Hollow Trees (also known as Lance's Right or HT's) is arguably the world's most perfect right-hand barrel. Located in South Sipora, Mentawai Islands, this wave has been featured in countless surf films and magazines since its discovery in the 1990s. Here's everything you need to know to surf it.
Type: Right-hand reef break
Skill Level: Advanced to Expert
Best Swell: SW, 4-12ft faces
Best Wind: SE (offshore)
Best Tide: Mid to high (low tide very shallow)
Season: Year-round, best May-September
Crowd Factor: Can be very crowded peak season
Bottom: Sharp coral reef
Hollow Trees has multiple distinct sections that work together to create one of the longest, most perfect waves in the world:
The wave begins with a steep takeoff on the outside ledge. This section requires commitment and a quick bottom turn. The wave jacks up suddenly from deep water as it hits the reef.
After the initial takeoff, the wave bends into a perfect barrel section known as "The Office" - where surfers go to work. This is the holy grail section featuring:
After The Office, the wave speeds up into a long, fast wall section perfect for carving turns and generating speed. This section allows you to set up for the final barrel section.
The infamous final section - an ultra-shallow reef that creates one last perfect barrel before deep water. Called "Surgeon's Table" because it's so shallow that wipeouts here often require stitches.
Best Direction: SW to SSW
Best Size: 4-8ft faces (head high to double overhead)
Too Small: Under 3ft - wave doesn't fully wrap
Too Big: Over 12ft - becomes dangerous and closeout-prone
Best: SE trades (5-15 knots) - groomed perfection
Workable: Light E or S winds
Poor: W or N winds (onshore)
When: April-October for consistent SE trades
Best: Mid to high tide
Low Tide: DANGEROUS - Surgeon's Table becomes 1ft deep
High Tide: Safer but wave can be slower
Optimal: Mid-incoming to mid-outgoing
Hollow Trees is located in South Sipora. Access options:
Paddle out through the channel on the south side of the reef. Avoid paddling directly over the reef - the current will pull you over sharp coral.
Hollow Trees can get extremely crowded, especially peak season. Follow these rules:
Sharp Reef: The coral is extremely sharp. Reef booties are MANDATORY.
Shallow Sections: Surgeon's Table is dangerously shallow at low tide.
Strong Current: Rips can pull you over the reef.
Crowds: More surfers = more collision risk.
Remote Location: Medical help is 3+ hours away by boat.
| Time of Day | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dawn | Glass, light crowds | Best option for quality waves |
| Mid-morning | SE wind picks up | Perfect offshore grooming |
| Midday | Stronger wind, crowds | Can be choppy |
| Afternoon | Peak wind, most crowded | Wait for evening |
| Evening | Wind lightens, golden hour | Great for photos |
If Hollow Trees has 20+ surfers, consider these nearby options:
Several resorts are located directly at Hollow Trees:
Surfing Hollow Trees is a bucket-list experience for any serious surfer. The combination of perfect barrel shape, long ride length, and tropical setting makes it one of the best waves on Earth. Approach with respect, surf within your limits, and this wave will give you the ride of your life.