Pistols
Pistols is a super fun right reef break in the Playgrounds zone of the Mentawai Islands, offering short but good barrels followed by nice turn sections. The wave is one of the more forgiving breaks in the area, making it popular during charter trips as a warm-up or wind-down session. Consistent SW swell and easterly trade winds create regular surfable conditions during the April-October season.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (230°)
- Direction range
- 210° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (112°)
- Offshore range
- 82° - 142°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Charter boat from Padang (~10hr) or speedboat (~4hr)
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Apr-Oct (dry season, SE trades offshore). Swells year-round but wet season brings onshore winds.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
4 Bobs
🌊 Playgrounds fun right • Almond barrels • Two-turn combos
Pitstops
🌊 Playgrounds fun right • Sand-reef bottom • All-level waves
Burgerworld
🌊 Most exposed Mentawai • Low-season barrels • Sculpted right tubes
Playgrounds Left
🌊 Many names, one zone • Playgrounds barrels • Mentawai spectacle
Hideaways
🌊 Secret Mentawai left • Barrel opportunities • Less crowds
Nipussi
🌊 Siberut easy left • Great intermediate wave • Tropical backdrop