Scarecrows
Scarecrows is an often-overlooked left reef break in North Sipora, Mentawai Islands, that picks up significant swell and delivers bowling waves with solid barrel sections. The wave offers big carving opportunities on the outside before transitioning into hollow inside sections. Its relatively low profile among the Mentawai lineup means fewer boats anchor here, providing a more peaceful session. Best surfed at mid to high tide with light easterly winds.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 220°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 120°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.7m - 1.8m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Charter boat from Padang (~10hr) or speedboat (~4hr)
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Scarecrows?
Scarecrows works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.7m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Scarecrows?
Offshore wind at Scarecrows blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 60° to 120° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Scarecrows?
Scarecrows wants SSW swell (180° to 220°) between 1.2m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Scarecrows?
The main season at Scarecrows is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Best Apr-Oct (dry season, SE trades offshore). Swells year-round but wet season brings onshore winds.
How do I get to Scarecrows?
Fly into PDG, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $200 USD). Charter boat from Padang (~10hr) or speedboat (~4hr)
What kind of wave is Scarecrows?
Scarecrows is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Apr-Oct (dry season, SE trades offshore). Swells year-round but wet season brings onshore winds.
Getting There
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