Alaia Mentawai

Water temperatures stay 28-30°C year-round. Boardshorts are all you need.

Essential gear:

• Reef booties: Critical for entries and protection
• Rashguard: Sun protection for long sessions
• Helmet: Increasingly common at heavy spots like Lance's Right
• First aid kit: Antiseptic, wound care (reef cuts get infected fast)

Hazards to respect:

• Shallow coral reefs: Consequences of falling can be severe
• Strong currents through channels during tidal changes
• Reef cuts: Common and quick to infect in tropical conditions

Charter boat captains and camp guides provide essential local knowledge.