Wavescape Indo Trip 2020

{vimeo}340671483{/vimeo}

The powerful 72 foot hi-tech catamaran (custom built) takes 11 passengers. This luxurious and spacious vessel does not come at a luxury price. According to returning Saffa surfers, this is the best charter boat in Indo by far. Almost all have already booked their next trip.

One of the most under-rated times of the year for IndoSpike has put this trip together for 20 February to 3 March, one of the most under-rated times of the year for Indo. The plan is to hunt totally uncrowded waves. On the whole, the surf might be a little smaller than winter, but expect lots of medium surf, and there are always Tropical Cyclones off Madagascar to feed the wave machine for bigger swells. The vessel is skippered by a 62-year-old no nonsense, straight talking Kiwi veteran, who will regale you with tales from the pioneering days when the Mentawais were being discovered, and spots named. As a result of his intimate hard-earned knowledge of the area, he will put you into empty lineups.

"All the February trips I have done in the past, we have scored fun waves. We've even had Playground to ourselves, waves like that one out the back we surfed. Then there's Bank Vaults, and Burger World as main stays. We'll check out HT's, Maccas, Telescopes, and a few not so well known breaks. We mostly have nice crossings. February is normally lovely boating weather. Personally I love February trips: perfect fun waves and uncrowded.”

TUCKED UP: At this time of the year, there is something for everyone. Photo Surf Travel Guru

What you get

• Skipper knows the lesser known spots with fewer crowds and if you're nice, he may blindfold ya and take you somewhere very special :)
• Amazing food from a trained chef
• Nothing too much for a super friendly crew
• This twin-hulled boat is new, and well-run
• Boat packs power and speed to get quickly to spots
• Big and spacious living conditions
• Photographer on board to record your trip *
  
• Travel with Spike from Wavescape
• Spike to give Indo-focused swell talk before departure and any follow-ups in Indo
  
• Copy of Spike's book Surfing in South Africa
• Foam covered tender (no more dinged shins and boards - a bonus!)
  

* The photographer is the skipper's local photographer. He's not a surfer but is a professional wedding photographer. He takes good shots from the tender with a 300mm lens. You have to go with him each night and download what you want. You can upgrade to a professional Aussie photographer for US$150 per person. He brings a drone, and does water photography. It's the group's call (and if he is available).

STABLE, SAFE, FAST: The boat you will go on is top class, with everything you need.

THE DEAL

The cost is US$2,800 for 11 days. This includes a photographer on board, limitless travel to spots (many boats restrict travel to save on diesel), accommodation, tender, food and drink. Excludes flights, taxes, tips and booze.

You pay a bit more than the cheaper Indo boats, but you get full-on luxury and all of the above, capped with waves to yourself. If you've been to Indo, and had many mixed experiences, you'll know these things are priceless.

EMPTY BARRELS: The cyclone season is a wave machine so expect a few like this. Shhhh!

Reviews

“We surfed alone for 3 days. Did not see a western face ! Who knows where he took us, but it was amazing! Hands down the best surf charter I’ve ever been on! - Sammy Leith

You were right! The best boat and surf and charter I have ever been on! - Darryl Maskew

“My experience was exceptional. The boat was spacious and well equipped. Food and crew were great and our host an exceptional skipper. When I go back to the Mentawais, he is the only boat and skipper I will want to ever use.” - Gareth Leck, CEO Joe Public Advertising

Food really exceeded all my expectations - felt like we were on a gourmet tour - fresh tasty and plenty of it. Staff were very friendly, helpful and anticipated our every need. Everything worked like clockwork: no "sukkel". Just what you want on holiday! - Deon, Scarborough

The surf was all time, every day! We zigged when others zagged and surfed uncrowded surf most of the time. Sometimes alone. Best skipper, boat and set up I have ever been on ... by far, and I have done many charters. - Paul Stafford

{gallery}SLIDESHOW/2019/September/mentawais-2020{/gallery}