Surf Spot : Sumbawa Surf Spot

The Location is between Lombok and Flores to the east, Sumbawas 300km length twists west to east and lies in the epicenter of the southern trade-wind belt.

Background

If you are nostalgic about olden day Bali then the step back in time encountered on Sumbawa is for you. Its a rugged land, in part sparsely populated, with arid scrub and volcanoes as a backdrop.

Transport

Transport is nonexistent outside the centers of Poto Tano (where the Lombok Ferry lands), and the airport towns of Sumbawa Besar and Bima. Horse drawn carts are common. One main road runs from the west (Taliwang) to the East, through the 2 main towns of Sumbawa Besar and Bima. The west coast and its rich surf zones, is well serviced by road from Poto Tano to Sejorong, where it narrows then stops abruptly, leaving much of the south coast in a time warp.

East of Cempi Bay, there are pretty good roads servicing Huu and the Lakey peak area via Dompu. A road from Sumbawa Besar leads directly to Lunyuk, where you can take a gamble on some of the untapped surf resources around.

The Setup

The land mass is heavily influenced by volcanoes, and the coastline is mostly a series of large inlets and bays. Shallow lying coral flats, exposed at low tide, are the predominant sea bottom.

The two established areas are the west coast around Taliwang, and the Huu area, which also faces west out of the dry season trade winds. The swell window is just south of due west, to just west of due south, with the most penetrating swell coming from the southwest.
The Waves

Sumbawa surfing was put on the map when west coast breaks like Scar Reef and Supersucks were discovered and heavily surfed by boat. The waves here are fast, shallow reef-breaks with several well known lefts and some surprising rights. Lakey beach near Huu is the other hot spot, with luminaries like Periscopes, Lakey Peak and Lakey Pipe. These are busy waves during the season, with a host of accommodation options right on the spot. Again, mostly reef breaks of an advanced, though some would say slightly less intimidating nature. In between the two, horrendous road conditions (or no roads at all) have kept surf invasion at bay for now.

Seasons

April to September is the best time to get off-shore conditions on most Sumbawa breaks, although mid season winds are heavy in the afternoon. There is also a trade-off between consistency and population; April and May can be inconsistent. From June onwards the swell is more likely to crank but the place is often overrun. Flat spells are never to be ruled out; its fair to say that some of the better spots here are less consistent than many Sumatra or Java breaks.

Crowds

As mentioned, mid season can be horribly crowded at Lakey. The west coast is more of a lottery because surfers often arrive by boat, meaning 1 day empty, the next full-on Californian summer.

Hazards

Bumpy roads. Some hassle near the mines at Maluk and around the west coast. It is common for groups of young men to carry machetes in Sumbawa, although not intended as an attack weapon. No major critters although the pythons are enormous, and Komodo Dragons intimidating. Most sharks are reef varieties that are harmless. Some malaria if rains are heavy. Usual reef cut advisory applies.

Boards

See Bali section; the same rules apply. You need something that can handle barrels. Board repair is available at Lakey although not exactly cheap or of good quality....bring spares if you can. Extra leashes are essential, as there are no surf shops although you might luck out with a block of wax etc. at your accommodation.

Surf Spot : Rote/Numberala

Rote has been on the surfers map for thirty years, and its star wave, Nemberala, an underground cult wave for most of that. Both Rote and Sabu are part of the Timor district, and are serviced by air from Kupang. There are also yacht charters (see section) out of Kupang, that take in Sabu and Rote and surrounding islands. Nemberala itself has a huddle of surfer accommodation, making it a great base for eastern surf adventures, with waves down at Boa and offshore islands. We will feature some discovered waves that are the tip of the iceberg in this region.

Seasons

Dry season (which is very dry in these parts) from April to September, is peak swell season and the name breaks are mostly off-shore. Afternoons can get extremely windy mid season. The region has a relatively narrow swell window and prolonged flat spells are possible. There are some fantastic right-handers that are offshore in northwest wet season winds although patience is required to catch them firing.

Hazards - Reef cuts. Lack of medical facilities. Some small-scale theft reported. Remote surf spots beyond medical help. Sabu and surrounds has a lack of food and accommodation.

Surf Spot: Medewi Beach in Bali

Where:

It takes more and less 2,5 hours drive from Kuta, small village with friendly of local people

The Waves
Medewi: A long left point break, rolling gently over round river stones,a bit like a reversed Malibu, perfect for long boards and learners. Can be a bit fat and slow, but still lots of fun.
Best at mid to high tide, from 4 to 8 foot.trade winds blow on - shore, so arrive at dawn, or stay at the beachside cotages.Swell here is usually larger than Kuta, smaller than Balian, There's a fun right around the southern point too

Balian: Left and right breaking over round river rocks, Chops heaps of swell, rarely under 4 foot, sometimes bigger than Uluwatu

Lombok Indonesia Surf Spot

A stones throw from Bali, Lombok rises majestically and suddenly out of the Indian Ocean. It sits between 8 and 9 degrees south, in the center of the southern tropical trade-wind belt. This western most island of Nusa Tenggara is the beginning of the dry side of Indonesia; you will notice that the forested landscapes give way to arid scrub. The whole deal is 80 by 80 km. Ferries and planes go from Bali, and the main airport, Mataram on the west coast, is well connected to most big Indonesian towns. It is in an ideal position for quick boat trips from Bali.

Background

Lombok is in some ways a flash-back to Bali in the 70s. It is considerably less developed for tourism, and has nothing like the volume of food and accommodation options. Apart from these obvious parallels, the comparisons falter. The population on Lombok is 90% Sasak, an ethno-cultural group sharing characteristics and beliefs with Javanese and Sumbawanese. People are very friendly, often surprising visitors with their generous hospitality, although you will not always find the universal openness to Westerners that sets Bali apart. The scenery is breathtaking; Mount Rinjani dominates the entire island, and the laid-back Gilis off the west coast have incredible diving and pristine beaches. The semi arid bays of the south coast, such as Selong Belanak, are an unforgettable backdrop to a surf session.

The Setup

Lomboks surf-rich south coast is a craggy stretch that offers enough angles to cater for both dry and wet-season wind directions. Whilst swell supply to some name breaks is not in ready supply, its unlikely you will go more than a few days without some form of ride able wave. Most breaks are coral reef based, and very much influenced by tide. Many of the best waves are in deeply recessed bays, requiring considerable refraction. A craggy bathymetry along the south coast results in waves funneling into unlikely places. The Lombok Strait, running up the west coast, is an extremely deep bottle-neck of water, which is why currents here can be extremely strong between tides. Full moon surfing at mid tide Desert Point for example, can be an Iron Mans challenge. Beaches are mostly white cal carious sand, and among the most beautiful in Indonesia.

The Waves

Indian Ocean power reaches Lomboks south coast with similar intensity to Balis southwest coast, yet there are waves here for all levels. Experiences vary from the hollow, critical and challenging Desert Point, to fat, fun Grupuk Bay rights. There are great waves on the east and west coasts too, but these are among the most fickle in the Indian Ocean. There is no predominance of lefts vs rights although the most famous wave here is the ultimate goofy foot experience.

Season

Typical trade-wind patterns prevail; east to southeast airflows in the dry season (May to September), and west to northwest in the wet (November to April). The south coast is most consistent in the dry season, but gets waves all year round. When wet season winds blow westerly, you will find an array of reefs and right-hand points that will be perfect. The huge volcano and mountains of Lombok also assist between seasons, by giving some morning off-shores as the cool night air drops down and fans out. Lombok is a true year-round surf zone.

Crowds

Good waves are always crowded, but Lombok has been out of fashion in recent years. The south coast area around Kuta is a fairly quiet corner at the moment; if you spend a week or more there you will get some lonely sessions in. High season, from June to August, will witness crowds, and certain spots will get a sudden influx of boats at a given moment; it pays to be mobile, and to get up early.
Boards

Generally, your usual board plus 6 inches length, and 1/4 inch thickness, will cover most Lombok situations. Waves are hollow and straight, so the rhino chaser approach does not always pay off, tending to limit your position changes in the barrel, or even catch. If your short board is a 6, then the ideal plan might be to take it along plus a 6.8 and a 7. Long boards are usable at many south Lombok breaks.

Hazards

Traveling around can be a challenge with, variable road quality around Bangko Bangko and the south coast. 4WD is a good option, and some roads are only passable by bike. Rip-offs are not uncommon around south coast surf spots. There have been episodes of aggressive behavior from some locals. Some of these reports are apocryphal, but street-wisdom, diplomacy and caution are a must. The usual reef cut advisory stands, particularly at Desert Point. The odd shark is seen but no recorded attacks. The drier climate reduces the presence of malaria bearing mosquitoes, but check with your doc about prophylaxis before you go.

Sumba Indonesia Surf Spot

Some surfers say that the further east of Bali you travel, the more hard-core the set-up. In many ways Sumba bears this theory out. Years of isolation from Indonesias mainstream religions and culture are one reason why myth and folklore surround the islands people and their ancient culture. Religious systems include Islam and Christianity, but traditional beliefs revolve around marapu, the ancestors and gods whose influence pervades everyday life. A good illustration would be the death of the Queen in 2003, when her four hand-servants were voluntarily entombed alongside her in their efforts to reach paradise.

The ancient pasola rites, enacted each year before planting season, involve mock fights between machete toting men on horseback with the deliberate slashing of man and horse intended to fertilize the soil with blood. In parts of Sumba, tribal rule holds more sway than any centralized law, and like most of Nusa Tenggara, life throughout the island is centered around the kepala desa or village leader.

Transport

For the overland surfer, Sumba is an extremely challenging proposition. Roads and transport are rudimentary. Outside of the few main towns, vehicle hire is impossible, and the word taxi irrelevant. Intrepid travelers can use some nouse and diplomacy to advantage however, negotiating rides with locals (keep those mid-size rupiah notes handy). Accommodation near surf spots is extremely limited, with a few exceptions. In certain areas it can be possible to carefully negotiate home-stay accommodation. It is customary to offer betel nut and or cigarettes (a second best in some locales) to the kepala desa when arriving in a village. If you follow this protocol, you will improve your chances of finding a place to stay.

In short, overland Sumba trips need to be planned unless you are staying at one of a few established surf-spots. If you earn a seasoned traveler or prepared for adventure, either stay at one of the spots in the back of this book, on a pre-arranged basis, or go by boat. If you want to travel around Sumba looking for surf, you should at least arrange a guide. This can be done at the Hotel Merlin in Waingapu, or sometimes from the surf camp in Kallala. Negotiate your price clearly in advance to avoid a situation developing at the end of the trip.

The Setup & Waves

Sumba is out on its own in deep ocean between latitudes 8 and 9 degrees south. The south coast is extremely exposed to most available swell, offering few contortions that could offer shelter from the raw power. The Sumba coast is less craggy than, say Lombok, and there are few islets and inlets, which means that it will often be huge across the whole coast with no hidey hole to find an easy surf.

The Java Trench runs close to shore, so swell arrives with full intensity on the mostly reef break setups. Perhaps the heaviest reef is located on the eastern tip at Pero. A more approachable point-break is the relatively accessible Tarimbang. East Sumba has one of the few genuine big wave spots in Indonesia, and a brace of quality dry season lefts. There are beach breaks too however, such as Pantai Marosi, and some excellent river mouths.

With the Mentawais being the current favorite of magazines, quite a few waves are going unridden out east. Tough but rewarding.

Seasons

Dry season (March to November). Trade winds blow southeasterly at this time, but strong winds can prevail for four or five days and then just die. On an average day, these trades do not kick in until 11 a.m. or later, and the strongest trades occur June through August. These mid-season trades are sometimes a wrecking ball to any spot, so its generally a good idea to try to surf early morning at these times. Afternoon storms however, are not uncommon in the dry (or any) season, causing winds to veer to a new, potentially off-shore direction for a few hours and turning a break on for the lucky few who are there. With more chance of a solid southwest Indian Ocean ground-swell, this is the best season for waves on West Sumba.

Wet Season (November to March): Sumbas open ocean position means that swell is rarely is short supply for long. There are good wet season waves to be had in the southeast, as well as some out of the way gems off the small island of Mangkudu and its neighbors. Tarimbang can also get good at this time.

Hazards

Currents and sneaker sets. Heavy, remote big waves far from help. Again its a poor country so carry yourself well. Most potential situations can be avoided with careful diplomacy and common sense. Parts of West Sumba are pretty wild. Locals will be curious about you. Carry cigarettes and betel nut to help smooth your introductions to them. Whilst almost everybody you meet will be extremely friendly, and quite curious, situations can escalate quickly if you commit a faux pas. When traveling in remote areas, carry food and water supplies.

Canggu Surfing & Echo Beach Surf Spots

Canggu: North from Kuta, through Seminyak and beyond. Just past Kerobokan and through many rice field, via Padang Linjong Village, you'll see signs to 'Canggu Surfing' & 'Echo Beach'. There are 3 access points.

Black lava sand beach with 2 areas to surf, over sand and lava rock. If you ever catch it with nobody out it can be eerie, but that is not likely. Canggu ('Changgoo') is the main escape route from Kuta beach breaks. Best surfed early morning before the trade winds, up to about 6-8ft. Waves tend to peak up out of nowhere here in the black water, and low tide can get sketchy on the inside. Low lying cliffs and steep beach at high are a hazard. Advanced. On moderate swells if Canggu is crowded, you can check the black sand beach-breaks at Brawa (Berawa) a kilometer south.

Pererenan: Right next door to Canggu and often considered part of the same spot. Road ends at Pondok Wisata Losmen right at the break. Quick way is via Kerobokan towards Tanah Lot, but Pererenan Village go left at 'Pantai Pererenan' sign.

Left and right peaks over sand and lava best on higher tides unless small. Both peaks shoulder out into a well defined channel although you can take the 'wrong way' on each depending on tides and size. There's sometimes a bit of a crew here but crowds are well absorbed by the shifting peaks. Afternoon breezes are side-onshore. All levels if small. Advanced when big. Consistent spot pulling more swell than Kuta beach-breaks.

Southern Sumatra Surf Spots

Pulau Pisang (The Island)
You can get a boat here, either charter or public, from Krui harbour. The wave breaks off the eastern tip.

A heavy, jacking right rears up from deep water and wraps around an arc of shallow coral with undiluted energy. Not the longest wave, but the power per square inch is high, with challenging, spit-filled barrels common. The drop is usually a big one but makeable, and the paddle is easy. Mid-High tide best. 4-6ft plus. Advanced.

Krui
2 great waves break either side of the beach at Krui.

Krui Lefts: A high quality wave, this left is approachable yet laden with barrel potential. Any tide will work although the low tides expose some reef spikes. It is an intermediate wave, but hold-downs can still be severe. Offshore in southeast winds. Needs solid southwest swell to work.

Krui rights: Off the reef fringed northern point of Krui's long curved beach. Hollow reef point almost guaranteeing a barrel from take-off. A short wave, but not a moment is wasted from start to finish as it barrels right across. All tides are OK, and even low offers a generous covering of water over the reef. Intermediate plus. East southeast winds best. Requires large southwest swell.

Ujung Bocur
AKA SLL (Sumatra's longest left), it's right out the front of Ombak Indah Losmen at Biha.

Quality long point reef in an idyclic setting. Orderly lines focus onto a predictable take-off, and then develop quickly into a barrel. Once you've pulled in, the wall usually tapers evenly and morphs into a fast but workable ride of up to 300 metres. South swell best, with E-SE winds. Low tide is fast and hard-breaking, mid perfect high fun to fat. All levels depending on conditions.


Way Jambu
one of the widest barrels you are ever likely to surf. A pitching take-off over shallow reef is the intro to a barrel of up to 200 metres before final release into a channel. This wave may section and throw up surprises, but it rarely shuts down totally, meaning those who hang on and sight the exit are likely to prevail. Low tide is extremely difficult and risky, although awesome to see, mid tide is perfect. High tide is full but still very high quality on a bigger day…and it is usually bigger than it looks courtesy of a very long paddle-out. 3-12ft, 4-8ft best. Advanced. Dirty beach.

Enggano Island
Enggano island is hard to get to (Some boats go from Bengkulu to its only port of Malakoni) without much except medieval agriculture, wild pigs and buffalo. There is little accommodation in the 5 villages, and the locals just about speak Bahasa Indonesian but certainly no English. It is sorrounded by beautiful white sand beaches, coral reef arcs, and a trio of stunning coral attols although the interior is pretty flat and malarial. Only a very basic track circumnavigates the 30 by 50km island, but this doesn't fully service the south and east shoreline. It certainly isn't well charted territory. Getting waves here requires real commitment, and the ability to tolerate the hardships endured.

Risks include malaria, and the total absence of medical help.

Grajagan G-Land East Java Surf Camps & Boat Charters

Located at Plengkung in the Alas Purwo Nature Reserve on the eastern tip of Java.
From Bali: Season 2006 is promising to be another one with a delayed start due to events at the end of season 2005, however as always will produce the same rewards that the jungle offers each season, after all this is G-Land.

With a super efficient FAST BOAT service being offered the trip is more comfortable or faster.

There is still the option of overland travel but why put yourself through the ordeal, when you can wake up early , jump on the FAST BOAT & be in camp for breakfast & as the waves clean up with the trades you are all set for your stay in G-Land [Grajagan]. 

We have possibly the most efficient & friendly service operating directly in the heart of Kuta so there is no hassles at all with last minute changes or simply just to call in & ask our friendly girls what the latest info is.


There are 3 surf camps in G-Land [Grajagan] G-Land Surf Camp , Bobbys and G-Land Jungle Camp
Superlatives have been used about "Grajagan" since it was first discovered in the early '70's, and it has consistently justified it's reputation ever since. G-Land offers the most reliably perfect and power-packed left-hand barrels found. Like Uluwatu, it has a perfect position facing due west out of the trade winds, but it has a more exposure to different swell directions, and is located adjacent to a 10km deep ocean trench so it has more power, and deeper, straighter, longer barrels.

Essentially 3 to 4 take-off zones.

Kong's, starting way outside on the outer point , where some big, often unruly walls form up. Kong's can be quite whackable and approachable on it's day but is generally best surfed on low tide, light winds and smaller swell. A 4 foot day with WSW swell in these conditions can see it barrel, but often it will be windy and uninviting. It's a fairly long walk and paddle or reef-hop, depending on tides.
Moneytrees, the main take-off point, is across a useful channel from Kong's. A fast, extended, split-filled barrel in anything from 2 to 10ft, it gets hairy on low tide with the coral table very close. Kicking out at the right time is essential as it is difficult, and the result of failure can be good skinning.Mid tide sessions can deliver the best tubes of your life
Launching Pads, is the next section which is an outside peak that can split the crowd. It can break a long way out the back and is generally firing if Money's is closing out. It is also the outer take-off for G-Land's most spectacular barrel provider SPEEDIES.

Speedies, Speed Reef is an appropriately named, shallow, heavy barrel for 150m or more at the end of the G-Land reef set-up. On a big south pulse (preferably over 6ft), it wedges on take-off and bends into an ever accelerating race for the exit. The barrel is often perfect for over 100yds, and has enormous energy and roundness. Lower tides are hazardous with the reef never far under fin.

All the sections change with the tide, and big days mean current and a permanent paddle. The reef is sharp, and there are coral snakes, urchins, even the odd shark (no recorded attacks).

G-Land other waves
On large days, Chickens, down the beach, can be a good warm up wave; it will be smaller and more fun with some low tide barrels possible. Further along still, 20/20's is a pretty good, quite left-hand reef pass with a wedgy right next door. Again not a classic. Tiger Tracks, way further down, is a short fun right off the rocks.

On a macking south swell, early morning, Tanjung Kucur has a set of quality, very rare long rights. Ask your camp host how to get there because this is a major trek through the national park, and will more often than not be unrewarded.

One Palm - Panaitan Island Boat Charters

Just Dreaming Boat will bring you surf the best barrels in the world with no crowds. West Java and Panaitan Island are located off Java’s south-west tip and home to the infamous One Palm Point and Apocalypse and various other world-class waves. While most of the surfing world is focused on the Mentawai's, West Java has numerous perfect waves with half the crowds.

A 50ft cutter-rigged ketch powered by a 98HP Ford diesel which can take up to a maximum of 8 surfers.

Boat Facilities:Tender with outboard, Radar, GPS and ploter, Depth sounder, 240V generator, VHF/HF/27MEG radios, Inflatable life jackets / MOB equipment, Life raft, EPIRB,
First aid kits

Features:Air conditioned dormitory sleeping up to 8 passengers ,TV , Refrigerator and freezer , Stereo (tape / radio / CD player) , VCR , Video CD player , Shower & toilet , Deck shower , Snorkeling gear ,Fishing gear

Boat Price is includes Surf Levy AUD10.00 per day per person

Mentawai Island Surf Charter Vessel Navistar

The Navistar have been customized to a surf charter vessel Navistar was built and launched in 1990 in Australia and started charters in the Mentawais in 1999. She is powered by a V8 300hp turbo charged Detroit diesel engine which will go any where any time.

The accommodation sleeps for 8 passengers quite comfortably and there are plenty of nice roomy areas to hag out at all over the vessel weather its inside or out. Navistar has 14 foot dingy to drop you off and pick ups to and from the Navistar and the surf.

There is also fishing gear on board from trolling rods ,spinning rods, hand lines to spear guns to catch those big fish for sport and fun, so you can sample the local or western cuisine cooked by the chef with 3 meals served daily after hard days of surfing