Deep in the southern reaches of the Mentawai Islands lies a wave that has become almost mythical among travelling surfers. Known as Lance’s Right – or Hollow Trees/HT’s – this perfectly formed reef break has long been considered one of the most mechanical and photogenic waves in Indonesia.
Discovered during the early exploratory surf missions of the 1990s, when the Mentawais were still largely untouched, Lance’s Right quickly stood out. While many waves in the region offered power and perfection, few delivered the same consistency, shape and repeatability. It wasn’t just a great wave – it was a reliably great wave, and that distinction helped cement its reputation.
As surf travel to the Mentawais evolved from rugged boat missions into more structured experiences, Lance’s Right became one of the cornerstones of the region’s global appeal.
A Wave That Defined the Modern Mentawai Dream
At its core, Lance’s Right is a short, intense, high-performance barrel that breaks over a shallow coral reef. It works best on mid-sized swells, where the takeoff remains approachable before the wave quickly draws off the reef into a fast, hollow section.
What makes it special is its consistency of shape. The wave bends around the reef in a way that produces near-identical sections, wave after wave – making it ideal for both progression and performance surfing.
The ride itself is defined by a clean, quick entry, quick bottom turn into the pocket, and fast, hollow barrel section that demands commitment. On the right swell and wind, it becomes a near-perfect cylinder – the kind of wave that has filled countless surf films and defined the Mentawai experience for decades.
When It Breaks Best
Like many waves in the Mentawais, Lance’s Right comes to life during the April to October dry season, when Indian Ocean swells and light offshore winds align.
Mid-sized swells tend to offer the best balance, producing long, clean barrels without becoming too heavy or unpredictable. The wave is also relatively wind-sensitive, meaning early mornings and late afternoons often provide the cleanest conditions.
One of the reasons Lance’s Right has remained so popular is its reliability – even when other spots are inconsistent, it often delivers.
Where To Stay: Resorts At The Heart Of The Action
One of the defining features of Lance’s Right is how accessible it is from dedicated surf resorts. Staying nearby allows surfers to time sessions perfectly, often surfing multiple windows throughout the day.
Hollow Trees Resort:
Located directly in front of the wave, HT’s Resort offers one of the most wave-focused setups in the Mentawais. With the break just a short paddle away, guests can surf at first light, return for rest, and head back out as conditions line up again.
The experience here is built entirely around Lance’s Right – from positioning to timing, everything revolves around maximising water time at this iconic wave.
Katiet Beach Resort:
Just a short distance away, Katiet Beach Resort provides a slightly more relaxed base while still offering easy access to Lance’s Right and surrounding breaks. It’s an ideal option for surfers who want variety, with the ability to explore nearby waves depending on conditions.
The setting – palm-fringed beaches and classic Mentawai scenery – adds to the overall experience, blending surf intensity with island calm.
Exploring by Charter: Flexibility and Range
While staying at a resort offers proximity and access to some luxurious resort facilities, charter boats unlock a different dimension of the Mentawai experience – mobility.
AWAVE Travel offers a range of Mentawai charter boats that regularly include Lance’s Right in their itineraries, allowing surfers to:
- Score the wave when conditions are optimal
- Move between regions depending on swell and wind
- Avoid crowds by adjusting timing and location
Charters provide the flexibility to treat Lance’s Right as part of a broader surf journey — combining it with other world-class waves across the Mentawai chain.
Get in touch with AWAVE Travel now, and let us help you to discover Lance’s Right. More than just a great wave – it’s a benchmark. For many surfers, it represents the moment where surf travel becomes something more serious, more intentional, more memorable.
Whether you’re paddling out from the beach at first light or arriving by boat after days exploring the Mentawais, Lance’s Right has a way of living up to expectations.
And in a region filled with world-class waves, that’s what makes it truly special.
