padang airport there will be a staff member from the HPC waiting to pick you up and transfer you to the Resort.
What do I need to bring?
Ultimately, it is up to you what you would like to bring, however, the following can be used as a guide;
- Surfboard(s)* – Up to 3 boards – there are many different types of waves and it is also good to have extra boards incase you break a board (there is nowhere you can buy boards on the island).
- Board bag
- Wetsuit vest – the water is warm so you won’t need a full wetsuit.
- Wet shirt/rashie
- Hat
- Legrope and warm water wax
- Beach towel
- Board repair kit (sun curing only)
- Reef boots – as the reef can be sharp at some waves
- Gath helmet
- Sunblock (waterproof 30+)
- Mosquito repellant (tropical strength)
- Malaria pills
- Toiletries
- Clothing and shoes (pack lightly)
- Electrical adaptor (two round pins 220V)
- Surge protector if taking a laptop
- Book/Mags
* A lot of surfboards can be an inconvenience for some airlines. Be aware that some airlines allow you to take up to 3 surfboards and will charge an additional fee on top for any extra ones. Get information of the airline policies prior to travelling with them.
What age do I need to be?
14 years or older. If under 18, parent/guardian approval required.
My Child is under 18, do they need a parent/guardian to accompany them on the trip?
No. However, any parent who is a surfer or who simply wants to observe their child/ren on the camp are welcome to attend at the cost of a participant. Space is limited as the resort accommodates a maximum of 12 people.
How many people can attend the HPC camp?
Playground Surf Resort accommodates up to 12 people. Depending on the average of the participants age level there will be either 9 or 10 attendees and 2 or 3 HPC coaches.
Do I need vaccinations?
For the latest recommended vaccinations we suggest going to www.traveldoctor.com.au
Do I need a VISA?
Anyone wishing to stay for longer than 30 days in Indonesia should apply for a visa before departure with the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin. This visa is valid for 60 days and may be extended in Indonesia.
Tip: Exchange local currency to US dollars before arriving at the immigration officials in Indonesia. The immigration officials prefer that you have the $35.00 cash to pay the entry visa on arrival.
NOTE: Please check the following link for a list of countries that are FREE to enter INDONESIA. Entry Requirements
What money do I need?
Enough to cover your Indonesian Entry Fee and any personal purchases.
See full list of Trip Inclusions . Two beers daily included- any extra can be purchased for approx US$3.50
Is there mobile phone coverage?
No. There is Wi-Fi (included) and if not bringing your own device, at reception Skype is available for any calls to home.
Getting Here
Your flight in to Padang must arrive on the 22nd July before 3pm where a staff member will be waiting for you to transfer to the ferry that afternoon. Return flight must be booked for 31st July around midday or later.
The trip starts from Padang, West Sumatra Indonesia where you will get picked up from the airport and taken to the port for boarding the ferry boat. The overnight crossing on the ferry to the Mentawai Islands takes around 12 hours. You will be provided with accommodation on the ferry to have a good rest before arriving early morning for the first surf session.
PRICES & PACKAGES
22ND JULY – 31ST JULY 2016
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE IS:
Accommodation and meals
- Airport pick up/drop off and boat transfers
- First and last night accommodation on ferry
- 7 nights accommodation at High Performance Surf Resort
- 3 meals a day and drinks (non-alcoholic) – water, coconut water, tea and coffee
- Cocktail reception
- Snacks, water and coconut water in boats that go out to the surf
- Equipment for fishing, diving and spearfishing
- Darts, table tennis and Slack-line
- 2 sodas per day
- 2 beers a day
- Wi-Fi
High Performance Coaching
- Daily surf sessions with High performance coaches and Local Surf Guides
- Video Analysis for technique breakdown
- Heat strategies with practice competitions (if applicable)
- Pictures of the trip (Surfing sessions, life style, activities…)
- Edited video of the trip (FULL video of your experience at the Playground Surf Resort)
THE TOTAL COST IS $2300 US
All you have to provide is your own flights to and from Padang and your own Travel insurance (must include evacuation plan).
