Thunders
Thunders earns its ominous name when solid south swells pour into the Playgrounds zone—a heavy, bowling left that detonates over shallow reef with serious intent. This is where the Mentawai experience steps up in intensity, demanding committed takeoffs and fast tube navigation. The wave jacks up dramatically on the takeoff before pitching into thick, grinding barrels that seem to thunder with each impact. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for surfers ready to match its power, Thunders delivers some of the most satisfying tubes in the island chain.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (215°)
- Direction range
- 195° - 245°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (115°)
- Offshore range
- 75° - 155°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 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. Playgrounds area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Thunders?
Thunders works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.6m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
What wind direction is offshore at Thunders?
Offshore wind at Thunders blows from the ESE (115°). Anything in the 75° to 155° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Thunders?
Thunders wants SW swell (195° to 245°) between 1.2m and 3.5m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Thunders?
The main season at Thunders is Apr-Oct. April-October. Needs solid swell to work properly.
How do I get to Thunders?
Fly into PDG, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $200 USD). Boat charter from Padang. Playgrounds area.
What kind of wave is Thunders?
Thunders is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
April-October. Needs solid swell to work properly.
Getting There
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