Playgrounds (North) · Indonesia
Surfing Rifles
A reef break in Playgrounds (North), Indonesia, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size4-10 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Rifles is a right on the Karangmajat reef, across from Kandui Left. On its day it's one of the best rights in Indonesia, with barrel sections one after another all the way down the reef.
The waves crack down the line fast, and rides can be very long when a clean SW swell comes in with S/SE winds and the right tide. It's slightly easier than Kandui and holds size well, so every regular-footer in the area heads here when the forecast is right.
Sit at the top peak, watch a couple of sets first and don't go for every wave. Resort boats and charters take turns, so the lineup is busy but well organised.
-1.617, 99.06 · SW swell, S-SE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Rifles
Rifles 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 Rifles
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nipussi | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 1 km |
| Kandui Left | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Pro | 2 km |
| Bank Vaults | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 2 km |
| Hideaways | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Beng Bengs | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 4 km |
| Pitstops | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 5 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 →
Rifles: common questions
When is the best time to surf Rifles?
Rifles works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, S-SE wind.
Is Rifles good for beginners?
No. Rifles is a wave for advanced and pro surfers.
How crowded is Rifles?
Rifles is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Rifles?
Rifles is in Playgrounds (North), in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-1.617, 99.06). The nearest wave we cover is Nipussi, about 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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