Pitstops surf break guide in the Playgrounds area

Where is Pitstops in the Mentawai Islands?

Pitstops breaks on Masokut, the island also called Nyang Nyang, in the Playgrounds: the cluster of small islands and reefs between southern Siberut and northern Sipora, off West Sumatra. E-Bay, a left, is right next to it, Beng Bengs is off the west side of Masokut and Bank Vaults is off its southern tip. Rifles and Kandui Left are on neighbouring Karangmajat. Our Nyang Nyang Mentawai surf guide covers the island in detail.

How do you get to Pitstops?

Fly into Padang (Minangkabau International Airport, PDG), then take the Mentawai Fast ferry to Tua Pejat on Sipora or Maileppet on Siberut, roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours on a direct sailing. Your Playgrounds resort or camp then collects you by speedboat and runs boat trips to Pitstops. Slow overnight ferries take 10 to 12 hours. Charter boats also stop here on northern routes. See how to get to Mentawai surf resorts.

What is the wave like at Pitstops?

Pitstops is a right-hand reef wave with a punchy take-off, short barrel sections and a wall you can turn on. It is generally friendlier than the heavy waves around it, which makes it a useful step up for intermediates, but it is still a reef with shallow sections, so it is not a beginner wave on anything but small days. As the swell grows it gets more powerful and better suited to experienced surfers.

When is the best time to surf Pitstops?

The main Mentawai season runs from April to October. June to August brings the biggest and most consistent swells and the busiest line-ups; on the biggest days Pitstops can become too powerful for intermediates, and experienced surfers head to Bank Vaults or Rifles. May, September and early October often give smaller, cleaner days that suit it well. See the best time of year to surf the Mentawai Islands.

What conditions does Pitstops need?

• Swell: small to moderate south to southwest groundswell.
• Tide: ask your guide; lower tides expose more reef and make the shallow sections more critical.
• Wind: mornings are often cleanest; your guide will pick the reef that is sheltered on the day.

What boards should you bring for Pitstops?

• Shortboard: your everyday board for the punchy take-off and short barrels.
• Fish or groveller: useful on the smallest days.
• Leash, wax and repair kit: bring tropical wax and a strong leash. See what surfboards to take to the Mentawais.

Which surf spots are near Pitstops?

• E-Bay: a left next to Pitstops, more forgiving on moderate days.
• Beng Bengs: a shorter, playful left off western Masokut.
• Bank Vaults: a heavy right off southern Masokut for advanced surfers; see the Bank Vaults guide.
• Rifles and Kandui Left: world-class right and left on neighbouring Karangmajat; see the Kandui guide.

HTs and Macaronis are not in the Playgrounds. HTs, also called Lance’s Right, is a right at Katiet on southern Sipora, and Macaronis is a left off Silabu on North Pagai. Both are a separate trip or a charter route away. Compare them in HTs vs Macaronis.

Where can you stay near Pitstops?

Land resorts and surf camps on the small Playgrounds islands and southern Siberut include meals, boat trips and guiding, and charter boats visit on northern routes. Published resort rates run from about US$130 to US$650+ per person per night. Compare options in the Siberut surf resort guide, the Mentawai surf camp guide and Mentawai surf resort prices.

Travel considerations

• Visa: check Indonesia’s current visa rules for your nationality before you travel; many visitors use a visa on arrival or e-visa.
• Health: see a travel-medicine clinician several weeks before departure about vaccinations and malaria advice.
• Insurance: make sure your policy covers surfing injuries and medical evacuation. See is Mentawai surfing safe?

Local culture and etiquette

The Mentawai Islands are home to Mentawai communities with their own customs. Ask before entering village land, dress modestly away from the resort and keep the boats and beaches clean. In the water, wait your turn and do not drop in.

Do you need to pay a surf levy?

Yes. The Mentawai regency charges foreign surfers a levy of IDR 2,000,000 per surfer for each 15-day period, set by regency regulation since February 2024. Many resorts and charters collect it for you, so ask whether your quote includes it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pitstops a left or a right?

A right. Pitstops is a punchy right-hand reef break; E-Bay, right next to it, is a left.

Is Pitstops good for intermediate surfers?

Yes, on small to moderate days it is one of the better intermediate waves in the Playgrounds. Bigger days are better for experienced surfers.

Are HTs and Macaronis in the Playgrounds?

No. HTs is a right at Katiet on Sipora, and Macaronis is a left at Silabu on North Pagai.

Can beginners surf Pitstops?

Only progressing surfers on small days with a guide. It is a reef break with shallow sections, not a learner’s beach break.

Keep planning

Read the Playgrounds surf guide and our list of breaks for intermediate surfers, then see what a typical stay includes on our Mentawai surf packages page.