Cobra
Cobra is a short, hollow slab just up the reef from Lance's Left in South Sipora, Mentawai Islands. The wave produces quick, intense barrel rides that demand expert-level tube riding and precise positioning. Its proximity to the iconic Lance's Right and Lance's Left makes it a convenient third option in the HT's area, offering a different character with its shorter, more intense barrel.
Cobra surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (215°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 230°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (292°)
- Offshore range
- 262° - 322°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Charter boat from Padang (~10hr) or speedboat (~4hr)
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cobra?
Cobra is a reef break in South Sipora, Mentawai, Indonesia, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Cobra?
Cobra picks up swell from the SSW round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Cobra?
A WNW wind is dead offshore at Cobra, and anything from the W round to the NW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Cobra?
Cobra is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Cobra?
The most reliable run of swell at Cobra comes Apr to Oct. There's a second window in Nov to Mar too. Best Apr-Oct (dry season, SE trades offshore). Swells year-round but wet season brings onshore winds.
How cold is the water at Cobra?
The water at Cobra averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cobra good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Things to watch for: sharp, shallow reef (booties help).
How do I get to Cobra?
The nearest airport on our list is PDG. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Charter boat from Padang (~10hr) or speedboat (~4hr).
What other surf spots are near Cobra?
The closest breaks we track are Suicides Right (0.6 km), Bintangs (1.4 km) and Scarecrows (20 km), handy when Cobra isn't working.
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
Suicides Right
💥 Near HT's • Fast shallow barrel • Expert-only commitment
Bintangs
💥 Shallow Mentawai slab • Technical tube ride • Expert barrels
Scarecrows
🌊 Hidden Mentawai gem • Bowling barrels • Uncrowded lineup
Seven Palms
🌊 Overlooked Sipora right • Often surfed alone • Quality solitude
Telescopes
🔭 Long Mentawai left • Barrel to shoulder • Trade wind perfection
Icelands
🌋 Mentawai big wave • 20ft+ faces • Expert-only reef