Sumba Surf Guide

Looking for uncrowded waves, crystal clear waters, and a unique surfing experience in Indonesia? This is your complete guide to surfing in Sumba.

Raw, remote and rewarding, Sumba’s surf welcomes both thrill seekers and first timers.

Why Surf in Sumba?

Surfing in Sumba is much more than just riding waves.
It’s a complete experience: the thrill of reaching a remote beach after a rough drive, paddling out into crystal clear water, and realizing you’re the only one in the lineup. It feels like you’ve discovered a hidden world, far from the crowds.

When to Surf in Sumba ?

The best swells roll in between May and October, during Indonesia’s dry season. The Indian Ocean serves up consistent swells, and the trade winds create clean, offshore conditions in the mornings.

Surf Spots

The southwest coast of Sumba, where we are located, is directly exposed to the powerful swells of the Indian Ocean, making it a reliable source of waves throughout the dry season.
Most of the surf spots in this area are reef breaks, offering a mix of fast, hollow sections and smoother, more rippable walls.
For some spots, access to the waves can be challenging: many are remote and reachable only by 4×4 vehicle or by boat, services we offer within our resort.

Pero ( Left )

Pero Lefts sits just across the bay from the more well known right and breaks over the same reef shelf system, though it’s a little more fickle. When it turns on, it delivers long, wrapping walls that allow for deep bottom turns, high speed sections, and the occasional backhand tube if you knife the takeoff. It’s a shorter ride than the rights but can be more critical, especially when the swell hits the corner of the reef just right. On the right tide and wind combo, it runs down the line with mechanical precision.

Pero ( Right )

Pero Rights is a mechanical right hander wrapping into a river mouth bay near the fishing village of Pero. It’s one of those waves that doesn’t get much hype and that’s criminal. On a clean south swell with light easterlies, this thing reels down the reef with long, high-performance walls. It’s got a bit of everything: open face carves, speedy sections for barrels, and a consistent push that’ll keep you going for well over 100 metres. It’s playful at chest high but can start to pack a punch once it hits overhead.

Wainyapu ( Left - Right )

Wainyapu is a twin setup. The left hander unloads on the southern side of the bay, drawing in long walls that hug the reef with just enough push to get your rail buried deep. On the opposite side, the right hander fires off the northern corner, wedging up into a tight peak before running into a shallow inside bowl. Both waves are tide sensitive and need the right combo of swell and wind to work, but when they do, this zone is an absolute dream. The rights are shorter but punchier, while the lefts run longer and allow for more drawn out turns. Depending on the swell direction, you can pick your poison and swap sides when the tide shifts.

Pinnacles ( Right )

Pinnacles is a right hand reef break with power, push, and the occasional barrel section on the takeoff. It starts off fast and critical, then opens up into a steep, drivey wall that invites solid carves and the odd cover up when the sections link. The takeoff spot is defined but shifts with swell size and tide. When it’s under head high, it’s user friendly and playful. Overhead and it gets heavier, a solid, exposed reef break that challenges your line selection and commitment.

While not death defying shallow, it’s not a wave to take lightly. There’s plenty of push from deep water, and when it lines up, it runs with serious speed across the reef.

Sunset Right

Sunset Right is an advanced level reef break with long, powerful walls and the occasional heaving barrel section.
On the right swell and tide, sets roll in with clean, lined up walls that break over a shallow but forgiving reef. The takeoff can be steep and critical, especially on lower tides, leading into a fast, down the line section that invites big carves and the occasional cover up.

While it’s not razor-sharp shallow, Sunset demands respect. With solid Indian Ocean energy behind it, the wave has real push, especially on long-period south-west swells. When it’s firing, it offers one of the most reliable and exhilarating rides on Sumba’s west coast.

Kerewe ( Right )

Kerewe is known for its long, clean right hand walls that peel effortlessly off the point and run into deeper water.
It begins with a smooth, forgiving takeoff, then quickly opens into a high performance face with fast, carveable sections perfect for turns and flow. On the right swell angle, the wave keeps running, sometimes for hundreds of metres, offering the kind of rides that stay with you.

On bigger days, the tempo increases, with occasional barrel sections and long wrapping lines that’ll push your endurance if you aim to ride it from start to finish.
Easily accessible by land, Kerewe is one of the most consistent and user-friendly waves on this stretch of the Sumbanese coast.

Occy’s Left

Occy’s Left is a powerful, barreling lefthander that breaks over shallow reef directly in front of the resort.
Named after surfing legend Mark Occhilupo, who rode it during a trip and called it one of the best waves of his life, this wave packs serious punch. It rises suddenly from deep water and unloads on the reef with full force, producing steep takeoffs, thick lips and long barrel sections when the swell and tide align.

At size, it gets hollow and heavy, a true test of commitment, but on moderate days, it also delivers open-faced walls perfect for high-performance maneuvers.
This wave offers a rare combination of power and precision. It is not for beginners, and even confident intermediates can get caught off guard if they misread its energy.

Rua

Rua Beach offers mellow, beginner friendly waves that are perfect for learning and building confidence in the water.
The wave breaks over a sandy bottom with gentle, rolling lines that give you plenty of time to pop up and ride with ease. It’s ideal for first-time surfers and those taking their very first lessons.

The beach is easily accessible by car or scooter, and the calm, natural surroundings create a relaxed atmosphere for a comfortable learning experience. Whether you’re catching your first wave or practicing the basics, Rua Beach is the perfect starting point for your surf journey in Sumba.

Wanokaka

Wanukaka offers a raw and uncrowded surf experience on Sumba’s western coast.
This reef break delivers clean, peeling lefts and occasional rights that come to life on mid to high tide with a solid southwest swell. The takeoff can be steep, leading into fast sections with occasional barrels and open faces for down the line maneuvers.

Surrounded by cliffs, river mouths and wild coastline, the setting is remote and stunning. The wave itself is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, especially when the swell picks up.
Access is possible by car or motorbike, followed by a short walk to the beach.

If you’re looking for a quiet session with powerful waves and dramatic scenery, Wanukaka is a hidden gem worth exploring.

Konda Maloba ( Right )

Konda Maloba Right is a long, playful righthander that breaks over a mix of reef and sand, offering forgiving conditions and fun, open faced walls.
Perfect for intermediate surfers and confident beginners looking to progress, the wave starts with a smooth takeoff and unfolds into a mellow, rideable wall that invites cutbacks and flowy turns.

It works best on a mid tide with small to medium southwest swells, making it a reliable go to spot when the heavier waves are too much.
While difficult to access by land, it’s easily reached by boat through our resort, making it both exclusive and hassle free.
With a laid-back setting and uncrowded lineup, Konda Maloba Right is a perfect choice for a relaxed yet rewarding session.

Miller’s Right

This is a heavy, open ocean right hander that jacks up suddenly over a deep reef ledge and throws hard before wrapping into a wide bowl.
The takeoff is steep and unpredictable, especially on bigger swells. It’s not a long wave, more of a powerful, short burst with barrel potential on the drop and an open face through the mid section before shutting down over the inside reef.

When it’s on, Miller’s Rights offers serious power and wave of the trip potential, but it’s no mellow cruiser. It’s a spot where you’ll want full rail game and the ability to read shifting peaks in a raw, high energy lineup.

Extremely difficult to reach by land, Miller’s is best accessed by boat through our resort, adding to its remote and adventurous feel. It’s a wave for advanced surfers looking to test their skills in a wild, unpredictable setting.