Telo Islands North Surf Guide

Surfing in North Telos

North Telos, part of the Telo Islands off the coast of Sumatra, is a premier surf destination with consistent waves, clear waters, and scenic, tropical surroundings. Known for its variety of waves that suit all levels, North Telos offers both long, rippable lefts and more challenging, barreling rights. The standout surf spots in North Telos are **Churches** and **GTs**—both highly regarded for their quality, consistency, and beauty. With fewer crowds compared to other Indonesian surf destinations, North Telos is an excellent choice for surfers seeking great waves in a peaceful, remote setting.

The Waves of North Telos

North Telos is home to several quality waves, each offering something unique. The two main waves, Churches and GTs, provide different surfing experiences suitable for various levels and styles.

• Churches: Churches is a long, perfect left-hand reef break that offers long, mellow rides suited for surfers of all skill levels. With smooth, peeling walls, Churches provides ample space for beginners to practice while also allowing experienced surfers to showcase their maneuvers. The wave breaks over a forgiving reef, making it approachable and enjoyable, particularly on a mid to high tide when it is at its best. Churches is known for its consistency, making it a dependable choice for surfers visiting North Telos.
• GTs: GTs is a fast, powerful right-hand reef break that provides hollow, barreling sections ideal for advanced surfers. Breaking over a shallow reef, GTs delivers intense rides with steep drops and challenging barrels that require precision and confidence. GTs works best on mid to low tides, and when the swell is up, it offers some of the best barrel rides in the Telo Islands. Due to its technical nature, GTs is recommended for surfers with solid experience in heavy, hollow waves.

Surfing Ability in North Telos

North Telos offers waves for all skill levels, though the more challenging breaks like GTs are best suited for experienced surfers. Churches provides an excellent, accessible wave for a wide range of surfers, making it ideal for those looking to progress their skills in a less crowded environment.

• Beginners and Intermediates: Churches is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers, offering long, gentle walls that are forgiving and easy to navigate. The wave’s consistent, mellow pace allows surfers to practice their turns and improve their technique without the intensity of faster, heavier waves.
• Advanced Surfers: GTs is best suited for advanced surfers who are comfortable with fast, hollow waves and shallow reefs. The wave’s powerful, barreling sections provide an exciting challenge for surfers looking for critical drops and deep barrels.

Surf Equipment for North Telos

With a mix of mellow and heavy waves, North Telos calls for a versatile quiver to make the most of the conditions.

• Performance Shortboard: A performance shortboard is ideal for GTs, where quick maneuvers and control are essential in the hollow, barreling sections.
• Funboard or Longboard: For Churches, a funboard or longboard is perfect, providing added stability and ease for riding the wave’s long, mellow walls.
• Reef Boots: Reef boots are recommended for GTs due to its shallow reef, which can be hazardous on lower tides.
• Spare Gear: Given the remote location, it’s wise to bring spare leashes, fins, and wax, as replacements may not be easily available in North Telos.

Surfing Seasons in North Telos

North Telos enjoys a consistent surf season, with the best waves typically arriving during the dry season when the larger swells roll through.

• Dry Season (April – October): The dry season is the prime surf period for North Telos, with regular south and southwest swells generating consistent, high-quality waves. Offshore winds and favorable conditions during this period create optimal surf at both Churches and GTs, providing long, clean walls and powerful barrels.
• Wet Season (November – March): The wet season brings smaller swells and variable winds, though surfable waves are still available. Early mornings often offer cleaner conditions with less wind, making this season an appealing time for intermediate surfers who prefer a quieter atmosphere and gentler waves.

How to Get to North Telos

Reaching North Telos requires a combination of flights and boat transfers, as the area is located in a remote part of the Mentawai chain.

1. Fly to Medan or Padang: Start by flying into either Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) in Medan or Minangkabau International Airport (PDG) in Padang, Sumatra. Both cities offer access points for travel to the Telo Islands.
2. Charter Boat or Seaplane Transfer: From Medan or Padang, arrange a charter boat or seaplane transfer to North Telos. Many surf resorts and camps in the Telos provide transportation packages, making it easy to reach the islands directly.

Hazards and Considerations for Surfing in North Telos

• Shallow Reefs: The waves at GTs break over shallow reefs, so be cautious and mindful of the reef, particularly during low tide.
• Powerful Waves: GTs can get heavy and hollow, requiring experience and skill to handle the fast, barreling sections safely.
• Remote Location: North Telos is relatively remote, with limited access to medical facilities and surf shops. It’s recommended to pack a basic first-aid kit, spare gear, and other essentials.

How Much is North Telos

Accommodations in North Telos range from budget-friendly guesthouses to high-end surf resorts, catering to various budgets and preferences.

• Budget: Basic guesthouses and homestays start at around USD $20-30 per night, offering simple amenities and close proximity to surf spots like Churches.
• Mid-Range: Surf camps and mid-range lodges provide comfortable accommodations with meal packages and surf guiding, with prices ranging from USD $100-200 per night.
• High-End: Luxury surf resorts in North Telos offer premium accommodations, meals, and guided surf sessions, with rates starting around USD $300-500 per night.

North Telos is an exceptional surf destination with beautiful waves, fewer crowds, and a peaceful, tropical atmosphere. With perfect, long lefts at Churches and powerful, hollow barrels at GTs, North Telos provides a mix of waves suited for all levels of surfing experience. For those looking to escape to a remote Indonesian paradise with reliable, quality surf, North Telos is a prime choice.