
Lombok offers several surf spots that cater to advanced surfers seeking challenging waves. Here are some notable locations:
1. Desert Point (Blok W, Batu Putih, Kuranji, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia): Located on the southwestern coast of Lombok, Desert Point is renowned for its long, barreling left-hand waves. This spot is best suited for experienced surfers due to its fast and powerful breaks over a shallow reef.
Desert Point, also known as Bangko-Bangko, is a renowned surf spot located on the southwestern tip of Lombok, Indonesia, famed for its long, hollow left-hand barrels that can extend up to 300 meters.
Optimal Surfing Period:
- Dry Season (May to September): This period is considered the prime time to surf at Desert Point, characterized by consistent swells and favorable offshore winds.
Ideal Surf Conditions:
- Swell Direction: Southwest (SW) swells are optimal for Desert Point, aligning well with the reef to produce quality waves.
- Wind Direction: Southeast (SE) winds offer ideal offshore conditions, contributing to cleaner wave faces.
- Tide: Desert Point performs best at low tide, with the wave becoming more critical as the tide drops.
Additional Considerations:
- Skill Level: Due to its powerful and fast-breaking nature, Desert Point is recommended for experienced surfers.
- Seasonal Variations: While the dry season offers optimal conditions, Desert Point can still work during the wet season (October to April), though swells may be less consistent.
By aligning your surf sessions with these conditions, you can optimize your experience at Desert Point.
For a visual perspective of Desert Point (Bangko-Bangko), you might find this video insightful: Desert Point (Bangko-Bangko) Video
2. Mawi: Situated near Selong Belanak, Mawi offers powerful reef breaks with both left and right-hand waves. The waves can be unpredictable and strong, making it ideal for advanced surfers seeking challenging conditions.
Optimal Surfing Season:
- Dry Season (May to September): This period is considered the prime time to surf at Mawi, characterized by consistent swells and favorable offshore winds.
Ideal Surf Conditions:
- Swell Size: Mawi performs best with swells ranging from 6 to 8 feet, offering clean, open barrels, especially on the left-hand wave.
- Tide: Mid to high tides are preferable for surfing at Mawi. While the beach is surfable at low tide, it can be challenging due to the shallow and sharp reef.
- Wind Direction: Easterly winds are offshore; however, southeast trade winds funnel through the valley, creating offshore conditions if the wind isn’t too strong or too south. For example, a 20-knot southeast wind will be cross-shore on the wave.
Additional Considerations:
- Skill Level: Mawi is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers due to its powerful waves and sharp reef. On smaller days with higher tides, it can be suitable for beginners, but caution is advised.
- Crowd Factor: While Mawi is a popular surf spot, it generally attracts fewer crowds compared to some of Bali’s beaches, offering a more relaxed surfing experience.
By aligning your surf sessions with these conditions, you can optimize your experience at Mawi Beach.
For a visual perspective of Mawi waves, you might find this video insightful: Mawi
3. Ekas Outside: Located in Awang Bay, Ekas Outside provides faster and more powerful waves compared to Ekas Inside. The reef break offers long rides suitable for advanced surfers, especially during mid to high tides.
Optimal Surfing Season:
- Dry Season (April to October): This period is considered the prime time to surf at Ekas Outside, characterized by consistent swells and favorable offshore winds.
Ideal Surf Conditions:
- Swell Direction: South-Southwest (SSW) swells are optimal for Ekas Outside, aligning well with the reef to produce quality waves.
- Wind Direction: Easterly winds are ideal, contributing to cleaner wave faces.
- Tide: Mid to high tides are preferable for surfing at Ekas Outside, as the wave performs best during these tidal conditions.
Additional Considerations:
- Skill Level: Ekas Outside is best suited for experienced and advanced surfers due to its powerful and hollow waves.
- Wave Size: During optimal conditions, waves can range from 4 to 6 feet, with larger swells reaching up to 12 feet.
By aligning your surf sessions with these conditions, you can optimize your experience at Ekas Outside.
4. Are Guling: A short drive from Kuta, Are Guling offers right-hand reef breaks that are powerful and suitable for advanced surfers. The waves are strong, and the spot is less crowded, providing ample opportunities for skill development.
Are Guling, located on the southern coast of Lombok, Indonesia, offers versatile surf breaks suitable for various skill levels. Here’s an overview of the optimal times and conditions for surfing at Are Guling:
Surf Seasons:
- Wet Season (October to April): This period is often considered optimal for surfing at Are Guling, with some sources highlighting that the waves are more consistent during these months.
- Dry Season (April to October): Other sources suggest that the dry season offers favorable conditions, with consistent waves and ideal weather.
Ideal Surf Conditions:
- Swell Direction: South-Southwest (S-SW) swells are optimal for Are Guling, aligning well with the reef to produce quality waves.
- Wind Conditions: Offshore winds from the north are ideal, contributing to cleaner wave faces. Surfing early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended to avoid onshore winds.
- Tide: The right-hand wave works best on low to mid-tide, offering a long, playful ride with a nice wall or a fast, barreling wave. The left-hand wave is more suitable at mid to high tide, providing a shorter but more intense ride.
Additional Considerations:
By exploring these advanced surf spots, you can enjoy the diverse and exhilarating waves that Lombok has to offer diverse and exhilarating waves that Lombok has to offer.
- Crowd Factor: Compared to more famous surf spots, Are Guling is relatively uncrowded, allowing surfers more freedom in the water
- Accessibility: The waves break far from the beach, requiring a 10-minute paddle or a quick ride with a fisherman’s boat.
By aligning your surf sessions with these conditions, you can optimize your experience at Are Guling.
5. Senggigi: Located on the west coast, Senggigi offers consistent waves suitable for advanced surfers. The beach break provides both left and right-handers, with the best conditions occurring during the wet season (November to March).
Tips for Surfing in Lombok:
- Seasonal Conditions: The dry season (April to October) brings consistent swells and favorable winds, making it ideal for surfing. However, some spots work well during the wet season (November to March), so plan accordingly.
- Local Knowledge: Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing insights into the best spots and conditions, ensuring safety and maximizing enjoyment.
- Respect and Etiquette: Always respect local customs and fellow surfers. Adhering to surf etiquette ensures a positive experience for everyone in the water.
Leave a comment