Surfing
Afulu Left
The north coast's famous left-hand reef: long, fast walls and barrels on solid south-west swells.
Surf details
Type | Left-hand reef break |
|---|---|
Bottom | Shallow coral reef (lifted by the 2005 earthquake) |
Swell direction | South-west to west |
Height | 1–3 m (3–10 ft) |
Level | Intermediate to advanced |
Wind | Best early with no wind or a light land breeze |
Tide | Mid to high; too shallow at low tide |
Distance from Pasir Putih | About an hour by car |
About the wave
Afulu is the wave that put the north of Nias on surfers' maps. When a solid south-west swell wraps into the bay, sets stand up on the outer reef and run down the line as a long, fast left with walls to turn on and sections that throw into hollow barrels. On smaller days it is playful and forgiving; on big days it is heavy and only for experienced surfers.
The 2005 earthquake raised the reef, so the wave breaks over shallow coral. Booties are a good idea, and you should never surf it at low tide. The line-up is small and friendly: say hello, wait your turn and respect the locals, who surf it best.
Tips from our surf guides
Go at dawn: the wind is lightest and the crowd smallest
Bring booties, a spare leash and a first-aid kit for reef cuts
Watch a few sets from the beach to find the channel before you paddle out
If you are unsure, start with a session at our beach break and ask a guide to come along
Photo: Austin Neill / Unsplash Photo: Jeremy Bishop / Unsplash Photo: Linus Nylund / Unsplash
How to get there
Drive west along the coast road towards Afulu (about an hour by car; our driver knows the way). Park by the beach, walk across the lagoon at low tide or paddle across it, and use the channel through the reef to reach the line-up. Ask the locals before paddling out.