Rope Burns
Rope Burns is a world-class right reef break that peels along dramatic sea cliffs on East Sumba's coast. The wave produces barreling rights over sharp, shallow reef with serious consequences for wipeouts—hence the name. When solid S-SW swell hits, Rope Burns delivers some of the best tube rides east of Sumbawa. Expert-only conditions and remote access keep crowds to a minimum.
Rope Burns surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (205°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 220°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m - 2.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 330° - 30°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
4/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Rope Burns?
Rope Burns is a reef break in East Sumba, Indonesia, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Rope Burns?
Rope Burns picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.8m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 2.3 to 2.7m. 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 Rope Burns?
A N wind is dead offshore at Rope Burns, and anything from the NNW round to the NNE 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 Rope Burns?
Rope Burns 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 Rope Burns?
The most reliable run of swell at Rope Burns 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 Rope Burns?
The water at Rope Burns 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 Rope Burns good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Things to watch for: sharp, shallow reef (booties help) and shallow water at low tide.
How do I get to Rope Burns?
The nearest airport on our list is WGP, then it's roughly a 45-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Rope Burns?
The closest breaks we track are Tarimbang Right (0.0 km) and The Hole (0.0 km), handy when Rope Burns 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
Tarimbang Right
🌊 Sumba's most popular • All abilities • Wild east coast setting
The Hole
🌊 Deep-water Sumba right • Peaky bowls • Multiple peaks
Occy's Left
🌊 West Sumba left • Epic long rides • Tropical Indo
Pantai Morosi
🌊 Near Nihiwatu • No resort restrictions • West Sumba quality
Pero Lefts
🌊 Sumba's most consistent • Big bowl barrels • Holds any size
Nangamunga
🌊 Emerging Flores spot • Unexplored potential • South coast reef