North Sumatra & Simeulue
Classic
March to November
Trip Overview
Jiwa Charters, operated by Tradewinds Adventures, offers premium surf trips through the uncrowded and wave-rich regions of North Sumatra, including the Banyak Islands, Telos, Nias, and the Mentawais. Aboard the Jiwa, a beautifully crafted 75-foot Sulawesi phinisi, guests embark on 11-night charters. The boat is purpose-built for surf travel, with a traditional design and all the comforts needed for an extended voyage. With a rotating schedule focused on swell, conditions, and seasonality, Jiwa gives surfers the chance to score clean, remote reef breaks with minimal crowds.
Each trip is fully catered and all-inclusive, featuring healthy, ocean-inspired meals tailored to dietary requirements, as well as opportunities for freediving and fishing in between sessions. The crew includes experienced guides who know the region intimately and help guests make the most of every tide and swell window.
With limited guest numbers and flexible itineraries, Jiwa Charters provides an authentic surf adventure in one of the most pristine corners of the Indian Ocean. Whether chasing barrels in the Banyaks or exploring new setups with your mates, Jiwa is all about freedom, exploration, and scoring unforgettable waves.
Accommodation
Aboard the Jiwa, accommodation is provided in a spacious, air-conditioned sleeping cabin below deck with comfortable beds for up to 10 guests and two shared bathrooms. Built from high-quality ironwood with traditional Sulawesi craftsmanship, the vessel blends functionality with rustic charm. The sleeping quarters are roomy by surf charter standards, offering guests a comfortable place to rest between sessions. A TV is also available in the cabin for movie nights, adding a relaxed, communal vibe to evenings on board.
Above deck, Jiwa features multiple inviting communal zones designed for lounging and socialising. The top deck includes a shaded yoga and chill-out space with day mattresses and board storage, ideal for sunset viewing or downtime between surfs. The foredeck houses a large table and cushioned seating under a canopy – perfect for meals, games, or casual chats.
Toward the stern, the open-plan saloon features a generous dining area with ocean views and long couches for relaxing out of the sun or during less favourable weather.
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Surfing
Jiwa Charters delivers a high-quality surf experience across some of the most wave-rich zones in Indonesia, including the Banyaks, Nias, Telos, and Mentawai Islands. The focus is on scoring uncrowded, world-class waves with the flexibility to chase optimal conditions daily. Guests are guided by a highly experienced crew who understand the subtleties of swell, wind, and tide across each zone, ensuring the best possible sessions throughout the charter. Two dedicated speedboats provide fast and easy surf access, allowing for multiple surfs per day and exploration of different breaks depending on the conditions and guest preferences.
Routes are selected based on seasonal conditions and swell windows. From March to October, Jiwa often targets the Banyaks – home to standout waves like Treasure Island, Cobras, and Bay of Plenty – with long right-hand barrels and playful points. Later in the year, charters may head to the Telos and Mentawais, offering consistent perfection and legendary breaks like Skateparks, Rifles and Macaronis.
Each itinerary is built with flexibility in mind, adapting to weather and swell to maximise water time. With fewer operators in regions like the Banyaks and expert local knowledge on board, Jiwa offers a surf trip that blends adventure, exploration, and premium wave quality in equal measure.
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On board Jiwa Charters, Eugene is the trip coordinator and full-time surf guide. He ensures you get the most out of your North Sumatra surf trip and takes care of all the small details that make a trip memorable. With over 30 years of experience, Eugene has extensive knowledge of this region and has a knack for finding those magic solo sessions.
Food & Drinks
The dining experience aboard Jiwa is designed to keep surfers well-fuelled and satisfied throughout their journey, with a focus on fresh, healthy meals and generous portions. Each day includes three full meals prepared by the onboard chef, blending Indonesian flavours with Western-style comfort food. Expect a rotating menu of fresh seafood, rice and noodle dishes, vegetables, salads, and occasional barbecues, all tailored to suit active days in the water. Morning and afternoon snacks, along with tea, coffee, and fresh juice, are also readily available to keep energy levels up between sessions.
Meals are typically served in the shaded foredeck dining area, where guests can enjoy ocean views and breeze-cooled comfort. It’s a casual, social setting that encourages connection between guests and crew, with everyone gathering for shared meals and stories from the day’s waves. A daily allowance of three beers per guest is included, and guests are welcome to bring additional alcoholic beverages if they wish.
Enquire NowActivities & Experiences
While surfing is the main focus on board Jiwa, the charter also caters to guests looking for a well-rounded ocean adventure. During downtime or when the swell drops, guests can enjoy snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs, swimming in turquoise lagoons, or heading out on the speedboats to explore uninhabited islands and remote beaches. The crew is happy to organise excursions to nearby villages or jungle trails, offering cultural insights and opportunities to stretch the legs off the boat.
Life on board is relaxed and social, with plenty of comfortable communal areas to unwind. Guests can enjoy yoga sessions or simply lounge on daybeds with a book while soaking up the tropical scenery. The top deck is perfect for sunset watching and stargazing, while the saloon area provides a shaded retreat for movies, music, or a friendly card game.
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