HT's
HT's (short for Hollow Trees, after a hollow tree that once stood on the point) is the Mentawai Islands' most famous right-hander—a long, mechanical barrel that peels down a pristine coral reef off the southern end of Sipora. The wave offers everything from rippable walls on smaller days to death-defying tubes when it maxes out. Unlike some Mentawai breaks, HT's is remarkably consistent and handles a wide range of swell sizes. The takeoff is predictable, the barrels are forgiving by Indo standards, and the channel makes paddling out relatively easy. Many consider it the best all-round wave in the Mentawais.
HT's surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 260°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 50° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.6m
Water temp
29°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Day boat from Padang or charter
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is HT's?
HT's is a reef break in Mentawai, Indonesia, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind HT's?
Its official name is Lance's Right, after Australian surfer Lance Knight, the first person to surf it and the neighbouring left. The flat inside section of reef is nicknamed the Surgeon's Table for the cuts it hands out. The Mentawai breaks were a closely kept secret until photos leaked after a 1992 boat trip with Ross Clarke-Jones, Tom Carroll and Martin Potter.
What swell works best at HT's?
HT's picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at HT's?
An E wind is dead offshore at HT's, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at HT's?
HT's is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.6m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf HT's?
The most reliable run of swell at HT's comes Apr to Oct. April-October. E winds offshore.
How cold is the water at HT's?
The water at HT's averages around 29°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is HT's good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Remote. Boat access only. Reef cuts common.
How do I get to HT's?
The nearest airport on our list is PDG. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $150 USD, but confirm with an operator). Day boat from Padang or charter.
What other surf spots are near HT's?
The closest breaks we track are Scarecrows (31 km), Seven Palms (32 km) and Telescopes (32 km), handy when HT's isn't working. We track 7 spots around Mentawai in total.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
April-October. E winds offshore.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Scarecrows
🌊 Hidden Mentawai gem • Bowling barrels • Uncrowded lineup
Seven Palms
🌊 Overlooked Sipora right • Often surfed alone • Quality solitude
Telescopes
🔭 Long Mentawai left • Barrel to shoulder • Trade wind perfection
Icelands
🌋 Mentawai big wave • 20ft+ faces • Expert-only reef
Cobra
💥 Near HT's • Short hollow slab • Quick intense barrels
Bintangs
💥 Shallow Mentawai slab • Technical tube ride • Expert barrels
Plan a trip around HT's
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.