Equipment
Panasonic Lumix GH5/GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a high-performance mirrorless camera known for its robust video capabilities. With its 25.2MP sensor, the GH6 delivers sharp, detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions. We like filming from the land using the 5.7K video. While in the ocean we use the 4K 120fps slow-motion setting perfect for shooting surfing action with smooth and cinematic slow-motion effects. The GH6 also offers advanced stabilization that ensures steady shots, even when filming handheld on the beach or from the boat. Additionally, its weather-sealed body is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it durable enough for the beach and the unpredictable elements of boat life.
Panasonic Lumix 100-400mm
The Panasonic LUMIX 100-400mm lens is a great choice for filming surf from the beach or boat. Here are the key benefits: Extensive Zoom Range: With a focal length equivalent to 200-800mm on a full-frame camera, this lens allows you to capture close-up shots even from a considerable distance.
Sharpness and Detail: The lens delivers good sharpness and detail throughout its zoom range, ensuring that every surfer is captured with clarity.
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): The built-in OIS compensates for camera shake, which is especially helpful when shooting handheld or from the boat. This stabilization ensures smoother, steadier footage, even at the maximum zoom.
Weather-Sealed Construction: The lens is weather-sealed, making it resistant to dust, splash, and freeze, ideal for the often-harsh conditions.
Fast Autofocus: The lens features quick and accurate autofocus, essential for keeping up with the fast-paced action of surfing, where capturing split-second movements can make or break a shot.
Panasonic Lumix 25mm
The Panasonic LUMIX 25 f/1.7 lens is a versatile, high-performance zoom lens. Perfect for shooting in the water or lifestyle shots on the boat. Main features we like are,
Constant f/1.7 Aperture: The lens offers a constant f/1.7 aperture throughout the zoom range, allowing for excellent low-light performance and consistent exposure.
Versatile Focal Range (25-50mm): With a focal length equivalent to 50-100mm on a full-frame camera, this lens covers a versatile range from standard to short telephoto. It’s ideal for portrait shots, close-ups, and medium-distance filming. Perfect lens for shooting surf from the channel
DJI Mavic 3 Classic
The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is an excellent drone for shooting surf videos and photos. Mid budget drone that will not break the bank. Main features we like
Hasselblad Camera with Large Sensor: The Mavic 3 Classic is equipped with a Hasselblad camera featuring a 4/3 CMOS sensor, which delivers superior image perfect for capturing still lineup shots for printing.
5.1K Video Resolution: The drone can record at up to 5.1K resolution at 50fps, providing incredibly detailed footage that can be downscaled for high-quality 4K video or cropped without losing clarity.
Extended Flight Time: With a maximum flight time of up to 46 minutes. We upgraded to this drone from the Mini pro 3. Main difference is the larger sensor. Recommend getting the DJI RC or DJI RC Pro control unit.
GoPro Hero 13
Great camera to have onboard to capture lifestyle and POV shots in and out the surf. Main features we like are the durability and waterproofing perfect for boat life The Stabilization and Hyper Smooth settings are great. Long battery life and good slow-motion options.
Mentawai Fast Ferry Price & Schedule
Here is the schedule for the Mentawai fast ferry that runs between Padang and the Mentawai Islands. The ferry operates every day of the week but travels to different locations.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday the ferry runs between Padang and Tua Pejat (Sipora Island)
- 6am Padang - Tuapejat
- 3pm Tuapejat - Padang
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the ferry runs between Padang and Sikalabuan / Siberut (Siberut Island)
- 7am Padang - Sikalabuan - Siberut
- 2:30pm Siberut - Padang
Friday the Ferry runs between Padang and Sikikap ( Pagai Utara Island)
- 7am Padang - Sikikap
- 1pm Sikikap - Padang
Sunday the ferry runs between Padang, Sioban and Tuapejat.
- 10am Padang - Sioban - Tuapejat
- 3pm Tuapejat - Padang
Please check the schedule on the website as these dates can change. Also please note the ferry is sometimes cancelled because of bad weather so check with the ferry operator the day before departure.
Mentawai Fast Ferry Price?
A ticket for the Mentawai Fast ferry will cost you 350.000 IDR ($25 USD) per person. You can buy a ticket at the local office on the day before departure or you can contact them online.
There is an extra charge for surfboards
Small board 1kg-15kg 230.000 IDR
Medium board bag 16kg-25kg 460.000 IDR
Large board bag Over 26kg - 680.000 IDR
Mentawai Fast Ferry Location
The Mentawai fast ferry departs from Harbor at Muara
Other Information on the Mentawai Fast Ferry.
The ferry trip usually takes between 3-5 hrs depending on the weather and where you are travelling. Always check if the ferry is running with the operator day before departure. The ferry leaves Padang early morning so you need to arrive day before departure. You can buy snacks and drinks onboard the Ferry. If you get seasick take some Dramamine or motion sickness pills before the crossing.
Are there any other ways to get to the Mentawai Islands?
There are overnight ferry's that run between Padang and the Mentawai islands. Both the Ambu Ambu and the Gambolo operate trips a couple of times a week. These are both slow ferry's and the crossing can take up to 12 hrs or more. Good for budget travel but they can be crowded and sometimes overloaded.
Can I charter a private speed boat to the Mentawai Islands?
Most the surf resorts in the Mentawai islands offer a private speedboat transfer from Padang. The prices vary on which resorts you use but this can be a dangerous crossing and its only advisable to do this trip with the more professional operators. There are also numerous surf charters running between the Islands.
Can I fly to the Mentawai Islands?
Currently Suzi air fly there twice a week. They have recently extended the airport in Rokot which is close to Tuapejat on Sipora Island. They plan to open this airport to regular domestic flights soon.
Mentawai Boat Trip Checklist
Here is our checklist for your trip. This is a rough guide and a good reference point to get you prepared for your travels to Indonesia
Passport and all travel documents with photocopies, Passport, Travel Insurance, Airline ticket (Passport over 6 months expiry). Keep all your important documents safe in a small carry bag. 30 day Visa on arrival is available at the airport and costs about 35USD. You can also apply for the E-visa online.
Health Precautions - check with your doctor regarding malaria medication and any other vaccinations needed. (Hepatitis A and Tetanus Vaccines). Make sure you tell your charter operator about any serious health conditions. The mandatory Covid vaccine restrictions were revoked June 9th 2023
Hooded Rash Vest and surf hat for them long days in the water. With the hooded vests even if you don't like wearing the hood it gives you good sun protection on the back of your neck. A rash vest will also protect your skin from irritants like saltwater, sand, and wax. Might even be worth considering a 2mm vest to help with extra buoyancy and protection from the reef.
Sun Cream - Good sun cream that is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, but preferably 50 or higher for maximum protection. Get some after sun lotion that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera, which to help soothe and hydrate the skin.Leash - No comp leashes. Get a decent leash and don't use an old one. Try get a quick release system just in case you get caught out on a coral head. Look for a leash 5mm or thicker and around 6 foot long. Always good to have a few spare packed in your bag.
Reef Boots - Boots will help protect your feet from the sharp coral reef. It's worth having a pair packed even if you don't use them for surfing. We like the split toe boots with the thicker sole. Perfect for scratching up the reef to collect your surfboard if your leash breaks.
Wax - Tropical surf wax, warm water wax. Normal wax is useless. Tropical wax is typically harder and more durable than standard surf wax, which can melt or become too soft in warmer water temperatures Clean your wax off your boards before the trip.
Fins - Bring a variety of fin sizes and a spare fin key. Always good to have a couple of sets of fins on standby. Pack some large fins for them bigger days. Double check your fin system before purchasing fins. (FCS or Future)
Sunglasses - Good, polarized sunglasses, sun hat and a long sleeve shirt for fishing trips. Get a strap for your sunglasses so you don't lose them over the side of the boat.
First Aid Kit - painkillers, ibuprofen, antiseptic and antibiotics are a must. Bring a small first aid kit with you. Make sure you have a Docters note for any subscription drugs. Triple antibiotic ointment for your reef cuts.
Sea Sickness can be a real problem, Bring some Dramamine or motion sickness medication. Sea sickness can end a trip so make sure you bring something to help if you are affected.
Extra cash & Credit card for emergency. (IDR Indonesian Rupiah) Its always handy to have spare cash for transit, extra beer money tips for the crew etc... You can get cash from the ATM or one of the banks in Padang. A good tip for the crew is around 100 USD and an extra carton of Bintang costs about 35 USD. Visa on arrival costs 35 USD.
Malaria - Mosquito Repellant for day trips ashore. Mosquitos aren't usually a problem onboard but always good to have repellant for transit. If you are worried about malaria, please check with your doctor regarding best practices and medication
USB Stick - Bring a spare USB or hard drive for photos from your trip. Check your other electronics like phone and charger. Check what electrical sockets are on your charter boat. Might have to get a travel adapter.
Board Shorts - Most your days are spent in your board shorts. Make sure you choose a decent set that are comfy and fit well. Get a couple of spare sets for the trip, we recommend at least 3 pairs.
Rain Coat - Lightweight raincoat for the stormy wet days exploring the Jungle. Not essential but always handy to have a rain jacket in Indonesia. Good if you plan to spend any time on land.
Supplements - Eat well on your trip and stay hydrated. If you're going to spend a lot of time in the surf its worth bringing some extra supplements like Vitamins, Magnesium, Zinc and Electrolytes.
Ding Repair Kit - Solar resin and ding tape for any emergency board repairs. Most surf charters have a kit onboard but always handy to have the basics.
Dry Bag - To keep all your valuables (Passport, paperwork, handphone & cash) Good to have a small bag for them days you're heading ashore to explore.
Ear Plugs - Aqua ear and ear plugs or blue tack. Antibiotic ear drops. Ear infections are commonplace in the tropics so make sure you protect them.
Surfboards - 2 standard thrusters and one step up, depending on surf forecast) We always recommend getting a little extra volume in your boards. Having that extra Paddle power is really important. Make sure you pack your boards well to avoid damage in transit. If you want to order surfboards in Bali and get them shipped to Mentawai, then contact us at [email protected].
Travel Insurance - World Nomads
Why Every Traveling Surfer Should Consider World Nomads Insurance
Get your free travel insurance quote with World Nomads today. When you're embarking on a boat trip to Indonesia make sure your travelling with a good insurance policy. Make sure your covered for surfing, sports activities and medical evacuation services.
1. Comprehensive Coverage for Surfing Adventures
World Nomads understands that surfers are not your typical travelers. You’re often heading to remote destinations, where medical facilities may be scarce, and the risks can be higher than normal tourist areas. With World Nomads, surfing is covered as part of their standard adventure sports coverage. This means that you’re protected whether you’re surfing, snorkeling, or even jumping off the boat
2. Protection Against Gear Loss or Damage
Your surfboard isn’t just a piece of equipment, losing it or having it damaged can be devastating, especially when you’re far from home. World Nomads offers coverage for your surf gear, so if your board gets damaged in transit or stolen from your accommodation, you can get compensation to replace or repair it.
3. Medical and Emergency Evacuation
Wipeouts are part of the game, but sometimes they can result in injuries that require serious medical attention. World Nomads offers coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation if you’re in a remote location. Whether it’s a reef cut that needs stitching or a more serious injury that requires hospital care, you can surf with peace of mind knowing that your medical needs are covered.
4. Trip Cancellation and Interruption
World Nomads provides trip cancellation and interruption coverage, so you won’t be left out of pocket if your travel plans change unexpectedly.
5. Flexible and Easy to Extend
Surfing trips don’t always go as planned. World Nomads offers flexible policies that you can extend while you’re already traveling, so you’re never left without coverage, no matter where your journey takes you.
6. 24/7 Assistance and Support
Traveling to remote surf destinations can sometimes mean dealing with language barriers, unfamiliar customs, or other challenges. World Nomads provides 24/7 assistance, so whether you need help finding a local doctor, advice on lost passports, or support with any other issue, you can count on their global team to be there for you.
Final Thoughts
For traveling surfers, World Nomads offers peace of mind that allows you to focus on your trip. With comprehensive coverage tailored to the needs of adventure travelers, including protection for your surf gear, medical emergencies, and trip disruptions, it’s a smart choice for anyone chasing waves around the world. So, before you pack your board and head to your next surf destination, consider adding a world nomads policy to your travel checklist. It might just be the best decision you make on your surf trip.
Water Housing Checklist
Camera Settings - Before preparing your housing do your camera checks first. Make sure the battery is fully charged, check your memory card is in and formatted ready to go. Check your camera settings are correct before putting it inside the housing. Check your focus settings and make sure your lens and camera are clean and dry. Once you have performed all the necessary checks, insert the camera into the housing carefully, making sure it is seated properly. Make sure the base plate is secured tightly
Fogging - Always prepare your water housing before you leave for the beach, so as to minimize any chance of moisture getting in and causing condensation to form on the inside of the port. In a tropical environment prepare the housing in an air-conditioned room or use the sun to dry out the housing before closing it up. You can use silicone poches to help absorb moisture or for more information on fogging problems check out this Video from Liquid Eye Water Housings
Oring - Inspect the O-ring for any signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or deformation. Make sure it is clean and free of debris, and lubricate it if necessary with silicone grease.
Sponge - We use sponge inside our housing. The idea behind this is the sponge will absorb any water before damaging your camera if you do have a small leak. This tip was given to us by Federico Vanno at liquid barrel
Secure - If you have nuts to tighten on the housing tighten opposite corners first. Tighten the nuts evenly by hand working corner to corner and checking the seal as you tighten. Don’t overtighten the nuts and make sure you have a good seal between the Oring and the backplate. If you have clips on your housing make sure they are locked in place.
Seal - Double check all your seals before taking it in the sea. Check the seal on your back plate and the seal on your port. Do a quick dunk test in the shallows, study the seals and the inside of the housing for any leaks before swimming into the line-up
Lens Port - Water droplets - Keep your port clean: A dirty port is more likely to attract water droplets, so make sure to keep it clean. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth before and after each session. If your using a dome port try using saliva to help keep water drops off. If your using a flat port then wax works well.
Check - Before swimming out test some shots on the beach. Double check all your settings are correct. Check all your buttons are engaging on the backplate. Double check your trigger and zoom controls.
Monitor - While shooting keep checking your housing and the seal. Make sure there are no leaks and if you do have any problem or notice anything unusual then get out and check
Clean - After every session make sure you give your housing a good clean. We rinse our housing with fresh water at the beach then clean it again when we get home. Every month we give the housing a deep clean. Keeping all your equipment clean and well maintained is so important.
Take your time - When setting up your water housing and camera take your time. Most of our mistakes in the past were made when we were rushing. Keep all your gear clean and double check all your settings before swimming out. Have we missed some tricks and tips? Leave your suggestions below.
Surf Photography by Putu Juliartha
If you have ever wondered about surfing in Lombok, Indonesia then take a look at some of the stunning photography work from Putu Juliartha.. We have admired his artistic approach to surf and lifestyle photography for many years. We recently caught up with Putu and wanted to share his story with you.
Hey Putu please tell us a bit more about yourself, Where are you from? Why did you choose to be a surf photographer working in Lombok?
I was born in Lombok and I live with my family in a small Village called Tanah Embet Village in west Lombok. I work as a local guide around Lombok but my passion is photography, I started shooting surf photography back in 2013. A friend called Ebong gave me my first camera and I worked in kalimantan for a few years. I moved back to Lombok a few years back after my father passed away and I wanted to be close to my Family. We now live together with my mother my grandmother, my wife and my two daughters.
The first Camera I bought when I moved back to Lombok was a Canon 60D, I was lucky enough to get given a Sigma 150-600 lens and i've been shooting surf photography since then. The photography work along with my guiding tours helps me support my Family so I am very happy I can combine my passion with work.
I was inspired to take photographs from a young age, I always loved drawing and painting and when I was given a Camera to create my own images I really fell in love with capturing them special moments around me. These days I am shooting with a Canon 1D and 7D for my water photographs
Where are your favorite places in Lombok?
Lombok has alot of beauty and a very interesting culture, from the hills of mount Rinjani to the perfect waves at Desert point there is endless natural wonders throughout the island. The people are special and we have a mix of religions. The Watu telo people are a unique culture that adhere to both Hindu and Muslim religion praying 3 times a day and living in harmony at the foot hills of Rinjani.
Where are the best places to surf in Lombok?
You can surf all across Lombok from the west coast of Singgi down to Desert point and right across the south coast past Kuta and all the way to Ekas point. There are also waves on the east coast of Lombok, its a big island with a lot of places to explore. If you need a guide through the island please let me know.
We love Putu's work and hope you enjoyed his short story. Go follow his Instagram and if you are travelling through Indonesia then we highly recommend using local guides like Putu. Please contact Putu at [email protected]
