Best time to Surf in Batu Karas & The Batu Karas Wave

Photo by jenal_kupu_kupu

The Batu Karas wave is one of the best longboarding and learning wave in Indonesia. When I say learning wave, it is because it is very mellow and forgiving that it can be a great wave for a surf learner for long and short boarding. As for experienced and advanced short boarders, Batu Karas would not be their best wave to ride, but there are many locations surrounding Batu Karas like Batu Hui, the A frame and Bulak Benda which are all approximately 20 minutes from BK that are perfect for shortboarders.

*If you would like me to talk about the other waves surrounding Batu Karas comment below, I’ll write a blog post about it.

There are 2 main surf breaks in Batu Karas that you need know about: the Main Point and the Reef break. Both breaks have different seasons and work during different times of the year, they also require different types of swell even though they are less than a 10 minute drive with your Motorbike.

The Reef Break

Photo by jenal_kupu_kupu

This is one of my favorite waves in Indonesia. The reef break, as the name suggests, breaks over a beautifully coloured reef and on a good day is good for both longboard and shortboard. This break generally only works during the monsoon from November until April-May. It doesn’t require a swell for a good longboarding session, but when the swell hits, with 5ft and more you’ll probably only see me and Deni Blackboy on Longboards, and the rest are shortboarding. During the monsoon season though, the swell only hits twice or thrice per month depending on typhoons and storms in nearby areas so don’t expect big waves always.

Make sure you check with a local guide before you go on when the next swell is gona hit:

Cep- cep.black

Jenal- jenal_kupu_kupu

Why I love this wave? This wave taught me how to cross step and nose ride. Its fast, but not too fast, so as an intermediate surfer you can always keep up with this wave. As a beginner this wave may be too fast, but also the opportunity to push you to get better and understand waves better.

The Main Point

The main point is a point break located at the most common beach area of Batu Karas, so expect a lot of local tourism during the weekend and swimmers. This break is the nicest, most mellow wave you’ll ever surf. Are you a beginner? This is the best wave to learn how to surf, because it’ll never be so dangerous that you would lose interest in surfing.

Disclaimer: It does get a bit rough in July & August when the big swell hits and when the current is strong, but as a point break it’s still safer than anywhere in Bali.

This break works best in April, May, October and November. During the monsoon between November and April, this break only works when there’s a swell, and during off-monsoon from June-September it gets really windy, and only on certain days does it get glassy. Also of monsoon season, or Winters in Australia is Jellyfish season and the main Jellyfish you will find is the Blue bottle, so you’re required to wear a full suit just to be weary. I personally don’t surf when there’s jellyfish. But on the other hand, August may have the biggest surf sessions all year.

So… when is the best time to surf in Batu Karas.

If you are longboarding or shortboarding and you’re looking for waist high clean waves from personal experience and preference I would go either in November/December or April/May, because the wave might actually be made of glass during this no wind season/time.

Bonus Break: Second point

The second point is the left over break from the main point and only works when there’s a big swell. This is the fastest wave I’ve ever surfed in my life and I advise only intermediate and pro surfers to surf.

Best time to surf the second point: April.

There’s a few more breaks around the area such as froggy which requires a bit of a hike or a boat and this break is mainly for shortboards. Another break that requires a boat or about 35 minute paddle in is called the X point and you would require the help of a local to get there.