MSR Surf Guides - Part I
We took some time out to ask our regular surf guides a few questions and give you a little insight about them. At Mentawai Surf Retreat, we pride ourselves on the skill and quality of our surf guides. Carefully selected, they are a huge part of our success and an integral part of your surf trip. With their experience and knowledge of the area and constantly changing conditions, they will get you into the best waves of your ability and the best waves of your life. More than anything, they will share the stoke with you everyday during your stay with us.
Tom Dixon-Smith
Profile:
As our most experienced surf guide, Tom has been guiding for Mentawai Surf Retreat annually since he was 16 years old. With 4 years of experience in these parts, when the wind breathes a slight change of direction, he knows exactly where to take you next that will be pumping.
Stance:
Goofy foot
My comment:
One of the most skilled barrel riders I have ever seen. At Hideaways (a perfect barrelling left-hander) he knows just how deep to sit, and just which wave to pick. He is also one of the very few goofy footers I have seen who can make it out of a barrel at Bank Vaults consistently.
Tom on that dreamy Baby Kandui wave.
5 questions we asked Tom:
What’s your favourite wave in Mentawai?
There’s too many to decide. I guess it really depends on what you’re looking for, like, if you’re wanting a barrelling left-hander that’s also really good, go to Hideaways or if you want a right-hander that’s barrelling, go to Bank Vaults. If you want a fun left-hander that’s good for everything, go to Good Times it’s definitely one of the favourites, and a fun right-hander is Pitstops, it’s just right out front so it’s pretty handy.
What’s your number one tip that you would give to a guest?
Let us do all the surf guiding. That’s why we’re there, we know what we’re doing. You just need to trust us and let us do our job. As surfers we don’t want to surf shitty waves, so if you let us do our job, you can focus on having a good time.
What’s your most memorable Mentawai experience?
The very first day that I went surfing in the Mentawais in 2016. We went to surf Nipussi and it was huge! Another one was when we surfed massive Baby Kandui, we got slotted all day. I don’t know…there’s just too many good memories, but when there’s a good group of guests, it makes it all the better.
What do you think about Mentawai Surf Retreat?
It’s amazing! Mentawai Surf Retreat is definitely the best resort in the Mentawais. Best location, best crew, best food, best waves, best accommodation…there’s nothing you can fault it on, it has everything. It’s the best place for your surf trip.
If you could be a vegetable, what would you be and why?
Maybe a tomato…because I’m always getting sunburnt.
Justin Sykes
Profile:
Although Justin is the newest addition to our team, he gained his experience quickly. As the surf guide who spent the most time with us consecutively, it did not take long for us to see the value in Justin’s surfing and people skills.
Stance:
Goofy foot
My comment:
A solid and reliable all-rounder. You can count on Justin for stoke anywhere, whether it is frothing for some waves or hanging on the beach for some sunset Bintangs, Justin is always keen. No matter where he surfs, he is always getting barrelled or busting airs and having a good time with our guests.
Justin shredding right out front on Pitstop’s wave.
5 questions we asked Justin:
What’s your favourite wave in Mentawai?
100 % Hideaways
What’s your number one tip that you would give to a guest?
Don’t discommit! Joking haha! Paddle hard.
What’s your most memorable Mentawai experience?
My last day before coming home. A swell arrived and it was only me and another guide out at Hideaways, amazing way to get sent home.
What do you think about Mentawai Surf Retreat?
Having Pitstops on our doorstep.
If you could be a vegetable, what would you be and why?
Sweet potato because who doesn’t like sweat potato.