Kima Women’s Surf Retreats goes to the Mentawais
Surf & Sail with Pro Surfer Giada
Some surf destinations are worth travelling across the world for, and believe us when we say the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia are one of those destinations.
Far off the west coast of Sumatra lies a group of more than 70 islands, surrounded by dense jungle, traced by long white-sand beaches and home to the unique Mentawai people. A place where the world beneath the waves is just as impressive as the one above them, and one that is best explored by boat.
From 2–13 November 2026, we’re taking you and 11 other women aboard Malaika, our private surf charter, to explore the Mentawais, connect with the ocean and take your surfing to the next level.
This is Destination Two of the Kima Women’s Surf Retreats — and it might just be our wildest one yet.
We’ve covered all the need-to-know details of the retreat on the main webpage, so we won’t repeat them all here. Instead, consider this everything you need to know before you go!
Why the Mentawais?
This remote archipelago has earned its reputation as a world-class surfing destination. Sitting directly in the path of Indian Ocean swells, the Mentawais receive swell throughout the year, with an incredible variety of breaks making it a true playground for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Macaronis, Rifles, Kandui, Telescopes and Bank Vaults are just a few of the legendary spots that have put the Mentawais on the surfing map.
These waves range from long left-handers and fast rights to heavy barrels, playful walls and everything in between. What makes the Mentawais so special is that the same wave can feel completely different depending on the swell, wind and tide. Smaller swells can turn certain spots into playful, rippable waves, while bigger swells can transform them into powerful, technical waves.
But the waves are only part of what makes the Mentawais so special.
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Meet the Waves
The Mentawais are made up of four main islands — Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai — with surf breaks scattered all around them. Some areas have lots of waves close together, while others are more remote.
You have probably heard some of these names before in the surf scene, and if you haven't, well now you have and you should remember them. These are some of the Mentawais most iconic surf spots, but be prepared to explore plenty more on your private surf charter!
| Beng Beng’s | A reliable long lefthander which breaks over deep and forgiving reefs and provides super fun surfing conditions. |
|---|---|
| Hideaways | Slabby, shallow left with excellent tubes |
| Kanduis | One of the most powerful and hollow lefts in the world |
| Nipussi | Consistent, deeper-water right great for intermediates |
| Lance’s Left | Long, peeling, with open walls and occasional barrels |
| Macaronis | A powerful, hollow left-hander. In 2003, it was even voted the world's best wave by a panel of surfing experts from Waves Magazine! |
| Playgrounds Left/ Right | Here you can find long, easy waves for longboarders and intermediates. It’s a great surf spot to catch some waves while getting ready for the bigger waves . |
| Lance’s Right / Hollow Tree | It’s known for its long, powerful, and perfectly shaped right-hand waves. The wave's fast, barreling sections and shallow inside make it a challenging yet rewarding experience for intermediate to advanced surfers. |
| Nyang Nyang | The sandy bottom and gradual slope make it ideal for surfers of all levels. When the swell is small, Nyang Nyang provides a fun, mellow wave. However, during larger swells, the wave can become more powerful and challenging, making it suitable for intermediate surfers as well. |
*Wave conditions vary depending on swell, tides and weather conditions. The breaks listed above may not be surfable or may differ in size and quality on every day of the retreat.
These are just a few of the waves that have made the Mentawais famous. Which ones you surf will depend on the swell, wind, tide and conditions during your retreat.
And that is exactly why we’re going by boat.
Why Go by Boat?
The Mentawais claim to fame is not thanks to one well-known wave, it’s thanks to its huge collection of islands, reefs and waves spread across the ocean. Some surf spots break on big swells, where other surf spots simply cannot hold the swell. Some spots receive clean offshore conditions, where those on the other side of the island can be blown out. The tide, wind and swell change each surf spot daily.
And this is exactly why we've chosen to explore the Mentawais by private surf charter.
Instead of simply arriving at a surf spot, you'll start to understand why we're choosing it. Why this wave is working today. Why another one isn't. Why a smaller swell can make one reef playful while a bigger swell transforms another into something much more powerful.
That's what makes this a unique learning experience.
You're not just surfing different waves. You're learning to read the ocean and understand how the conditions shape the waves you're surfing.
The ocean sets the schedule. We follow.
Meet Your Host, Giada
Giada Legati is our Kima ambassador, pro surfer and now your Mentawai Surf Retreat Host. Giada has been travelling and competing across the globe at some of the world’s most respected surf spots. Her surf guiding is backed by years of competitive experience, but what truly sets her guiding apart is her ability to read the ocean, tackle new waves, and identify small adjustments to help her surfers improve.
As your retreat host, this is how Giada would experience the Mentawais herself, chasing the best conditions each day, exploring the remote corners of the archipelago while sharing legendary waves with passionate female surfers.
Giada brings knowledge and the experience of a pro surfer to every surf session.
Is This Retreat Right for your Surf Level?
The Mentawais are not a learn to surf destination, nor a pros only zone. They are home to many reef breaks, some playful and cruisey and others shallow and hollow. To enjoy surfing here you should be able to:
- Surf waves independently
- Surf reef breaks
- Duck dive and handle stronger waves
- Manage yourself in currents and changing conditions
- Confidently position yourself in a lineup
- Take off on steeper waves and link turns
- Surf both lefts and rights
- Surf independently without constant assistance
You don’t need to be a pro, but you need a solid foundation that Giada can build on.
This retreat is built around progression. You’ll have two daily surf sessions, sailing to the breaks offering the best conditions each day, with personalised guiding from Giada and experienced Mentawai surf guides.
Daily video feedback will help you refine your technique, positioning, wave selection and decision-making, while being on the boat gives you the chance to watch the swell develop and understand how wind, tides, reefs and swell direction shape the waves you surf. Every day brings the chance to discover new breaks, new challenges and new lessons — building not just better surfing, but a deeper confidence and connection with the ocean.
SEE WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RETREAT
More Than Just Surf
The lifestyle around surfing and waves is just as important as the quality of the waves. Exploring the Mentawais by boat means we will be able to experience things few people ever do!
Ocean-to-table Dining
The Mentawai people have a deep relationship with the ocean, and fresh fish is a natural part of the local diet. Depending on the day, you might even see the catch of the day go from ocean to plate — making dinner feel very different when you’re eating with the water it came from all around you.
It’s one of those small experiences that makes being in the Mentawais feel very different from being anywhere else.
The World Below the Waves
The Mentawais sit within an incredibly rich tropical marine environment, with coral reefs and hundreds of species of reef fish beneath the surface. Grab a mask and jump in — sometimes you don't even need to leave Malaika to go snorkelling.
Mentawai Culture
The Mentawai Indigenous communities have developed in close connection with the islands’ forests and ocean. Traditional tattoos, the communal uma houses and the Sikerei — traditional spiritual and cultural leaders — are all part of their culture.
Exploring the Mentawais by boat gives you the opportunity to see more than the famous surf breaks and experience a glimpse of the islands, people and traditions that make this place so unique.
What to Pack
For 11 days you will spend most of your time in your surfing suit or bikini, so the trick is pack less.
Bring:
- Your favourite surfboard
- Spare leash, a fin key, fins
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Rash vest
- Reef boots, if you use them
- Swimwear
- Lightweight clothes
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Dry bag
- Toiletries
- Camera
- Book or Kindle
- Personal medication
You probably don't need:
- Five pairs of shoes
- Your entire wardrobe
- Anything too precious
- Lots of fancy outfits
Things Nobody Tells You About a Mentawai Surf Trip
Surfing and sailing can become everything, very quickly. You will become slightly obsessed with the swell. The first question every morning will probably be: “What's it doing?”
You will eat more than you expect.
You will probably live in swimwear.
Your hair will be permanently salty.
And after a few days, you'll stop knowing what day it is.
You'll also realise that the biggest swell doesn't necessarily make the best surf day. Sometimes the smaller, playful session is the one everyone talks about over dinner.
And somewhere along the way, Malaika will stop feeling like a boat. She'll become home.
Ready to Join?
For 11 nights, we’ll sail between remote islands and world-class waves, with surf guiding from pro surfer Giada, all aboard Malaika, our private 38m sailing boat. Follow the swell, chase the best conditions and make the most of every day in the water.
Girls, this one is for you.
And boys… know a surfer who would absolutely love this? Consider this your sign to send it her way. It might even make a pretty good gift.
Only 12 spots are available.
Join NowWant to follow the Mentawai adventure?
Join the Kima Women's Surf Retreat mailing list to receive more details as we get closer to departure, from itinerary updates and surf plans to trip inspiration and all the excitement building around the adventure.
And, of course, you’ll be the first to hear where we’re heading next.
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