What do you look for in a surf charter?

What are the 4 essentials a surfer should search for when they choose which charter to book?

These are questions that i have answered more times than i care to imagine.

I am fortunate enough to have been selling or operating surf charters now for over 12 years. I am even more fortunate to have been going on them for nearly 20 years. So i’ll answer these questions as a agent, operator and client.

FIRSTLY, WAVES!

This is our primary reason to do a surf trip. There is no better way to maximize surf time than on charter. Why? Because you are mobile. You can travel when conditions change, be first in the lineup, and last out past sunset; all because the boat is anchored next to the break. A fast boat ensures the variety of waves is even greater, making you nimble enough to chase swell according to conditions.

You can surf when you want by going out when you feel like it. You can sit on the deck and watch it while tides come up or drop down and as soon as its on, you’re on! There is no better way to get your fill of waves than on charter.

EXPERT GUIDES

Another essential ingredient to getting maximum wave time is your surf guide. Your surf guide not only needs to know the region like the back of his hand, but he has to understand hospitality. A great surf charter understands the need for high level service and the surf guide is key to this, so ensure you know who will be guiding your trip. Their knowledge, experience and professionalism will ensure you maximize your surf time.

FULFILLED BELLIES

Cold beer & great food! As many a surfer will attest to, there is nothing better than an ice-cold beer after an epic surf session. In fact, even after any surf session they taste great. These days, as our industry grows older and evolves, food is right up there as important as cold beer. The good old days of rickety, dilapidated fishing boats, white rice dinners and warm Bintang are all but gone. Some of the boats are luxurious, the beer is on tap and the culinary experience is 5 star.

I have done my time roughing on surf charters, and I make no apologizes for the fact my priorities have changed. Now it’s all about maximizing my surf time in comfort and style. I still want the cold beer, but a Gin & Tonic on the rocks is pretty damn good. Gourmet food is essential and glass or two of red with dinner is very much looked forward to.

COMFORTABLE BEDS

Once surf, beer and food are all ticked off, it’s the sleeping arrangements. Surf charters in bunk rooms with mates and crew are fun, however nothing compares to your own cabin or twin-share with a buddy. You just get better sleep!

I know a lot of surfers ask how it goes sleeping in a room with 10 blokes. I always answer “As you would imagine it is.” It’s fun, don’t get me wrong, you always have a laugh and pass out exhausted most nights anyway, but the older you get the more important sleep becomes.

An air-con cabin with only one other person is the way i prefer to roll these days.

Ok, so we know what we want in a surf charter, where do we go to get it?

The Mentawai is one of my favorite places on the planet, a mecca for surfers, and world class waves everywhere! There are loads of great boat operators in this region, but there are also not so good ones.

Ask anybody who knows about surf charters in Mentawai and you’ll know MV Addiction is among the very top vessels cruising the area.

MV Addiction is among the fastest and most stable boats in Mentawai, with a maximum 28 knot capacity. Speed means less time crossing, checking waves, stressing about missing sessions and more time surfing, exploring, enjoying.

For over 15 years they’ve been one of the best surf charters offering impeccable service and one of the most comfortable boats on the market. MV Addiction ticks all the boxes- maximum waves, speed to burn, expert guides, gourmet food and comfortable air-con cabins!