Togat Nusa Retreat is a relatively new resort built on the 12-hectare Pitojat Island, offshore from Sipura in the Mentawai Islands. Togat distinguishes itself by being completely hand built by the owner, John Ocean, from local hardwoods and native products. Everything you see in the resort has been locally sourced and built to purpose. As many who have visted Togat Nusa Retreat have said, the buildings feel alive.

The closest wave to Togat is Scarecrows which sits just offshore but the staff have access to all the waves in the northern Sipura region: Telescopes, Suicides, Icelands, and many other lesser known waves, some the kind of waves only spoken of in hushed tones.

All these photos were taken by Damea Dorsey, resident photographer throughout 2015, either at Scarecrows or the neighbouring waves. And the fella that's handy with a hammer, the bloke that built the whole resort, proves himself to be equally handy with a surfboard. See John poking his head out of the barrel in Shot 4.

All photos Damea Dorsey/Togat Nusa Retreat.