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It’s fair to say Brazilian kitesurfer Sebastian Ribeiro loves waves, making the most of them either with a kite or just good old-fashioned paddle surfing. So when he headed to Indonesia on a trip with surf friends, he couldn’t resist packing his kite gear and searching out the perfect spot for some wind powered shredding…
Indonesia, known for its exceptional surf spots and world-class waves, is a dream destination for surfers everywhere. But there’s a twist – this island nation, with its diverse landscapes, wind and charging waves, is also gaining popularity among kitesurfers. Despite its strong reputation as a surfing mecca it is increasingly becoming a favorite for those who ride the wind, offering a unique combination of conditions that appeal to both surfers and kitesurfers alike. And beyond its stunning coastlines and thrilling water sports, Indonesia’s culture is a rich mosaic shaped by its vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, each with its own unique traditions, languages and customs.
In 2022, I went on a surf trip to the Mentawai Islands in western Indonesia, a true surfer’s paradise. Kitesurfing conditions however were rare, with only a few days offering enough wind to get out on the water. On one of those days, I decided to launch my kite and explore the coastline in search of a good wave to ride. As I cruised through the islands, I quickly realized the wind was straight offshore in most spots, making it nearly impossible to line up with the waves. After some time, I stumbled upon a small wave spot that offered a bit of fun. Though it was a decent session, it wasn’t quite the perfect wave I was hoping to find. The wind was just too tricky and the waves too small, reminding me that sometimes in the Mentawais, you have to embrace whatever conditions you get, even if they don’t quite match your expectations. Despite this, I saw the potential, and I was determined to go back and try again.
So this year I booked another trip back to Indonesia, determined to find that perfect kite session I missed the first time around. Although I was mainly there for a surf trip with friends, and despite the island’s legendary surf scene all around, Bali’s beautiful beaches and ideal conditions once again made it impossible for me to leave my kite at home. I knew if I had the chance to get any wind I would find a corner with perfect waves and the perfect wind direction. This set me up with a fun challenge: hunting for the best spot. I used a mix of strategies, like checking Google Maps to scout potential beaches and using Windguru for wind forecasts and directions. But honestly, nothing beats the good old-fashioned way of just going to the beach, feeling the wind and seeing the waves for myself. It’s all part of the adventure, combining a bit of planning with the thrill of discovery.
I finally found a promising spot and couldn’t resist checking it out in person. It featured a left-hand break with fun two-to-three-turn combos, and the wind conditions were just about perfect. Going down the beach with my gear and launching my kite was quite an experience – it was funny how, in an instant, I became the center of attention on the beach. Tourists, who had been enjoying a regular day in Bali, suddenly turned their attention to me. Some were curious and started filming, while others seemed a bit nervous about the kite flying through the air. After riding a few waves, I noticed another left-hand break further down, which looked even more tempting, hollow and powerful. But there was a catch: it was positioned right in front of a massive cliff, leaving me with virtually no escape area if things went sideways. On the flip side, this risky setup gave the photographer an incredibly unique angle, capturing shots that you just don’t get at your typical spots.
Riding this wave was a dream come true. I was so happy to finally find some good ones, with blue shallow water and powered on my Neo SLS 10m. But it wasn’t all easy – I remember hitting the reef a few times and I’m pretty sure I saw a shark fin while riding – I made the best jibe of my life at that moment, haha! It was a remarkable experience, and I hope to have the opportunity to once again experience this feeling of riding a perfect wave that probably no one had ridden before…
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