The crew from The Perfect Wave travel company recently returned from Aloita Resort in the Mentawais. Being keen field researchers they wanted to scope the off-season potential. 

"We scored," said TPW's head cheese, Jamie Gray. "The seasons aren't as fixed as the rest of Indo. February and March mate, no-one around, plenty of waves."

To prove his point he sent pics our way featuring shot after shot of clean barrels, most of them occupied by a punter wearing a red shirt. Jamie tried passing it off as himself. "I grew a beard mate."

"And dyed your hair black too?" I asked.

"Yep."

Jamie's become quite the tube threader it would appear. He then started spruiking the new Aloita Surf Resort and Spa. "From Aloita Resort, you can pretty much access 70% of the surf breaks in Mentawai by speedboat. With our resident surf guide to look after you, chefs dishing out great food daily, and pristine beaches and clean, clear and warm water – it’s hard to beat this place, whatever month you decide to go to Mentawai."

"Stop, stop," I yelled. "This is starting to sound like advertorial!"

"No way. Just telling you how it is. Remember Aloita Surf Resort, no crowds, great waves."