South Mentawai · Indonesia
Surfing Scarecrows
A reef break in South Mentawai, Indonesia, for advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Scarecrows is a shifty left peak in central Sipora. From the channel it looks easy, but the takeoffs wedge and the inside gets fast, and it catches out people who aren't paying attention.
For intermediate and advanced surfers it's a good wave: peaks that split both ways off the wedge, fast sections that force you to choose your line, and conditions that change a lot with the tide. It works at 3-8ft, and NE winds are fine.
When Telescopes is crowded and Iceland is too lumpy, it takes the overflow and often does better than expected, especially on medium swells. Everyday shortboard.
-2.28, 99.58 · SW swell, NE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Scarecrows
Scarecrows is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, NE wind. This is how the year looks across Mentawai Islands:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| April to May | Good | Fewer boats and good swell |
| June to August | Prime | Peak season: maximum swell, maximum boats, book long ahead |
| September to October | Prime | Still good swell, fewer boats |
| November to March | Quiet | Small season: playful sizes, big discounts, empty lineups |
Waves near Scarecrows
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 5 km |
| Telescopes | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 10 km |
| Lance's Left | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 30 km |
| Lance's Right (HT's) | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 31 km |
| Macaronis | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | 77 km |
| Hideaways | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 90 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around South Mentawai
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the South Mentawai surf guide →
A week here costs from about $1,040 with flights from Europe, or around $2,195 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,500 →
Scarecrows: common questions
When is the best time to surf Scarecrows?
Scarecrows works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, NE wind.
Is Scarecrows good for beginners?
No. Scarecrows is a wave for advanced surfers.
How crowded is Scarecrows?
Scarecrows is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Scarecrows?
Scarecrows is in South Mentawai, in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-2.28, 99.58). The nearest wave we cover is Iceland, about 5 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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