Telescopes
Telescopes is a Mentawai gem—a long, wrapping left-hander that offers 200+ meter rides through multiple barrel sections. The wave starts with a steep, hollow drop before transitioning into workable shoulder sections that allow for endless speed generation. Located in North Sipora, it thrives on W-SW swells and the typical SE trade winds. It's one of the most user-friendly quality waves in the Mentawais, making it popular with intermediate-advanced surfers looking for tropical perfection.
Telescopes surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to PDG, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Southeast Asia is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Southeast Asia — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Telescopes trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (247°)
- Direction range
- 225° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (112°)
- Offshore range
- 67° - 157°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Boat/resort
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Telescopes?
The Telescopes profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Telescopes?
The Telescopes profile uses wind from ESE (112°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 67° to 157°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Telescopes?
The Telescopes scoring profile favors swell from WSW (225° to 270°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 3m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Telescopes?
The main season at Telescopes is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Mar, Nov. 74% July clean
How do I get to Telescopes?
The spot profile lists PDG as a nearby airport. A boat transfer is also required. The profile estimates $250 USD; confirm the current price and departure point with an operator. Boat/resort
What kind of wave is Telescopes?
Telescopes is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
74% July clean
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Seven Palms
🌊 Overlooked Sipora right • Often surfed alone • Quality solitude
Scarecrows
🌊 Hidden Mentawai gem • Bowling barrels • Uncrowded lineup
Icelands
🌋 Mentawai big wave • 20ft+ faces • Expert-only reef
Cobra
💥 Near HT's • Short hollow slab • Quick intense barrels
Suicides Right
💥 Near HT's • Fast shallow barrel • Expert-only commitment
Bintangs
💥 Shallow Mentawai slab • Technical tube ride • Expert barrels
Plan a trip around Telescopes
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.