Hideaways (Mentawi Islands) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s talk about what’s on the cards for the Mentawi Islands over the next couple of weeks. We’ve got one real gem of a break to focus on here, and it’s shaping up for a classic run.

We’re looking at Hideaways (Mentawi Islands) – a reef setup that’s consistent and fairly exposed to the swell. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual there. The week kicks off with a bit of a slow burn. Sunday and Monday see small 2 ft to 2 ft SW swells, with a moderate breeze and cross-off winds that keep things clean but just ordinary. The combined swell energy is in the low to mid hundreds (183–323), so it’s weak to moderate energy, not enough to get the heart racing yet.

Then things start to turn. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings have that glassy feel, with a light air and periods pushing 15–16 seconds. The swell builds a touch to 3 ft from the SSW, and the energy jumps nicely to the 400–500 range. Tuesday afternoon is pure glass – that’s the kind of moment you don’t want to miss if you want clean, peeling waves.

Now, the standouts. Thursday the 30th of July through to Saturday the 1st of August is where it gets really interesting. Thursday morning we’ve got a 4 ft SSW groundswell with a 19-second period – that’s proper long-period energy, bringing shape and power. The combined energy hits 1126, which is strong. Winds are light and offshore, so Hideaways will be clean and rifling. Saturday the 1st of August is the absolute standout for experienced surfers. We’re looking at 6 ft SSW swell, glassy conditions in the morning, and a monster energy reading of 1811. That’s strong to very strong energy – powerful, long-period lines that will reel down that reef. It’s 6 ft, so it’s too big for beginners, but for those with the skills, it’s going to be world-class.

Crowds are listed as *often* present, so expect company – this is a known spot and when it’s this good, the boats will be there.

After that, the second week sees more solid SSW swell. Monday the 3rd of August looks a bit rough with onshore winds, but the runs around Wednesday the 5th of August and Friday the 7th of August deliver excellent surf again – 5 ft to 6 ft swells, clean winds, and glassy mornings. The long-range window around Sunday the 9th of August and Monday the 10th of August is promising but less certain – we’re talking 7 ft to 10 ft of SSW swell with strong offshore winds and energy readings of 2102 to 6458. That’s very strong, powerful stuff. For experts only. It could be epic if the winds hold, but we’ll need to watch it.

So, bottom line: Hideaways is the only game in town and it’s a bloody good one. The best on offer is the glassy, 6 ft SSW swell on Saturday the 1st of August, with Thursday the 30th of July and Wednesday the 5th of August as strong backup options. Get on it.

Rusty.

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