Rifles
ExpertSurf report
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 1.5 m | 1.0m 17s SSW | 21 km/h cross | 0.8m |
| 9 AM | 1.6 m | 1.1m 17s SSW | 13 km/h cross | 0.4m |
| 12 PM | 1.6 m | 1.2m 17s SSW | 16 km/h on | 0.3m |
| 3 PM | 1.7 m | 1.3m 16s SSW | 13 km/h on | 0.5m |
| 6 PM | 1.7 m | 1.5m 15s SSW | 21 km/h on | 0.5m |
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 1.8 m | 1.7m 14s SSW | 12 km/h off | 0.9m |
| 9 AM | 1.9 m | 1.7m 14s SSW | 2 km/h cross | 0.4m |
| 12 PM | 1.9 m | 1.7m 14s SSW | 14 km/h on | 0.2m |
| 3 PM | 1.9 m | 1.7m 14s SSW | 16 km/h on | 0.5m |
| 6 PM | 2.0 m | 1.8m 13s SSW | 16 km/h on | 0.5m |
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 2.1 m | 2.0m 12s SSW | 15 km/h off | 0.9m |
| 9 AM | 2.1 m | 2.1m 12s SSW | 5 km/h off | 0.5m |
| 12 PM | 2.2 m | 2.1m 12s SSW | 10 km/h on | 0.2m |
| 3 PM | 2.3 m | 2.1m 12s S | 21 km/h cross | 0.4m |
| 6 PM | 2.3 m | 2.3m 12s S | 15 km/h cross | 0.6m |
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 2.3 m | 2.3m 11s S | 11 km/h off | 0.9m |
| 9 AM | 2.2 m | 2.2m 11s S | 13 km/h off | 0.6m |
| 12 PM | 2.2 m | 2.2m 11s S | 3 km/h cross | 0.1m |
| 3 PM | 2.1 m | 2.1m 11s S | 6 km/h on | 0.3m |
| 6 PM | 2.1 m | 1.9m 11s S | 9 km/h off | 0.6m |
Next 24 hours
Wind
Tide
7-day outlook
Best days Hourly detail
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| Time | Wave | Swell | Period | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 PM | 1.7m | 1.3m SSW | 16s | 18 SSE on | 0.5m |
| 3 PM | 1.7m | 1.3m SSW | 16s | 13 SSE on | 0.5m |
| 4 PM | 1.7m | 1.4m SSW | 16s | 19 SSE on | 0.6m |
| 5 PM | 1.7m | 1.4m SSW | 16s | 23 SSE on | 0.6m |
| 6 PM | 1.7m | 1.5m SSW | 15s | 21 SSE on | 0.5m |
| 7 PM | 1.7m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 16 SE cross | 0.4m |
| 8 PM | 1.7m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 13 SE cross | 0.3m |
| 9 PM | 1.8m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 11 SE cross | 0.3m |
| 10 PM | 1.8m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 10 SE cross | 0.3m |
| 11 PM | 1.8m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 8 ESE cross | 0.3m |
| 12 AM | 1.8m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 9 ESE cross | 0.4m |
| 1 AM | 1.8m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 9 ESE cross | 0.6m |
| 2 AM | 1.8m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 10 E cross | 0.7m |
| 3 AM | 1.8m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 11 ENE off | 0.9m |
| 4 AM | 1.8m | 1.6m SSW | 15s | 13 ENE off | 0.9m |
| 5 AM | 1.8m | 1.6m SSW | 14s | 11 ENE off | 0.9m |
| 6 AM | 1.8m | 1.7m SSW | 14s | 12 NE off | 0.9m |
| 7 AM | 1.8m | 1.7m SSW | 14s | 9 NE off | 0.7m |
| 8 AM | 1.9m | 1.7m SSW | 14s | 10 NNE off | 0.6m |
| 9 AM | 1.9m | 1.7m SSW | 14s | 2 NW cross | 0.4m |
| 10 AM | 1.9m | 1.7m SSW | 14s | 3 WSW on | 0.3m |
| 11 AM | 1.9m | 1.7m SSW | 14s | 12 WNW cross | 0.2m |
| 12 PM | 1.9m | 1.7m SSW | 14s | 14 W on | 0.2m |
| 1 PM | 1.9m | 1.7m SSW | 14s | 13 WSW on | 0.3m |
About Rifles
Rifles is an absolutely epic right-hander located in the South Mentawai archipelago, in the Pagai islands. Considered by many to be the best right-hander in the world, Rifles is a long, fast, tubular wave with perfectly lined-up sections that can stretch for more than 200 meters. It's a spot reserved for advanced surfers, with technical sections, clean barrels, and speed that forces you to stay active throughout the entire ride. When it's working well, it's simply a natural masterpiece.
Local knowledge
Shallow, sharp live coral runs the length of the reef, and it gets dangerously shallow on the inside and end sections where the wave races over dry-ish coral at low tide — falls here mean reef cuts and worse. There's a strong current running down the point that helps the paddle-out but will sweep you past the takeoff if you're not on it, and the long, fast sections punish any hesitation. When a swell fills in, this is a magnet for the boat-charter crowd, so dropping in and collisions on a packed peak are a real risk.
This is a boat-access break in the Pagai islands of the southern Mentawais — you'll reach it by charter boat or from a nearby land camp by dinghy, not on foot. Anchor or get dropped off the shoulder, paddle into the channel that runs along the reef, and use the current to ferry you up to the takeoff zone; exit the same way down the line into the deeper channel rather than trying to come in over the dry inside reef. Time your sessions around the tide — mid-to-higher tides cover the reef and make entry/exit far safer.
Bring a fast, drivey board with enough length to make the sections and hold in the barrel — a high-performance shortboard or step-up in the 6'2"–6'8" range depending on size. On a solid pumping swell go for a clean step-up or small gun so you can race the long walls; leave the fish at home, this wave is all about speed and not getting caught behind.
moderate — be polite, wait your turn.
Where to go now
Rifles vs. nearby, live| Spot | Surf | Swell | Wind | Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rifles Best now this spot | 1.7m | 1.3m 16s | 18 on | Epic |
| 0 km away | 1.7m | 1.3m 17s | 17 on | Epic |
| 5 km away | 1.7m | 1.3m 17s | 15 on | Epic |
| 7 km away | 1.7m | 1.3m 17s | 15 on | Epic |
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Nearest spots
Closest breaks to RiflesSurf schools & local guides near Rifles
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Bagus Surf Camp Mentawai
★ 5.0Pulau Masokut, Kec. Seberut Bar. Daya, Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai, Sumatera Barat 25397, Indonesia
Set within reach of the fast, walling waves at Rifles, this Bagus camp keeps things straightforward and surf-driven in true Mentawai fashion. Best for intermediate and advanced surfers eager to tackle one of the region's most rippable righthanders.
12 Google reviews
Uma Laguna Surfboard Rent
★ 5.0Km 0. Near harbour, Tuapejat, Sipora Utara, Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai, Sumatera Barat 25932, Indonesia
Tucked away near the legendary Rifles wave in the Mentawai, Uma Laguna keeps things simple with boards on hand and a laid-back island vibe. A handy base for traveling surfers who want to be close to world-class right-handers without the resort price tag.
10 Google reviews
Pitstop Hill Mentawai
★ 5.0Pitstops, NyangNyang Island, Katurei, Kec. Seberut Bar. Daya, Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai, Sumatera Barat 25393, Indonesia
Perched near Rifles in the heart of the Mentawai, Pitstop Hill is a relaxed spot for surfers chasing the islands' famous reef breaks. Suits anyone who wants an easygoing home base between sessions on some of Indonesia's best waves.
10 Google reviews
Mentawai surf'n smile
★ 5.0Jalan Kampung Pei Pei, KM 0 , pasakiat Taileleu Kecamatan Siberut Barat Mentawai Pei, Katurei, Kec. Seberut Bar. Daya, Pei, Sumatera Barat 25393, Indonesia
With a name that says it all, Mentawai Surf'n Smile pairs good waves near Rifles with the warm, friendly energy these islands are known for. A welcoming choice for surfers who want guidance and a few laughs along the way.
5 Google reviews
Solid Surf House - Villa Mentawai (Surf Camp Resort)
★ 4.9DS, Tuapejat - Rokot No.0 KM 1, RT.0, Sipora Jaya, Sipora Utara, Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai, Sumatera Barat 25932, Indonesia
A well-loved surf camp resort set close to Rifles in the Mentawai, Solid Surf House offers a comfortable villa base for dedicated surf trips. Ideal for traveling surfers who want everything sorted so they can focus on scoring quality reef breaks.
109 Google reviews
Playground Surf Resort
★ 4.9Jl: tanah beroyo 84 -West Sumatra-Padang cep" 25000, Katurei, Seberut Barat Daya, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra 25393, Indonesia
Sitting near the playful and powerful waves around Rifles, Playground Surf Resort is built for surfers who want their days revolving around the lineup. A solid pick for those after a proper Mentawai surf-resort experience.
62 Google reviews
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Surfing in Mentawai
Full Mentawai surf guide →If there's one name that makes surfers go quiet and start saving, it's the Mentawai. This remote archipelago of more than 70 islands sits off the west coast of Sumatra, fully exposed to raw Indian Ocean swell, and it has earned its reputation as one of the most concentrated, high-quality wave zones on Earth.
✈️Getting there
All routes run through Padang, the port city in West Sumatra. Fly into Padang's Minangkabau International Airport (PDG), usually via Jakarta, or via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore on regional carriers.
🛵Getting around
The Mentawai are about boats, not roads. Once you arrive, your daily transport to the waves is by boat — either the liveaboard itself or the resort's tenders and speedboats running surfers out to the breaks.
🌤️Climate & season
The Mentawai are equatorial, hot and humid year-round, with water warm enough for boardshorts or a thin top (roughly 27–29°C). There's no real winter — just wetter and drier patterns.