Pistols
Pistols is a super fun right reef break in the Playgrounds zone of the Mentawai Islands, offering short but good barrels followed by nice turn sections. The wave is one of the more forgiving breaks in the area, making it popular during charter trips as a warm-up or wind-down session. Consistent SW swell and easterly trade winds create regular surfable conditions during the April-October season.
Pistols surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (230°)
- Direction range
- 210° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.3m - 1.6m
- 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
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Charter boat from Padang (~10hr) or speedboat (~4hr)
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Pistols?
Pistols is a reef break in Playgrounds, Mentawai, Indonesia, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Pistols?
Pistols 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 Pistols?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Pistols, 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 Pistols?
Pistols 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 Pistols?
The most reliable run of swell at Pistols 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 Pistols?
The water at Pistols 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 Pistols good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 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 Pistols?
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 Pistols?
The closest breaks we track are Rifles (0.4 km), 4 Bobs (1.0 km) and Pitstops (1.3 km), handy when Pistols isn't working. We track 6 spots around Playgrounds, Mentawai in total.
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
Rifles
🎯 Flawless rights • Precision swell angle • Mentawai crown jewel
4 Bobs
🌊 Playgrounds fun right • Almond barrels • Two-turn combos
Pitstops
🌊 Playgrounds fun right • Sand-reef bottom • All-level waves
Burgerworld
🌊 Most exposed Mentawai • Low-season barrels • Sculpted right tubes
Playgrounds Left
🌊 Many names, one zone • Playgrounds barrels • Mentawai spectacle
Hideaways
🌊 Secret Mentawai left • Barrel opportunities • Less crowds