Joysticks
Joysticks is the most consistent spot in the Banyak Islands, offering a multi-sectioned wave with both tubing and whackable sections. The A-frame nature of the break provides options on both sides of the peak, making it versatile for different surf styles. Its consistency means it's rarely flat when swell is in the region, serving as a reliable fallback when other breaks aren't working.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 240°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.3m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Boat from Simeulue or Singkil
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Joysticks?
Joysticks is a reef break in Banyak Islands, Indonesia, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Joysticks?
Joysticks picks up swell from the SSW round to the WSW, 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 0.9m and handles up to about 1.8m, with the sweet spot around 1.3 to 1.6m. 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 Joysticks?
An E wind is dead offshore at Joysticks, and anything from the NE round to the SE 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 Joysticks?
Joysticks is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Joysticks?
The most reliable run of swell at Joysticks comes Apr to Oct. SW swell season (Apr-Oct), SE trade winds offshore.
How cold is the water at Joysticks?
The water at Joysticks 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 Joysticks 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) and being a long way from help.
How do I get to Joysticks?
The nearest airport on our list is SQN. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $80 USD, but confirm with an operator). Boat from Simeulue or Singkil.
What other surf spots are near Joysticks?
The closest breaks we track are Treasure Island (0.8 km) and Lolok Point (1.2 km), handy when Joysticks isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
SW swell season (Apr-Oct), SE trade winds offshore
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Treasure Island
🌊 Banyak's best right • Long barrels • Frontier surf adventure
Lolok Point
🌊 Banyak left • Pairs with Treasure Island • Wind-shift versatility
Bawa
🌊 Indo Sunset Beach • Huge right barrels • Hinako Islands power
Tea Bags
🌊 Simeulue barrel • Less explored • Quality right reef
Dylan's Right
🌊 Simeulue Island right • Barrel rides • Tropical Indo
The Peak (Simeulue)
🌊 Simeulue A-frame • Range of swell angles • Picturesque setting