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Level 8/10

Thunders

Mentawai, Indonesia
🪸Sharp reef😮‍💨Hold-downs🏝️Remote

Thunders earns its ominous name when solid south swells pour into the Playgrounds zone—a heavy, bowling left that detonates over shallow reef with serious intent. This is where the Mentawai experience steps up in intensity, demanding committed takeoffs and fast tube navigation. The wave jacks up dramatically on the takeoff before pitching into thick, grinding barrels that seem to thunder with each impact. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for surfers ready to match its power, Thunders delivers some of the most satisfying tubes in the island chain.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
SW (215°)
Direction range
195° - 245°
Size range
1.2m - 3.5m
Ideal period
16s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
ESE (115°)
Offshore range
75° - 155°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
mid to high
Optimal range
0.6m - 1.6m
Danger below
0.3m

Water temp

28°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

8/10

Crowd level

2/10

Access: Boat charter from Padang. Playgrounds area.

Getting There

Airport
PDG
Drive time
0 min
Boat required
$200

Best Season

Peak: Apr-Oct

April-October. Needs solid swell to work properly.

Data Quality

community

Verified by Charter operators