Playgrounds (North) · Indonesia
Surfing E-Bay
A reef break in Playgrounds (North), Indonesia, for advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd3/5
The wave
E-Bay is a hollow left off the reef at Nyang Nyang island in the north Mentawais. It barrels from the peak, opens into a wall for turns and then barrels again on the inside, over reef with enough water.
It's one of the most consistent waves in the area. It works in N-NE winds that ruin the other spots, picks up smaller swells and goes from 3ft to 8ft. Charter crews count on it when nothing else is working.
It's the place where advanced surfers get Mentawai barrels without the speed of Kandui. Boats anchor in the channel close to the wave. Everyday shortboard, step-up when the swell is bigger.
-1.66, 99.045 · SW swell, N-NE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf E-Bay
E-Bay is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, N-NE 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 E-Bay
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitstops | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | under 1 km |
| Beng Bengs | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | under 1 km |
| Kandui Left | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Pro | 3 km |
| Hideaways | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Rifles | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 5 km |
| Nipussi | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 6 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 →
E-Bay: common questions
When is the best time to surf E-Bay?
E-Bay works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, N-NE wind.
Is E-Bay good for beginners?
No. E-Bay is a wave for advanced surfers.
How crowded is E-Bay?
E-Bay is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is E-Bay?
E-Bay is in Playgrounds (North), in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-1.66, 99.045). The nearest wave we cover is Pitstops, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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