Pitstops, Mentawai
Mentawai surf guide › Pitstops
Pitstops is Mick Fanning’s favourite wave, and it became famous after appearing in one of his films. It is a very mechanical right, almost like a wave pool, that finishes on a small paradise beach. It suits all levels and is 15 to 20 minutes by boat from Hidden Bay.
How Pitstops breaks
Pitstops is a very mechanical right. Sometimes it throws a barrel on the drop, then it opens into a long, even wall where you can link turn after turn, all the way to the small beach at the end. Southwest swells get in best; south swells usually don’t get in much. The offshore winds are southeast and east. The best tide is low to mid, and it works from 2 to 6 feet.
The crowd, and how we deal with it
Pitstops is fun, but it is usually crowded, with local surfers and most of the surf camps that have access to it. Expect to share the lineup with a good number of surfers.
That is where our timing matters. We don’t have a fixed boat schedule, so we can take you there at a good hour, when the lineup is quieter. It makes a real difference to how many waves you get.
Great for families, couples and filming
The setting is stunning and great for filming. Because the wave ends on a small beach, partners and families who don’t surf can come along and watch the surfers from the sand.
Who Pitstops is for
Every level who can already surf on their own: intermediates get a predictable wall to practise their turns, and experienced surfers get a playful right to open up on.
Read our month-by-month guide: best time to surf Mentawai.
Local tips for Pitstops
Pitstops is fun, but it is always busy. A good attitude goes a long way here.
- Arrive with a smile. Say hi to the locals. Come with a positive attitude and the interaction is always great.
- Don’t stress. The crowd is always intense, so relax and enjoy it.
- Wait for the sets. Pick your waves, wait for the good ones and have fun.
- Let us time it. With no fixed schedule, we can bring you at a quieter hour.
Watch Pitstops
Pitstops wave guide
More sessions on our YouTube channel.
Surfing Pitstops 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 Pitstops 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 Pitstops the same evening.
Other waves near Hidden Bay
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Pitstops FAQ
Where is Pitstops?
In the northern Mentawai Islands, 15 to 20 minutes by boat from Hidden Bay Resort.
Why is Pitstops famous?
It is Mick Fanning’s favourite wave and appeared in one of his films.
Is Pitstops good for intermediate surfers?
Yes. It is a very mechanical right, almost like a wave pool, and works for every level who can already surf on their own.
What are the best conditions for Pitstops?
Southwest swells with southeast to east winds, which blow offshore. South swells usually don’t get in much.
Is Pitstops crowded?
Usually, yes: local surfers and most surf camps with access go there. With no fixed schedule, we can take you there at a good hour.
Can non-surfers come along?
Yes. The wave ends on a small beach, so partners and families can watch the surfers from the sand.
Surf Pitstops with us
See the next Featured Trip dates, or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you honestly when Pitstops is at its best for your level.
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