Max's Left
Premier left in the Telo chain. Hollow and mechanical on its day.
Max's Left surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (235°)
- Direction range
- 210° - 260°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (112°)
- Offshore range
- 82° - 142°
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: Charter boat from Padang (~12hr)
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Max's Left?
Max's Left is a reef break in Telo Islands, Indonesia, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Max's Left?
Max's Left picks up swell from the SSW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. 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 Max's Left?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Max's Left, and anything from the E 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 Max's Left?
Max's Left 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 Max's Left?
The most reliable run of swell at Max's Left comes Apr to Oct. SW swell season (Apr-Oct), SE trade winds offshore.
How cold is the water at Max's Left?
The water at Max's Left 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 Max's Left 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 Max's Left?
The nearest airport on our list is PDG. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $250 USD, but confirm with an operator). Charter boat from Padang (~12hr).
What other surf spots are near Max's Left?
The closest breaks we track are The Office (0.8 km), GT's (1.6 km) and Rockstar (60 km), handy when Max's Left isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
SW swell season (Apr-Oct), SE trade winds offshore
Getting There
Nearby Spots
The Office
🌊 Telo's reliable left • Range of swell sizes • Always open for business
GT's
🌊 Telo Islands right • World-class • Tropical Indo
Rockstar
🌊 East Nias right • Fun alternative • 25km from Lagundri
8-Frame
🌊 East Nias tube right • Near Hilistaro • Less-visited quality
Sebatu
🌋 Nias big wave • Outside the bay • Heavy and hollow
Lagundri Bay
🌋 Earthquake-improved • Long right-hand tubes • Indonesian legend