Bankvaults
Bankvaults is a playful right-hander in the heart of the Mentawai's famous Playgrounds zone—a wave that rewards smooth, flowing surfing with multiple linking sections. The reef setup creates a series of workable walls that connect when the swell direction and tide align, offering opportunities for big carves and occasional tube sections. It's less intense than nearby Lance's Right or Macaronis, making it an excellent option for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for quality waves without the hectic crowds or heavy consequences.
Today's Conditions
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 80° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Boat charter from Padang. Part of Playgrounds area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Bankvaults?
Bankvaults works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Bankvaults?
Offshore wind at Bankvaults blows from the ESE (120°). Anything in the 80° to 160° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Bankvaults?
Bankvaults wants SW swell (200° to 250°) between 1m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Bankvaults?
The main season at Bankvaults is Apr-Oct. April-October dry season. SE trades offshore.
How do I get to Bankvaults?
Fly into PDG, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $200 USD). Boat charter from Padang. Part of Playgrounds area.
What kind of wave is Bankvaults?
Bankvaults is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
April-October dry season. SE trades offshore.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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E-Bay
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Greenbush
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Bintangs
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