· By Maria Nilsson
Surf charter around the Mentawai Islands with Abbi Hart.
Abbi wears the Cheetah Fullsuit
I just got home from two weeks away, on a twelve-day surf charter around the Mentawai Islands. The holy grail, the motherland of waves, and I still feel like I’m floating. Surfing is a huge part of my life, but to be completely honest, living on the East Coast of Australia with an abundance of insanely good waves at my doorstep, I never imagined I’d actually do a dedicated overseas surf trip. I went with zero expectations and very open eyes, and it absolutely blew my mind. Now that I’m home, in a tropical holiday daydream daze, I’m somehow even more wave hungry. A little more adventure provoked. And definitely more inspired to keep seeking experiences that merge culture, community, connection, and the ocean.
Going in the shoulder season means smaller swell and the occasional tropical storm as the wet season starts to creep in. With my board bag full to the brim with Atmosea gear, we travelled from Australia to Jakarta, Jakarta to Padang, and boarded the boat for twelve days.
Yulex Jacket and Yulex Sunset Vest
Fika Play Dress and Fika Play Hat
From the moment we stepped onboard, time sort of melted into itself. The days stopped being measured by hours and dates, and instead by how many surfs we’d had, the meals laid out on the table, our midday naps, and where the wind was pushing us next. There’s a strange comfort in surrendering your routine to the rhythm of the natural surroundings, being humbled, tested, and rested by Mama Earth.
Putting fourteen strangers on a boat for nearly two weeks, you never know what you’re going to get. I think we’d all agree it turned out to be some of the best days of our lives. What struck me most was how quickly strangers became familiar. It only took a few days to feel like we’d known each other for years. It was one of those rare groups where everyone fit without effort. Everyone brought their own energy, inspiration, humour, softness, and story. And it’s incredibly inspiring to see how Claire has created a space that attracts likeminded women from all corners of the world, all searching for the same thing: waves, adventure, connection.
My first hiccup came early. Upon arrival, my board came out of transit looking like it had lost a bar fight. Ironically, I probably jinxed it - I’d brought my beloved 7’6 Christenson single fin, which has already lived a very good and long life, and I specifically said, “If anything happens to it, I won’t be too stressed.”
Note to self: don’t ever say that out loud again.
Not being able to paddle out that first session was a bummer, but in hindsight, it was such a gift. I grabbed my Nikonos (waterproof film camera) and swam out to shoot the girls. It was honestly magic to see that first surf from the outside - the beaming faces, the joy and excitement, the relief of finally landing in the Ments after long travel days. Our first session was at Dogreef, and we scored. It ended up being one of the best surfs of the whole trip.
Dhoni, our local surf guide, took me by dinghy to a nearby island where a legendary board repairer somehow fixed it overnight in less than 24 hours. Truly, I got it back in better condition than I’d left home with. I felt very lucky for the generosity and kindness from the local communities.
I’m pretty used to surfing waves I feel confident in, so there were definitely sessions where I felt out of my comfort zone. New reefs. New shapes and forms and faces. Watching everyone slowly trust themselves more each day was epic. We pushed each other, cheered for each other, shared plenty of waves, and screamed an absurd number of “whoooos.” Surfing can still feel quite male dominated in the water, so to look around and see a lineup of fifteen-plus women encouraging one another was a really cool feeling.
There was definitely a rotation of tropical flus, chest colds, sea-sickness, and reef kisses going around, but it didn’t stop anyone. Our rhythm became beautifully simple: Wake up early. Fruit platter, pastries, coffee. Check the waves from the top deck. Surf. Come back for breakfast. Sit in the sun on the top deck. Swim. Play cards. Coffee. Laugh. Surf again. Eat. Surf. Eat. Surf. Repeat.
Some days we’d go explore the nearby islands: collecting shells, wandering through villages, or snorkelling through reefs.
And don’t even get me started on the food. Fresh fish grilled straight from the ocean, colourful curries, crunchy salads, and my favourite meal - Soto Ayam, a traditional Indonesian soup. And Sammy, our resident barista and bartender, kept us fuelled with the best coffees on demand.
There’s no agenda. If you’re tired, nap. If you want to read, curl up on the deck. If you want to surf your fourth session of the day, the crew already has your board in the dinghy, ready to drop you at the break.
It’s impossible to single out one defining moment, but a few carved themselves a little deeper than the rest.
Before the trip, I honestly wasn’t sure I was capable of surfing reef breaks with real confidence. It took a few surfs to realise I’m more resilient than I thought. One early morning session, I got caught inside and took a solid five-wave set to the head. Nothing dramatic, but enough to rattle me. By the last one, I was exhausted and coughing as I paddled back to the channel. Claire looked at me and (after checking I was alright) said, “Now you’ve got to get a redemption wave.” Everything in me wanted to paddle back to the boat and nap for four hours. But I paddled back out, turned on a head-high set, dropped in a little scared but committed, and rode the whole thing with so much joy. That wave shifted something in me. If I hadn’t caught it, I think the rest of the trip would’ve felt very different - coloured by doubt rather than confidence.
What I loved most, though, was being surrounded by people for twelve days straight. This group of women was something special. Any time you tried to sneak away to read or journal or snooze, you’d last maybe four minutes before being pulled into a conversation, a game of cards, or your next surf together.
The Siloina crew were as much a part of the journey as any of us - card games, sunset chats, and dance parties. They made us feel looked after, safe, and at home, always.
There’s something so grounding about being somewhere so remote, where the only things in sight are sea, sky, palm-lined islands, coconuts, and small fishing villages. Just the hum of the engine, the laughter drifting from the top deck, and the sound of waves folding onto the reef.
As someone who values personal space deeply, I left this trip feeling re-energised and craving even more connection. And I think that says a lot. Being around the right people in a place like this shifts you, inspires you, expands you. Sharing waves and everyday mundane moments with this group of women reminded me how nourishing community can feel when it’s built on shared values.
I want to say a huge thank you to the Siloina crew for their kindness, generosity, and endless good vibes. To Claire, for holding space for us all and creating the trip of a lifetime, a place to slow down, connect, be girls, and make memories we’ll talk about forever. To Dhoni, for guiding us through every session, and carrying the most uplifting energy always. To the four young locals I shared waves with at Four Bobs until dark, one of my favourite surfs to date. To the local board repairer for the 24-hour miracle fix. To Sam, who is honestly the coolest chic ever. To all the women on the trip, for the encouragement, the laughs, the stoke, and now the new found friendships. Kanza, for having the biggest smile in the lineup, and Katie, for teaching me how to play chess. And my Atmosea crew back home.
If you ever get the chance to go on a boat trip in the Ments, especially with Siloina, and even more especially with Claire, do it. I promise you’ll come home with a sore body from too much surfing, a full belly from the best food, and an even fuller heart.
You’ll probably cry happy tears on the last day like the rest of us.
I’ll see you out there next time.
