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.
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Boat charter from Padang. Playgrounds area.
Peak: Apr-Oct
April-October. Needs solid swell to work properly.
Verified by Charter operators
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions