Surfing in the Playgrounds Region: A Wave Guide
Indonesia is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and world-class waves, and the Mentawai Islands are at the heart of it all. Known for picture-perfect barrels, pristine beaches, and lush, palm-lined islands, the Mentawais are the haven that every surfer dreams of. With some of the highest concentrations of top-tier surf spots anywhere on the globe, this region draws surfers from around the world in search of the perfect wave.
At the core of the Mentawai Islands lies the Playgrounds Region. With a mix of iconic waves and lesser-known hidden gems, the Playgrounds offers something for every surfer. Whether you’re chasing world-class barrels or looking to discover a new favourite spot, Playgrounds has it all. Let’s dive into some of the best waves this incredible region has to offer:
1. Kandui Left (No Kandui)
Wave Direction: Left
Best Swell Direction: W, WSW
Best Wind Direction: E to SE
Best Swell Size: 6–10 ft+
Surf Level: Advanced to Expert
Known for its speed, power, and intensity, Kandui is a world-class, left-hand barrel. Though it looks perfect, it’s anything but easy – its fast, hollow, and unforgiving nature has earned it the nickname of “No-Kandui.”
Holding up to triple overhead and delivering some of the longest barrels in Indonesia, Kandui is best surfed on a fuller tide with at least head-high swell. Ironically, it gets more makeable on bigger swells, but this is not a wave you luck into – it’s shallow, heavy, and brutally fast, demanding technical skill and full commitment. If you’re good (and lucky), you might ride it all the way to the west bowl!
2. Rifles
Wave Direction: Right
Best Swell Direction: S to SSW
Best Wind Direction: W – NW
Best Swell Size: 4–8 ft+
Surf Level: Advanced to Expert
Rifles is the wave you used to draw in your surf sketch – long, fast, hollow, and ultra-mechanical. It’s a natural footer’s dream and, on its day, arguably the best right-hander in the world, working from head-high and holding serious size – but needs a clean south swell and light west wind to fire properly.
Speed and precision are everything, with the possibilities of logging up serious barrel time on a single wave. Scoring a perfect day could mean the best session of your life.
3. Bank Vaults
Wave Direction: Right
Best Swell Direction: SW
Best Wind Direction: N
Best Swell Size: 6–10+ ft
Surf Level: Advanced
Bank Vaults is heavy and hollow, and rarely flat. Often, this perfect right-hander breaks thick and square and is best surfed with some extra volume for early entry. It works from head-high up to triple overhead and serves up serious barrel potential.
The reef is wide and breaks in multiple zones, so positioning is key – be patient and watch for the sneaky wide sets that catch many off guard. The wave rises fast from deep water, throwing a thick, powerful lip. While hold-downs can be intense, the reef is surprisingly forgiving compared to other spots nearby.
4. Nipussi
Wave Direction: Right
Best Swell Direction: S to W
Best Wind Direction: N
Best Swell Size: 3–6 ft
Surf Level: Intermediate
Just down from Bank Vaults, Nipussi is a more forgiving right-hander set in a scenic bay. A reliable swell magnet that works on all tides, it’s best surfed around head-high when you’ll find fast walls, occasional barrels, and tonnes of fun.
On bigger swells, two steep peaks form, which soften out into wide, playful faces. The inside can get shallow on low tide, so watch your footing! Nipussi is always ready to deliver a good time and is one of the most consistent breaks in the Northern Mentawais – staying clean when north winds mess up other spots.
5. E-Bay
Wave Direction: Left
Best Swell Direction: W to SW
Best Wind Direction: E to NE
Best Swell Size: 4–8 ft
Surf Level: Intermediate to Advanced
E-Bay is another world-class, hollow left-hander that turns on from head-high to triple overhead. Though it can be fickle, it’s worth the wait – barreling from start to finish and making it a true Mentawai gem. Mechanical, powerful, and when it’s lining up, expect a crowd chasing some of the best lefts around.
The bigger it gets, the heavier and more hollow it becomes. Mid-tide brings the perfect barrels, while fuller tides offer rippable walls. Low tide? Sketchy and shallow…
6. Pitstops
Wave Direction: Right
Best Swell Direction: W to SW
Best Wind Direction: SE to E
Best Swell Size: 2–5 ft
Surf Level: Intermediate
Pitstops is a fun, right-hander breaking over a sandy reef onto a golden beach. It offers a fast, hollow take-off followed by a rippable wall – perfect for speed, barrels, and airs. Best around head-high, as bigger swells tend to close out the bay.
It’s a great wave for warming up in the Mentawais, working on all tides and providing a great option when it’s just waist to chest high. Consistent and protected, it stays rideable when other spots are blown out – although it can be a bit crowded, it’s always a good time.
7. Hideaways
Wave Direction: Left
Best Swell Direction: SW
Best Wind Direction: SE to E
Best Swell Size: 4–6 ft
Surf Level: Advanced
The picture-perfect Indonesian wave – crystal-clear water, peeling mechanically off a pristine island, and capable of delivering the barrel of your life. But it’s not without risk! Mistakes on the low tide can send you home with some fire coral souvenirs! Most surf it on a higher tide, where it’s safer and more forgiving.
One of its big advantages is that it handles southerly winds, making it more consistent than nearby breaks like Kandui and Ebay. The wave changes with the conditions: some days it’s fast and hollow, other days slower and bowly…
8. A-Frames
Wave Direction: Peak (Left & Right)
Best Swell Direction: SW – S
Best Wind Direction: N – NW
Best Swell Size: 3–6 ft
Surf Level: Intermediate
This consistent A-frame breaks in front of a stunning tropical island and can hold solid size. It features two main sections: the outside offers shifting peaks that break both left and right, leading into inside walls and occasional tubes.
While it seems to have it all, the unpredictable take-off spots can be tricky and frustrating, especially for first-timers. The left is usually more reliable and longer, with a chance at a solid barrel, followed by room for cutbacks if you line it up right.
9. Four Bobs
Wave Direction: Right
Best Swell Direction: SW-S
Best Wind Direction: W
Best Swell Size: 2–4 ft
Surf Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Four Bobs is a short but super fun right-hander on the east side of Karangmajat Island. While it looks fickle on a map, it’s actually quite consistent and always a good time.
Breaking over shallow reef – especially the “four bobs” that pop up at low tide – it delivers a couple of solid sections for turns. It’s not the main reason to come to the Mentawais, but definitely worth a session or two for some playful, rippable fun.
10. Pistols
Wave Direction: Right
Best Swell Direction: S
Best Wind Direction: NW
Best Swell Size: 3–5 ft
Surf Level: Intermediate
Pistols is a great option on small swells and northerly winds. Tucked at the southern end of the Playgrounds zone, just past Rifles, it prefers a south swell but can be a bit wind-sensitive.
When it’s firing, expect crystal-clear barrels and fun, wedgy walls. The shallow reef and transparent water make it feel more intense, but it’s a manageable, fun wave when conditions line up!
11. Baby Kandui
Wave Direction: Left
Best Swell Direction: SW
Best Wind Direction: E to SE
Best Swell Size: 2–4 ft
Surf Level: Intermediate
When Kandui Left is maxing out, most surfers head five minutes down the reef to Baby Kandui. A rare gem, it only fires a few times a year, but offers a 300-yard left with up to four barreling sections.
Most of the time, however, it’s a long, playful wave perfect for turns and far less punishing than its big brother. Catching Baby Kandui at its best is rare, so if you do, consider yourself lucky!
12. Playgrounds Left (Karambat Left)
Wave Direction: Left
Best Swell Direction: S
Best Wind Direction: W
Best Swell Size: 2–5 ft
Surf Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Playgrounds Left sits in the heart of the Playground area and goes by a number of names – Bikinis, G-Strings, and Duckies, amongst others. Best on a solid south swell, it runs for about 100 yards with fun, mellow walls.
It’s ideal for intermediates looking to build confidence before tackling some of the heavier waves nearby. Often overlooked by more advanced surfers, it only shines when other top spots are firing. Fairly wind-exposed, but plenty of chance to soak up the scenery and enjoy some cruisy waves in a stunning setting.
13. Burger World
Wave Direction: Right
Best Swell Direction: S – SW
Best Wind Direction: NW
Best Swell Size: 2–6 ft
Surf Level: Beginner to Intermediate
A favourite for photographers – iconic, scenic, and a true saviour on slow days, Burger World is the go-to wave when the rest of the Mentawais are flat. Though not the most high-performance wave in the region, it’s a reliable swell magnet with long, playful walls and occasional barrel sections.
Best in the off-season with small, clean swells, it tends to go fat on bigger days. Ideal from head-high to a foot overhead, while it can get crowded during peak season, its fun, cruisy nature suits both rippers and relaxed surfers alike.
14. Beng Bengs
Wave Direction: Left
Best Swell Direction: SW
Best Wind Direction: E to SE
Best Swell Size: 3–6 ft
Surf Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Beng Bengs is a super fun, rippable wave set in a tranquil, palm-lined bay – perfect for easing into the Mentawai vibe. It offers a series of soft, feathering sections ideal for down-the-line surfing and top-to-bottom turns, with the occasional barrel when conditions line up.
Best from chest to just-overhead, it’s consistent, works on all tides, and when the swell gets too big, it’s time to head to E-Bay. With white sand beaches and clear water, it’s a stunning warm-up spot – but watch the shallow inside at low tide!
15. Dog’s Reef
Wave Direction: Peak (Left & Right)
Best Swell Direction: WSW
Best Wind Direction: E
Best Swell Size: 3–5 ft
Surf Level: Intermediate
Once a secret, Dogs has gained attention in recent years, likely due to its location on a popular route between the islands and Maura Siberut. However, it’s an inconsistent wave that requires specific conditions – namely, strong west-south-west swells and north/east winds.
On a good day, the right offers a barrel on take-off, followed by 2-3 turns before it fades out. The left, though short, features a horseshoe bowl with perfectly formed barrels, closing out on a super shallow inside!
The Playgrounds Region of the Mentawai Islands lives up to its name in every sense – a dream location, packed full of world-class waves, tropical beauty, and endless surf potential. From the mechanical perfection of Rifles to the fun, cruisy walls at Beng Bengs, its consistent swells and stunning scenery have seen the region become a bucket-list destination for surfers worldwide. If you’re ready to experience it for yourself, get in touch with AWAVE Travel to start planning your ultimate surf holiday to the Mentawai Islands!
