Stormrider
Stormrider is the Playgrounds zone's heavy-hitter—a left-hand barrel named after the iconic surf guidebook series that first documented the Mentawai Islands for the traveling surfer. When solid swells march in from the Indian Ocean, this wave transforms into one of the heaviest tubes in the island chain, demanding commitment and delivering consequences. The shallow inside reef leaves no margin for error, but for those seeking serious Mentawai tubes away from the right-hand crowds, Stormrider offers the kind of raw barrel experience that defines Indonesian surf exploration.
Stormrider surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to PDG, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Southeast Asia is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Southeast Asia — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Stormrider trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 230°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 150°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.6m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Boat charter from Padang.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Stormrider?
The Stormrider profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile flags a low-tide hazard below 0.3m.
What wind direction is offshore at Stormrider?
The Stormrider profile uses wind from ESE (110°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 70° to 150°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Stormrider?
The Stormrider scoring profile favors swell from SSW (180° to 230°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3.5m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Stormrider?
The main season at Stormrider is Apr-Oct. April-October. Works on bigger swells.
How do I get to Stormrider?
The spot profile lists PDG as a nearby airport. A boat transfer is also required. The profile estimates $200 USD; confirm the current price and departure point with an operator. Boat charter from Padang.
What kind of wave is Stormrider?
Stormrider is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
April-October. Works on bigger swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Bankvaults
🎰 Playgrounds multi-section right • Linking walls • Mid-crowd escape
Beng Bengs
🔔 Maccas' mellow neighbor • Rippable lefts • Low-crowd gold
E-Bay
🌊 Emerald Mentawai barrel • Two rock sections • Heavy tube time
Greenbush
🌙 Spring tide slabs • Square barrels • Timing is everything
Macaronis
🍝 The consistent one • Works when others don't • User-friendly perfection
Bintangs
💥 Shallow Mentawai slab • Technical tube ride • Expert barrels
Plan a trip around Stormrider
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.