Sometimes, all it takes is seeing someone else's dreamy surf escape to spark your own adventure plans.

Our friends Nat McComas and Jolene Nicholas have just returned from a dreamy tropical surf trip, and we couldn’t wait to catch up with them. Between chasing waves, exploring tropical islands, and making memories with friends (and family!) Their adventure reminds us just how good it feels to step outside the everyday and say yes to new challenges and experiences.

We asked them a few questions about their trip, from travel tips to surfing inspo and we hope it gives you the nudge to start planning your next surf trip.

 

 

The two of you just returned from an epic surf trip! Where did you go?

 

Nat: To a land resort in the Mentawai Islands that was central to many great breaks in the Playgrounds area. Wish we could’ve stayed longer, the 10 days went so quickly!

Jolene: Yes! We went to the Mentawais.

 


What prompted your getaway?
 Nat: I always wanted to do an epic surf trip for my 40th but unfortunately my birthday was during Covid times when travelling was sketchy, so I didn’t get to go. When Jolene mentioned her trip it seemed way too dreamy to pass up and ideal to share with a group of ladies of similar surfing ability. Even though I was there to celebrate Jolene’s 40th - I was also celebrating a belated 40th for myself as well hehe. 

 

Jolene: I wanted to do something special for my birthday, so I decided on a surf trip to the Mentawais with my girlfriends.

 
How did it feel going on a surf trip with your fellow female surfers?

 

Nat: Sharing the froth and cheering each other on everyday was so special and fun!! We had so many laughs. We did everything together and iIt felt like a big family - especially having the two boys there.

 

 

Jolene: Girls’ surf trips are the best! We’re all at similar levels (no one’s trying to tackle massive barrels), and there’s just something about the energy when you’re all together. It’s fun to share the stoke with friends.

  
What skill level do you think the waves were best suited to?

Nat: I think the Ments are suited to an intermediate level. Surfing over a reef is quite different to surfing on beach and point breaks. It felt intimidating and challenging at times, especially when busy with other experienced surfers. 

Jolene: The waves were perfect for intermediate surfers and up. There’s a variety of waves, so we always found a break that was fun for everyone. It’s a great place for most skill levels.

Do you think your surfing improved during the trip?

Nat: Yes definitely. The repetition of taking off on steeper and faster waves was so useful for improving my back hand take offs and making sharper turns.

Jolene: Yes, definitely. I tend to ride a longboard mostly back home in Byron, but I brought a 6’8 and 7’8 for this trip. It was great to challenge myself with those boards, especially riding bigger, more powerful waves than I’m used to.


Jolene, you brought your 10-year-old son Dusty — how was it traveling and surfing with him? How did he go? 
Nat: It was so fun having the two boys there - they were always cheering everyone on in the water. All the locals loved Dusty’s white blonde hair and were calling him Baby Slater as he was ripping so hard every day!

Jolene: Dusty was SO stoked about the trip. He’s obsessed with surfing and had the time of his life surfing perfect waves. He definitely got the most waves out of everyone - in the water from sunrise to sunset. He’s a great traveller so the mission to get there wasn’t too bad, plus he had a mate with him. He was so much fun to surf with and have in the water - cheering everyone on and encouraging everyone to go for waves. He made it so much fun, and will definitely be a trip to remember.   




Why did you choose a land camp over a boat trip?

 

 Nat: I have a history of getting sea sick! I also really liked the idea of having the freedom to go for walks and space for my introverted self to recharge somewhere quiet.

 

Jolene: I went with a land camp because I didn’t want us to feel confined on a boat (especially my son—he’s got endless energy). We stayed at Kaini, a resort right in front of the break Pit Stops. It was the perfect setup—we could surf from dawn to dusk and it gave everyone freedom to surf whenever they wanted without relying on a boat. The waves were perfect, the location unbeatable, and the staff and surf guides made it such an easy and enjoyable stay.If you're planning a trip to the Mentawais, I genuinely recommend checking out Kaini—they’ve kindly offered a 15% discount for anyone who uses the code “JOLENE” when booking.

 


What surf gear or essentials were absolute must-haves for the trip?


Nat:  I took many types of swimwear. When you surf 2-3 times a day you need options to avoid chaffing and bad tan lines. The Atmosea boardshorts were perfect!! Light and a stretchy material for maximum flexibilty when surfing. They also doubled as shorts I could wear during the day too. The sun exposure there is intense, I went through a whole bottle of sunscreen in ten days! Reef booties, a spare leg rope, spare fins, surf hart + rash vest.

Jolene: Eye drops for sunburnt eyes! A good surfsuit like the Atmosea one was key to staying comfortable. Rashies and zinc are also essential, especially with how intense the sun is. Surfing 2-3 times a day means you’ve got to protect yourself to stay out there longer. Some of the girls wore booties, which were helpful for surfing low tide or shallower breaks.

 
Would you go back? Or where’s next on your surf travel list?  

Nat: The Mentwais far exceeded my expectations - I will be back again for sure!

Jolene: I’d 100% go back, but next time I’d stay for longer — maybe a month instead of 10 days. I also really want to check out the Maldives and explore other spots in Indonesia.


Any hot tips to prepare for a trip like this?

 

Nat: It’s important to be paddle fit! Doing surf specific workouts multiple times a week in the lead up is key - this paid off big time and allowed me to get the most out of my surfing whilst there.

Jolene: Surfing 2-3 times a day can really take it out of you, so I’d recommend focusing on building paddle fitness and strength before the trip. It’ll make a huge difference when you're in the water all day.

 

Any special moments you want to share from the trip?

Nat: Jolene's birthday night was so beautiful - a lovely sunset, a full moon above the palm trees, an indonesian feast! cute fireworks! Snorkelling over the reef was stunning, so many colourful fish. And catching my largest, fastest ever wave with everyone cheering me on is something I’ll never forget!!

Jolene: I celebrated my birthday there and the staff at Kaini made it so special. They put on a traditional Indo dinner, cooked over the fire and set on a beautifully decorated table, to be eaten with out hands. Then cake, and they topped it off with fireworks. It was a total surprise and so fun.

Another moment was when we got to one break, it was windy, bumpy and a bit crowded, then a big storm came rolling in and the other surfers left. We stayed huddled in our little boat for about 40 min because we couldn’t take the boat back in the storm. But once it started clearing up, the waves were suddenly so glassy and total perfection and we had it all to ourselves. It was the best session!



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