Macaronis Surf Spot

Macaronis a.k.a Macas is undoubtedly one of the best high-performance waves on the planet.

Situated in Pasongan Bay on the western side of North Pagai in the southern region of the Mentawai Islands this super mechanical left-hand reef break offers a bit of extra gnar for experienced surfers. The long trip across the globe to the remote area of the Southern Mentawais is worth it for just one pumping session at Macas. This unique corner of the Mentawais is also home to several other waves which provide surf for all abilities. Find out how to surf Macaronis and much more below.

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Waves

What kind of wave is Macaronis?

Experienced surfers travel from all across the globe to get barreled, throw airs, or rip up the face of Macaronis near-perfect left. Reminiscent of the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch, Macaronis breaks predictably and consistently over a less threatening section of reef than other death-defying waves in the area. Not only a goofy footer’s dream but favoured by natural footers too, expect a solid barrel section followed by a clean and open inside shoulder ripe for maneuvers. It’s easy to find yourself too deep in the barrel when below head high and don’t expect to paddle out in a hurry at double-overhead as the take-off becomes extremely ledgy and heavy (except for onshore conditions which round-out the tube section). Caught inside? Be prepared to wait out the set in the foam over a few inches of water above seriously razor-sharp coral. If it is a bit overhead with Southwest swell and East wind then leg it for Macaronis. Great fun for charging and highly experienced and advanced surfers.

What kind of wave is Macaronis Right?

Macaronis Right is the less well-known brother to Macaronis illustrious fame and needs a particular set of conditions to be at it’s best. A combination of northerly wind, solid south swell and a mid to high tide may bring the most often surfed outside section of Macaronis Right to life. While the inside section is surfed on the highest tides only due to it being super hollow and shallow. Often, ideal conditions at Macaronis Right coincides with near-perfect conditions at Macaronis located just across the bay, leaving this right-hander uncrowded for the surfer looking for some solitude. While not exactly a wave machine of Macaronis calibre, it is still worth the time to paddle out, especially in an empty line-up.

What kind of wave is Mini Macaronis?

Mini Macaronis is frequented by intermediate surfers who haven’t entirely built the skill set to brave the sharper, steeper, and faster lefts of Macaronis. Located inside of Macaronis, Mini Macas is a predictable left-hand peak with a clean open face that breaks best on high tide. It needs a bit of extra swell to break due to it being situated further inside the bay and typically breaks best under the same conditions as Macaronis which can be seen breaking further up the reef. All in all, an excellent option for surfers who aren’t quite at the level required to surf the surrounding waves.

What kind of wave is Fish Fingers?

Fish Fingers is a sand bottom beginner’s wave in the Macaronis area of North Pagai. This soft peak breaks right with the occasional left and is utilised by learner surfers on soft-tops from Macaronis Resort. Fish Fingers is conveniently located across the channel from the Macaronis Resort where the resort’s boats commute in and out to the surf.

Wave type:

Macaronis: Reef Break
Macaronis Right: Reef Break
Mini Macaronis: Reef Break
Fish Fingers: Beach Break

Wave difficulty:

Macaronis: Experienced
Macaronis Right: Intermediate
Mini Macaronis: Intermediate
Fish Fingers: Beginner

Wave direction:

Macaronis: Left
Macaronis Right: Right
Mini Macaronis: Left
Fish Fingers: Left,Right

Wave bottom:

Macaronis: Reef
Macaronis Right: Reef
Mini Macaronis: Reef
Fish Fingers: Sand

Booties:

Macaronis: Recommended
Macaronis Right: Recommended
Mini Macaronis: Personal preference
Fish Fingers: No

Surfboard type:

Macaronis: Shortboard to step-up
Macaronis Right: Shortboard to step-up
Mini Macaronis: Shortboard
Fish Fingers: Longboard

Crowd factor:

Macaronis: Medium Crowds
Macaronis Right: Empty
Mini Macaronis: Low Crowds
Fish Fingers: Empty

Hazards:

Macaronis: Heavy when big, shallow and razor-sharp coral on the inside.
Macaronis Right: Super shallow, long and hollow sections.
Mini Macaronis: None
Fish Fingers: None

Best swell direction:

Macaronis: SW
Macaronis Right: S
Mini Macaronis: SW
Fish Fingers: Any

Best wind direction:

Macaronis: E
Macaronis Right: N
Mini Macaronis: E
Fish Fingers: N

What tide is best:

Macaronis: All tides
Macaronis Right: High
Mini Macaronis: High
Fish Fingers: Any

Best tide movement:

Macaronis: Rising
Macaronis Right: Rising
Mini Macaronis: Rising
Fish Fingers: Any

Wave consistency:

Macaronis: Consistent
Macaronis Right: Consistent
Mini Macaronis: Semi-consistent
Fish Fingers: Consistent

Best time of year:

Macaronis: Year-round
Macaronis Right: Year-round
Mini Macaronis: April – October
Fish Fingers: April – October

Lineup vibe:

Macaronis: Can get hectic
Macaronis Right: Low key
Mini Macaronis: Low key
Fish Fingers: Super fun

Other names for spot:

Macaronis: Macas
Macaronis Right: Macas Right, KFC’s
Mini Macaronis: Mini Macas

How do you get in and out of the surf?

The real perk of Macaronis is the predictability. With changing swell, you can expect slight differences, but the channel always seems to stay the same as you make your way into the lineup. Macaronis and the surrounding surf breaks are accessible only by boat with Macaronis being a short boat ride of approximately 800 metres from Macaronis Resort. There are two anchorages available in the bay for two surf charter boats per day which are booked in advance according to the regulation put in place by the Mentawai Government in 2009.

Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Reef cuts and infections are a big deal…They require immediate attention to avoid countless health problems.

The Surfers First Aid Kit

What is the beach like?

There is a small beach right in front of Macaronis Resort referred to as the Lagoon Beach with white sand shells. The water is clear, calm and warm and great for swimming. It is an excellent launch point for kayaking or stand up paddling with an easy beach landing. Then starting from the resort, you can walk out towards the ocean along the calm bay tide-flat and around to the coral and shell-strewn rugged beach referred to as Siniai Island Beach. It is a beautiful and pristine island walk where beautiful and large sea shells can be found. There have been several large chambered nautilus shells found on this beach as well as beautiful cowries.

Pasangan Bay Beach is a beautiful white sand crescent of beach about two kilometres long in the bay between the Macaronis Resort and the wave. The beach is located just across the channel and can be easily accessed by a one minute boat ride or a quick kayak or paddle across. The beach has some shells and is lined with beautiful forest and palms. You can walk to Macaronis wave from this beach, but you must cross a small inlet entrance in the far corner of the bay.

Where should I stay?

Macaronis Resort

Enjoy the comfort and privacy of a first class Mentawai resort just a stone’s throw from one of the world’s best waves! Macaronis Resort offers an unforgettable vacation experience with quality facilities and access to a variety of fun activities for the whole family. The resort features all the modern conveniences you would expect, including A/C, hot water, a beautiful lagoon-style swimming pool and on-location spa offering massage and skin-treatments. The resort is situated on a clean salt-water lagoon with stunning ocean views and prime access for exploring in paradise. All guest accommodation is raised up from ground level with exceptional amenities and an incredible 360° views of the lagoon and ocean. Most ground-level bungalows in the Mentawais do not have such wonderful sea-breezes, and the comforts gained in a nicely insulated building. They cater to the family surf holiday, children under 6 are free and non-surfer and beginner guests visit at half Surfer rate! All-inclusive surf trip packages offer the most popular trip duration of 8 days surfing, or up to 29 days surfing by choosing their Membership Package. Be sure to check them out for that once in a lifetime trip.

North Pagai Bungalows

North Pagai Bungalows are located on Silabu Island right next door to Pasongan
Bay, home to the world-class wave Macaronis Left. As a local accommodation
provider, they have unlimited access to surf Macaronis. Access is by a boat trip of 10 to 15 minutes. North Pagai Bungalows are owned and operated by local people from the nearby village of Silabu, the traditional owners of Macaronis, and all the land in the area. Gerry (the owner and host) his family, and the local staff are pleased to welcome guests to their home. Their goal is to ensure that guests get maximum enjoyment from their stay and get to experience all that this unique part of the world has to offer. Bungalows can comfortably fit three people and are equipped with a water dispenser, fan, mosquito nets, power points, and a bathroom with a western toilet and shower. The on-site kitchen and cook provide daily meals for guests served in a beachside bar and restaurant. You can arrange a trip to the local village through an amazing estuary enclosed by a canopy of tropical trees and giant ferns. One of their favorite activities is fishing with the local crew from Silabu village, Mentawai style. They are expert fishermen and never miss out on catching a feed for themselves and their guests.

Faq

What else do I need to know?

There is a charter boat mooring policy to reduce the crowds. However, it’s not always adhered to which is why sometimes you’ll find more than two charter boats anchored up in the bay at Macaronis.

Industry meetings called by the Mentawai and West Sumatran Government in 2012 and 2014 confirmed that the twin mooring system approved by the Mentawai Government in the year 2010 (in accord with tourism laws of the time), is beneficial in promoting sustainable tourism and co-existence between Macaronis Resort, visiting charter boats and the local community. With a maximum of 20 surfing guests permitted to stay at Macaronis Resort, and 2 charter boats permitted to visit Macaronis throughout the duration of each day, this promotes approximate 50 / 50 sharing between resort guests and surfers visiting Macaronis by charter boat. Tourism Legislation introduced in August 2016, which permits boat operators to acquire licenses independently, further supports the sustainable management of surfing tourism, in particular managing a sustainable carrying capacity of surfers in the more popular surf zones. Read more about the tourism legislation here.

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What else is there to do in the area other than surfing?

For those who don’t surf, there are heaps of fun activities accessible right from the doorstep of Macaronis Resort. Including snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddling, jungle walks and the opportunity to learn surfing at the gentle beach break, Fishfingers.

Relax and make the most of Macaronis Resort on-location spa offering massage and skin-treatments. Open daily from 9 am to 6pm they have their own professionally trained massage therapists who give high-quality, caring treatments that leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. With an understanding of surfer ailments, they work with you to focus on areas of tension and address your specific needs. Set in the open air pool-side gazebo, the calming tropical sounds of the sea breeze rustling in the palms and the beautiful bamboo chimes make for a great experience.

Location

Where is Macaronis?

On the western side of North Pagai in the southern region of the Mentawai Islands, Macaronis surf spot is found on the outer edge of Pasongan Bay opposite Siniai Island where Macaronis Resort is located.