Playgrounds (North) · Indonesia
Surfing Bank Vaults
A reef break in Playgrounds (North), Indonesia, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size4-10 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Bank Vaults is a thick right over a shallow shelf in the north Mentawais that handles big swells. When the forecast shows 8-10ft and the lighter waves close out, this reef starts to work.
The peak is steep and moves around, and the barrel throws wide and lands hard on the shelf. Even at double overhead it can be ridden, but only by surfers used to big waves and with a strong paddle.
South in the swell helps it bend in, and S-SE winds clean it up. Keep an eye on the tide. Charters anchor wide and take surfers to the takeoff by dinghy. Take a proper step-up, 6'6" or longer for most people.
-1.605, 99.075 · SW swell, S-SE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Bank Vaults
Bank Vaults is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, S-SE wind. This is how the year looks across Mentawai Islands:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| April to May | Good | Fewer boats and good swell |
| June to August | Prime | Peak season: maximum swell, maximum boats, book long ahead |
| September to October | Prime | Still good swell, fewer boats |
| November to March | Quiet | Small season: playful sizes, big discounts, empty lineups |
Waves near Bank Vaults
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nipussi | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | under 1 km |
| Rifles | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 2 km |
| Kandui Left | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Pro | 4 km |
| Hideaways | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Beng Bengs | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 6 km |
| Pitstops | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 7 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Playgrounds (North)
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Playgrounds (North) surf guide →
A week here costs from about $1,040 with flights from Europe, or around $2,195 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,500 →
Bank Vaults: common questions
When is the best time to surf Bank Vaults?
Bank Vaults works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, S-SE wind.
Is Bank Vaults good for beginners?
No. Bank Vaults is a wave for advanced and pro surfers.
How crowded is Bank Vaults?
Bank Vaults is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Bank Vaults?
Bank Vaults is in Playgrounds (North), in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-1.605, 99.075). The nearest wave we cover is Nipussi, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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