Surfing Waves

Where can we go to do some begginner surfing in Sumatra? We've done a bit before, and want to hang out on the beach, and not drop our life saving on a surf camp.
We want the "do it yourself", rent a board and just go.

Any tips?

I don't think there is anywhere in Sumatra where you can rent boards. The main surf destination in Sumatra is Padang and that's just because it's the point of departure for boats and planes to Nias, Mentawais and Telo islands and even in Padang there are no surf shops. I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure that's the case.

Have you checked http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/Asia/Indo ... index.html

With the outer islands most likely blocking swell you will probably have to go far North or Far South on the mainland. I've only surfed on the Islands and it's not exactly beginner friendly.

Good luck.

yeah, Sumatra is not exactly surfer friendly, in the sense of surfing accommodation (board rental, transportation to beaches with good waves, the people speak some English, but probably not enough to understand you or you understand them). It's cheaper, yes, but the waves of the Eastern coast (Indian ocean) may not be beginner's friendly.

hey there im going to sumatra from kuala lumpur (sucks being away from indonesia) in a few days does anyone know any surf spots up north but not on an island i do not have the money to get to nias plus its not purely a surfing visit i must also be a proper tourist im getting the ferry to dumai and from there goign slightly north (the plan at the moment anyway) any breaks on sumatra itself i could check out??? or a good place to head to?? cheers in advance
nath

Hey there mate, Dumai is in Riau province and I think I did go there a few years ago. The good, or should I say better, part of Sumatra to surf is down it's South East coast, which is not anywhere near Dumai. Granted Dumai is a city by the water (strait), I think the waves won't be as good. The city is small and unless you're there for work (mainly in oil or palm oil business), then there's not much for you to do there. Roads are bad (as I recall), lots of big holes and people still drive fast there. Let me know if I can be anymore help. Good luck matey!