Greenbush surf break guide in the Mentawai Islands
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Greenbush is a heavy, hollow left-hand reef break off the southern coast of Siberut, on the northern edge of the Playgrounds. It needs a solid south to southwest swell, breaks over shallow reef and is strictly for expert surfers. Most visitors reach it by boat from a nearby resort or on a charter, between April and October.
Where is Greenbush surf break?
Greenbush breaks off the south coast of Siberut, the largest and northernmost of the main Mentawai islands off West Sumatra. It sits on the northern edge of the Playgrounds, the cluster of small islands and reefs between Siberut and Sipora, and is reached by boat rather than by road. Surf charters and some resorts in the area include it on their boat trips when the swell suits it.
What is the wave like at Greenbush?
Greenbush is a fast, hollow left that breaks over a shallow reef slab. On a solid swell it throws a thick barrel and becomes one of the most dangerous waves in the region. It is not a wave for all levels: intermediates should watch it from the channel and surf softer reefs nearby.
- Type: left-hand reef break (slab)
- Best swell: south to southwest; best with a solid swell, and dangerous when it gets very big
- Tide: tide advice differs between guides, but all warn against low tide with significant swell
- Level: expert
When is the best time to surf Greenbush?
The main season runs from April to October, with the biggest and most consistent swell usually from June to August:
- April to June: swell builds, with fewer boats than peak season.
- July to September: the most consistent groundswells, when Greenbush is most likely to break well.
- October: a transition month; good swells can still arrive but are less frequent.
Water is about 27 to 29 °C all year. See the best time of year to surf the Mentawai Islands.
How do you get to Greenbush?
- Fly to Padang: airlines serve Minangkabau International Airport (PDG).
- Take the ferry: the Mentawai Fast ferry runs to Maileppet on Siberut or Tua Pejat on Sipora, roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours on a direct sailing. Some sailings stop on the way and take longer; slow overnight ferries take 10 to 12 hours.
- Boat to the wave: the resort, camp or charter takes you to Greenbush by boat when conditions suit.
Ferry schedules change with the weather and season, so keep a buffer night in Padang. See how to get to Mentawai surf resorts.
Where can you stay near Greenbush?
- Siberut and Playgrounds resorts: land resorts with meals, boat trips and guiding. Compare them in the Siberut surf resort guide.
- Surf camps: simpler, shared options; see the Mentawai surf camp guide.
- Charter boats: the most flexible way to be at Greenbush on the right swell; see Mentawai surf tours compared.
Book early for June to August, when the best-placed bases fill first.
Surf etiquette and local culture
- Respect the line-up: give priority in order and to local surfers who know the reef.
- Keep it clean: take rubbish back to the boat or resort.
- Respect the villages: Siberut is home to Mentawai communities; ask before entering land, and a few words of Indonesian go a long way.
How do you stay safe surfing Greenbush?
- Go early: morning sessions are often cleaner and less crowded.
- Bring a step-up: a slightly longer, stronger board helps on solid days.
- Do not surf it beyond your level: if in doubt, watch a few sets from the channel.
- Insure for evacuation: serious injuries usually need transfer to Padang. See is Mentawai surfing safe?
- Pay the surf levy: the regency charges foreign surfers a levy of IDR 2,000,000 per surfer per 15 days (since February 2024).
Frequently asked questions
Is Greenbush a left or a right?
A left. Greenbush is a fast, hollow left-hand reef break.
Is Greenbush suitable for intermediate surfers?
No. It is an expert wave over shallow reef. Intermediates in the area usually surf Burgerworld, Pitstops, E-Bay or Beng Bengs instead.
Which island is Greenbush near?
Siberut. It breaks off the island’s south coast, on the northern edge of the Playgrounds.
What swell does Greenbush need?
A solid south to southwest swell. It becomes very dangerous on the biggest days and on low tide.
Keep planning
Compare Greenbush with the other heavy waves in our guide to the best Mentawai waves for advanced surfers and the overview of the best Mentawai surf spots. To see what a typical stay includes, visit our Mentawai surf packages page.
