Playgrounds (North) · Indonesia
Surfing Pitstops
A reef break in Playgrounds (North), Indonesia, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size3-6 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Pitstops is a right across the channel from E-Bay. Charters used to stop here between the better-known waves, and plenty of crews end up staying.
It has clean walls in sections and gets hollow at lower tides: a drop at the peak, a middle section for turns and an inside that barrels. At 3-6ft on SE-S winds it's reliable, with consistent takeoffs and enough water over the reef.
With E-Bay two minutes away, you have a left and a right from the same anchorage. Mornings are glassy, and it handles afternoon wind better than the passes. Everyday shortboard.
-1.66, 99.05 · SW swell, SE-S wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Pitstops
Pitstops is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, SE-S 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 Pitstops
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Bay | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced | under 1 km |
| Beng Bengs | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | under 1 km |
| Hideaways | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 3 km |
| Kandui Left | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Pro | 3 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 →
Pitstops: common questions
When is the best time to surf Pitstops?
Pitstops works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, SE-S wind.
Is Pitstops good for beginners?
No. Pitstops is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Pitstops?
Pitstops is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Pitstops?
Pitstops is in Playgrounds (North), in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-1.66, 99.05). The nearest wave we cover is E-Bay, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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