Waves

The main attraction for tourism in Nias is the surfing found at Sorake Beach in the Lagundri Bay. One of the top ten waves in the world. But the surf does not end there. With many other spots nearby, and the Hinako, Telo and Banyak islands all within reach, Nias is the perfect surf destination. Whether you are an advanced surfer or want to learn for the first time, there are waves for every level. Here is a gallery of pics and some info on the surf spots in our area.

Surf spots

The point

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-SW
Height: 3-15ft.
Level: Beginner to advanced
Wind: N
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 3 minute walk

This is the wave that put Nias on the surfing map. A world class right hand point break that offers everything from heavy barrels to playful walls depending on the swell. With the keyhole just above the wave, paddeling out could not be any easier. And being inside the Lagundri Bay, it handles the various wind conditions very well making it surfable all day long on most days. This is a dream wave!

Kiddie Corner

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-SW
Height: 1-3ft.
Level: Beginner
Wind: N
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 3 minute walk

Just down the point from the main break is a super fun wave that reforms from the top of the point. A super fun ride that is perfect for groms that like to rip or long boarders who like to take it slow. A wave magnet that is almost always rideable when the point is too small.

Indicators

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-SW
Height: 5-8ft.
Level: Expert
Wind: N
Tide: High
Distance from Grace Wave: 3 minute walk

At the top of the point is one of the most beautiful and terrifying waves you will ever witness. A perfect wave but it peels just meters from the reef. This spot is rarely surfed and is for experts only. But us normal humans can get a read on the sets coming, hence the name “indicators”.

Sebatu

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-SW
Height: 3-10ft.
Level: Advanced
Wind: N
Tide: High
Distance from Grace Wave: 15 minute walk

Around the point and just up the beach from Sorake is wave that offers two different waves. First, Sebatu can be a good option when The point is too small. It gets the full swell direction being outside the bay. It is rarely flat here. Second, it is an option for serious big wave chargers when the swell is on. A very heavy and hollow wave with a real danger of getting caught inside and pushed onto the reef. Sebatu is a gamble but can pay off with barrels you will never forget.

Lagundri beach break

Type: Rights and lefts
Bottom: Sand
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 2-4ft.
Level: Beginner
Wind: N
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 15 minute walk

Inside the bay of Lagundri the sand collects and offers a great place to swin, boady board, or learn to surf. You can also enjoy a nice stroll along the beach here.

A punchy and hollow wave that is the second most popular spot in the area. Super fun with little to no crowd. Once you get barreld here you might get addicted to this spot. It is 75 meters of pure magic when it is on.

Walohiu

Type: Left
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-10ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: NE
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 15 minute drive plus 20 minute walk

A left hand point break with two take off spots. One is a fast and hollow barrel section and the other is a softer wall that ends in deep water. A super fun wave with usually no one out. When the conditions are right, this is a gem.

Afulu

Type: Left
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-8ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: NE
Tide: Mid-high
Distance from Grace Wave: 3 hour drive

This wave is worth the travel. A left hand point break that peels for 150 meters over coral reef offering some great barrels when the swell and tide are right. Home of the North Nias surf contest.

Asu

Type: Left
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-15ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: NE
Tide: Mid-high
Distance from Grace Wave: 2.5 hour drive plus a 20 minute boat ride

This is another world class wave in our area. A 200m left hand point break that offers multiple barrel sections and rippable walls. It can be heavy or playful depending on the swell and tide. Definitely a dream wave that you are likely to score with little or no crowd!

Bawa

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-15ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: N
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 2.5 hour drive plus a 30 minute boat ride

A super heavy deep water wave that packs a punch. Almost never flat, this challenging wave offers everything from tow-in big wave surfing to small slabs. A outer island wave that is adventure on steroids.

Tigers Claw

Type: Left
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-5ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: N
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: 2.5 hour drive plus a 30 minute boat ride

This short and sweet left hand point break over coral reef is a real treat when it’s on. A 100m ride with a predictable barrel section.

Secrets

Type: Right
Bottom: Reef
Swell Direction: S-W
Height: 3-6ft.
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Wind: N
Tide: All
Distance from Grace Wave: It’s a secret!

A 200m reeling right hand barrel with workable walls, it’s fickle, but when its on, its perfect with probably no one out.

More Waves

There are other waves in less known waves in the area. If you are willing to search you can get fun waves all to yourself. But the real advantage is that Nias is sandwiched between the Telo islands and the Banyak islands. Both of these island chains are filled with world class waves including Treasure island and GT’s. This makes Grace Wave Resort the perfect jumping off place if you plan to go searching for more waves.

Your epic adventure starts here!

Let’s get the ball rolling for your stay at the Grace Wave Resort

Booking Enquiry