Telo Islands Surf Guide

Surfing in the Telo Islands: North and South Telos

The Telo Islands, located off the western coast of Sumatra, are a less-crowded surf paradise within the Mentawai Island chain. Known for their consistent waves, stunning tropical scenery, and laid-back vibe, the Telo Islands offer a variety of waves for all levels. The region is divided into **North Telos** and **South Telos**, each with its own unique surf spots. North Telos is famous for its waves at Churches and GTs, while South Telos boasts popular breaks like Monkeys and Pastis. With reliable surf, warm water, and options for various skill levels, the Telo Islands are an ideal destination for surfers looking for adventure without the intense crowds of the more famous Mentawai spots.

The Waves of the Telo Islands

The Telo Islands are blessed with a variety of high-quality waves that work on different tides and swell sizes, offering something for both intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves here tend to be less crowded than those in the Mentawais, making it an attractive option for those seeking solitude and consistency.

• Churches (North Telos): Churches is a long, perfect left-hand reef break that is suitable for surfers of all levels. Known for its smooth, peeling walls, Churches offers an ideal setup for long rides and progressive maneuvers, making it an excellent spot for both beginners and more experienced surfers. The wave is consistent and forgiving, breaking over a soft reef that provides a gentle, approachable experience for all.
• GTs (North Telos): GTs is a more challenging wave in North Telos, known for its fast, powerful right-hand barrels. This wave breaks over a shallow reef and is best suited for experienced surfers who can handle critical drops and hollow sections. GTs works on both mid and low tides and provides some of the best barrel rides in the Telos, making it a go-to spot for advanced surfers looking to score heavy, technical waves.
• Monkeys (South Telos): Monkeys is a playful, approachable right-hand reef break that is perfect for intermediate surfers. This fun wave offers a long, manageable ride with gentle walls, ideal for practicing turns and flow without the intensity of larger, heavier waves. On bigger swells, Monkeys still provides a challenge, making it enjoyable for both intermediates and more advanced surfers looking for a mellow session.
• Pastis (South Telos): Pastis is a fast, hollow right-hander that delivers a more powerful wave than Monkeys. Known for its quick, barreling sections, Pastis offers thrilling rides for advanced surfers looking to score clean, powerful waves. This wave works best on a mid to low tide and is an excellent choice for surfers seeking high-performance waves in South Telos.

Surfing Ability in the Telo Islands

The Telo Islands offer waves for both intermediate and advanced surfers, with a good mix of mellow breaks and more technical waves that break over shallow reefs.

• Intermediate Surfers: Monkeys in South Telos and Churches in North Telos are perfect for intermediate surfers looking to gain experience on quality reef breaks. Both waves are relatively forgiving and offer plenty of opportunities for long, enjoyable rides.
• Advanced Surfers: GTs in North Telos and Pastis in South Telos provide challenging waves with fast, hollow sections, ideal for experienced surfers looking for powerful barrels and technical waves.

Surf Equipment for the Telo Islands

Given the variety of waves in the Telo Islands, a well-rounded quiver is recommended to make the most of the conditions.

• Performance Shortboard: A performance shortboard is suitable for the majority of waves in the Telos, especially for rippable waves like Churches and Monkeys.
• Step-Up Board: A step-up board with a bit of extra volume is recommended for bigger days at GTs and Pastis, where the waves can get heavier and more powerful.
• Reef Boots: Reef boots can be helpful, especially at shallow spots like GTs and Pastis, to avoid cuts from the sharp coral.
• Spare Gear: Due to the remote nature of the islands, bring spare leashes, fins, and wax, as replacements may be difficult to find locally.

Surfing Seasons in the Telo Islands

The Telo Islands enjoy a consistent surf season, with the best waves arriving during the dry season, though there is usually surfable swell year-round.

• Dry Season (April – October): The dry season is the ideal time to surf in the Telo Islands, with regular south and southwest swells providing consistent, high-quality waves. Offshore winds and larger swell during this period bring optimal conditions for spots like GTs, Churches, and Pastis.
• Wet Season (November – March): During the wet season, the waves are generally smaller and less consistent, though early mornings can offer clean conditions with less wind. While the wet season is quieter, intermediate surfers may enjoy the more forgiving conditions during this period.

How to Get to the Telo Islands

Accessing the Telo Islands requires a combination of flights and boat transfers due to their remote location within 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 serve as starting points for trips to the Telos.
2. Charter Boat or Seaplane Transfer: From Medan or Padang, arrange a charter boat or seaplane transfer to the Telo Islands. Many surf resorts and camps in the Telos offer transportation packages, providing direct access to the islands.

Hazards and Considerations for Surfing in the Telo Islands

• Shallow Reefs: The waves in the Telos often break over shallow reefs, particularly at GTs and Pastis, so exercise caution and be mindful of the reef, especially during low tide.
• Powerful Waves: Waves like GTs and Pastis can get heavy and hollow, requiring experience and skill to handle the fast, critical sections.
• Remote Location: The Telo Islands are remote, so medical facilities and surf shops are limited. Pack a basic first-aid kit, spare gear, and any other essentials you may need.

How Much is the Telo Islands

Accommodations in the Telo Islands range from budget guesthouses to all-inclusive surf resorts, catering to different budgets and preferences.

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

The Telo Islands are an incredible surf destination that combines consistent waves, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed island atmosphere. With high-quality waves at Churches, GTs, Monkeys, and Pastis, the Telos offer an unforgettable experience for surfers of all levels looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the pristine beauty of one of Indonesia’s hidden surf paradises.