E-Bay, Mentawai
Mentawai surf guide › E-Bay
E-Bay takes its name from the bay, which is shaped like the letter E. It is a fantastic left that breaks in front of two rocks, and one of the most photogenic waves in the Mentawais, with palm trees lined up behind the wave. It is about 20 minutes by boat from Hidden Bay.
How E-Bay breaks
E-Bay is a left that peels in front of two rocks. It is best on big swells from the southwest: the bigger the swell, the more the barrel opens up. On smaller days it gets more sectiony and the barrel stays near the top of the wave.
The offshore winds are southeast and east, and sometimes it works very well with a northeast wind too. It is best from about 3–4 feet, when it isn’t so sectiony, and it can hold up to 15 feet.
The most photogenic wave around
Filmed from the channel, E-Bay breaks with palm trees lined up behind it, and the images come out incredible. If you want a shot for the wall at home, this is the wave. With the surf video package, we film your sessions.
Who E-Bay is for
Intermediate to advanced surfers who are comfortable on reef. On the big swells when it is at its best, it is a wave for experienced surfers.
Read our month-by-month guide: best time to surf Mentawai.
Local tips for E-Bay
E-Bay changes character with size, so it pays to know when to go.
- Wait for 3–4 ft or more. Below that the wave gets sectiony. It can hold up to 15 feet.
- Enjoy the easy drop. The take-off is very easy, and it gives you good barrels.
- Read the barrel. When it is small, the tube stays near the top of the wave. As the swell grows, the barrels get wider.
- Careful past the second rock. At low tide the wave gets very shallow there.
Watch E-Bay
E-Bay wave guide
Big E-Bay, August 2019
More sessions on our YouTube channel.
Surfing E-Bay 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 E-Bay 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 E-Bay the same evening.
Other waves near Hidden Bay
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E-Bay FAQ
Where is E-Bay?
In the northern Mentawai Islands, about 20 minutes by boat from Hidden Bay Resort.
Why is it called E-Bay?
Because the bay is shaped like the letter E.
What are the best conditions for E-Bay?
Big southwest swells with southeast to east winds. Sometimes it works very well with a northeast wind too.
Is E-Bay photogenic?
Very. Filmed from the channel, the wave breaks in front of two rocks with palm trees lined up behind it.
Is E-Bay dangerous?
Be careful at very low tide, especially on the last section after the second rock: good barrels form there, but the reef is very sharp.
Surf E-Bay with us
See the next Featured Trip dates, or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you honestly when E-Bay is at its best for your level.
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