Playgrounds (North) · Indonesia
Surfing Kandui Left
A reef break in Playgrounds (North), Indonesia, for pro surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelPro
- Size4-10 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Kandui Left is a very fast left barrel on the Karangmajat reef in the north Mentawais. It runs for hundreds of metres, and you have to pump hard just to stay in the barrel.
Even the best surfers in the world rate it as one of the hardest barrels to make from start to finish. Most rides end partway through, and those are still very good waves.
It needs 4-8ft of SW swell, SE-E winds and enough tide to cover the coral. The takeoff zone is small and the resort and charter crowd is very good, so the rotation moves quickly. Bring booties and spare boards. It's the reason many boats come to this part of the islands.
-1.63, 99.05 · SW swell, SE-E wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Kandui Left
Kandui Left is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, SE-E 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 Kandui Left
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rifles | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 2 km |
| Beng Bengs | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 3 km |
| Nipussi | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 3 km |
| Hideaways | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 3 km |
| Pitstops | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 3 km |
| E-Bay | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced | 3 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 →
Kandui Left: common questions
When is the best time to surf Kandui Left?
Kandui Left works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, SE-E wind.
Is Kandui Left good for beginners?
No. Kandui Left is a wave for pro surfers.
How crowded is Kandui Left?
Kandui Left is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Kandui Left?
Kandui Left is in Playgrounds (North), in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-1.63, 99.05). The nearest wave we cover is Rifles, about 2 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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