Telescopes Surf Spot

Telescopes curves around an outer reef reminiscent of the perfect waves drawn in the margins of high-school notebooks.

Picture perfect, Telescopes consistently offers a long barrel section that is open to a wide variety of surfing abilities. Located just a few miles south of Suicides, off Cape Kinilok on Sipura Island. All things considered, Telescopes is one of the mellower barrel options for this section of the Ments. Read on to learn when, where, and how to surf Telescopes.

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Waves

What kind of wave is Telescopes?

A well known world class wave that draws surfers from all over the world. Expect a steep drop in, near perfect barrel which opens up to a clean, steep shoulder ripe for maneuvers. A surprisingly deep coral shelf sits under the break and offers a bit of forgiveness you won’t find from other waves on this list. On a good day, you can expect 200 metres of thigh burning goodness. Can hold surf up to triple overhead but be ready for strong currents and the occasional clean-up set. Overall, Telescopes should definitely be on your list of places to surf in the Central Mentawais.

Wave type:

Telescopes: Reef Break

Wave difficulty:

Telescopes: Intermediate

Wave direction:

Telescopes: Left

Wave bottom:

Telescopes: Reef

Booties:

Telescopes: Not necessary

Surfboard type:

Telescopes: Shortboard to minigun (when big)

Crowd factor:

Telescopes: Medium Crowds

Hazards:

Telescopes: Strong currents (when big) and shallow reef on the inside

Best swell direction:

Telescopes: SWW

Best wind direction:

Telescopes: SE

What tide is best:

Telescopes: Mid tide

Best tide movement:

Telescopes: Any

Wave consistency:

Telescopes: Consistent

Best time of year:

Telescopes: April – November

Lineup vibe:

Telescopes: Mellow

Other names for spot:

Paddling out at Telescopes

Telescopes is another break accessible only by boat. There are a few accommodation options nearby but you’d still expect a long paddle from the southern edge of the island to reach the lineup. Boat is your best bet.

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?

Mapaddegat Beach is a long fine white and golden sand beach with crystal clear water and views of Telescopes breaking more than a kilometre off shore out on the tip of the bay. The beach is quiet and lined with coconut trees and lush green bushes.

Where can I stay?

Provided below are a few options on and nearby Mapaddegat Beach which overlook Telescopes.

Arthur Homestay

Compared to other locations in the Mentawais, it is a little easier to get to Arthur Homestay. You could ride your first wave in approximately five hours after departing Padang by ferry. From Padang the ferry arrives into the harbor at Tuapejat on Sipora Island where Arthur Homestay is approximately 10 minutes by car or motorbike. One of the most affordable accommodation options in the Mentawais and in close proximity to Telescopes they are located in the small village of Mapaddegat Beach with Telescopes in the distance. Note that you will still need to access Telescopes by a short boat ride.

Prima Homestay

Prima Homestay is a very basic accommodation option located on Mapaddegat Beach. You won’t have access to wifi or similar luxuries however rooms do come with air conditioning and a private bathroom with easy access to the beach. Unless you arrive in person it is only available for booking through booking.com. Low cost option for those travelling on a strict budget with great rates for standard twin rooms (two single beds).

Onion Lodge

Onion Lodge is approximately 1 kilometre from Mapaddegat Beach. The lodge is situated on a hill with fantastic ocean views of Telescopes and the wider area. This unique accommodation for the area has lots of character and friendly hosts in a nice and quiet area. Rooms are available in single, twin or group options and are stylishly decorated. Overall Onion Lodge is a beautiful accommodation provided at low cost rate if you’re open to something a little different inland from the surf.

Faq

What else do I need to know?

Most purpose-built surfing accommodation options in the North Sipura area can access Telescopes by boat in approximately 10 minutes. So be sure to check out more of our spot guides in the area for a greater range of places to stay close by, as you will most likely find something that suits perfectly.

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

You can discover empty beaches, waterfalls, colourful tropical reefs and beautiful jungle in the surrounding areas. There are also quite a number of small islands consisting of mangrove surrounded by beautiful beaches, crystal clear seawater and coral reefs providing a great place to relax in solitude with a great book. You can rent or use a local boat to reach a number of islands within five to 10 minutes from Tuapejat Port.

Location

Where is Telescopes?

Telescopes is located on the northwest side of Sipura Island to the southwest of Suicides but not too far from Pulau Pototogat.

How to get to Telescopes?

Telescopes is accessible only by boat. Visit how to get to the Mentawai Islands for more information on getting yourself there.