Mentawai surf guide › Hideaways
Hideaways is the closest wave to Hidden Bay: a very consistent left-hander just 5 minutes away by boat, and one of the best lefts in the northern Mentawais. Because it picks up both southwest and south swells, it is one of the most reliable waves in the area.
How Hideaways breaks
Hideaways breaks from 2 up to 15 feet, and when it is good there is usually a crowd. It is a left that works on southwest swells and, unlike many waves in the area, on south swells too. That wide swell window is what makes it so consistent. It is at its best with east and southeast winds, which blow offshore, and from mid to high tide.
On a big swell at low tide Hideaways gets excellent, with heavier, faster walls. That is also when the inside section turns very dangerous, so it is a call for experienced surfers only, with a guide who knows the reef.
When to surf Hideaways
April – September
Peak season. Bigger, more powerful swells and the most consistent conditions. Expect busier lineups on the best days.
October – March
Low season. Smaller, fun waves with far fewer people around, a great time to build your backhand or forehand on a quality left.
Read our month-by-month guide: best time to surf Mentawai.
Who Hideaways is for
Hideaways suits intermediate to advanced surfers who already surf reef breaks on their own. On small and medium days it is a fun, rippable left; on big swells it becomes a serious wave. Our guides read the conditions each morning and tell you honestly whether it suits your level that day.
Local tips for Hideaways
Hideaways has two well-defined sections, and knowing which one to sit at makes all the difference.
- Pick your section. The outer peak, further out, gives a much easier drop. The section by the channel has a far more vertical drop. Both can work well depending on the day.
- Read the swell direction. The best waves come from a mix of south and southwest swell. Waves that come too much from the west tend to close out and only break by the channel.
- Be picky. The reef is shallow, so choose your waves carefully.
- Protect yourself. Booties and a helmet are a good idea here.
Watch Hideaways
Hideaways wave guide
3 consecutive tubes at Hideaways
More sessions on our YouTube channel.
Surfing Hideaways from Hidden Bay
We don’t run the boat by the clock. Our guides follow the forecast, the wind and more than 12 years of local knowledge to put you on Hideaways when it’s at its best, and on another wave when it isn’t. Featured Trips average 6 surfers per boat, never more than 8, and with so many breaks close by we can split groups by level.
Every session ends back in our private bay: a chef’s kitchen, ocean-facing rooms with AC and hot water, and a gym with a physical trainer. With the surf video package, we film your sessions, so you can watch your waves at Hideaways the same evening.
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