Afulu surf

Afulu

Intermediate
Reef break · Moderate · Best: June–September · All tides
Working best in Nias now Lagundri Bay / The Point Epic · 1.5m @ 11s View →
Conditions right now
Epic
Wave
1.2m
Swell
1.1m
12s · S
Period
12s
Wind
6 km/h
E · gust 11
Cross-shore
Water
31°C
Air
24°C

Surf report

Tide falling · Low 7:00 AM 0.5m
Time Surf Swell Wind Tide
6 AM 1.2 m
1.1m 11s SSW
6 km/h cross
0.5m
9 AM 1.1 m
1.0m 11s SSW
6 km/h off
0.6m
12 PM 1.1 m
1.0m 11s SSW
6 km/h cross
0.7m
3 PM 1.1 m
1.0m 11s SSW
5 km/h off
0.6m
6 PM 1.1 m
1.0m 11s SSW
6 km/h cross
0.4m
Best session today
9 AM–11 AM
Offshore 1.0m swell @ 11s

Next 24 hours

Wave Swell
0.0 0.8 1.5 5 AM8 AM11 AM2 PM5 PM8 PM11 PM2 AM

Wind

Speed Gusts (km/h)
0 10 20 5 AM8 AM11 AM2 PM5 PM8 PM11 PM2 AM

Tide

Low 7:00 AM · 0.5m High 1:00 PM · 0.7m Low 7:00 PM · 0.3m High 2:00 AM · 0.8m
L 7 AM H 1 PM L 7 PM H 2 AM L 8 AM H 2 PM L 8 PM H 3 AM 5 AM11 AM5 PM11 PM5 AM11 AM5 PM11 PM

7-day outlook

Best days
Wed, Jun 10
1.1–1.5m
Thu, Jun 11
1.1–1.6m
Fri, Jun 12
1.5–1.6m
Sat, Jun 13 Best
1.2–1.5m
Sun, Jun 14
1.2–1.3m
Mon, Jun 15
1.2–1.3m
Tue, Jun 16
1.0–1.2m

Hourly detail

Show next 24h
Time Wave Swell Period Wind Tide
5 AM 1.2m 1.1m S 12s 6 E cross 0.6m
6 AM 1.2m 1.1m SSW 11s 6 ESE cross 0.5m
7 AM 1.2m 1.1m SSW 11s 6 ESE cross 0.5m
8 AM 1.2m 1.1m SSW 11s 2 SSE on 0.5m
9 AM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 11s 6 ENE off 0.6m
10 AM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 11s 7 ENE off 0.6m
11 AM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 11s 7 ENE off 0.7m
12 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 11s 6 ENE off 0.7m
1 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 11s 5 ENE off 0.7m
2 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 11s 5 ENE off 0.7m
3 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 11s 5 NE off 0.6m
4 PM 1.1m 0.9m SSW 11s 6 NE off 0.6m
5 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 11s 5 ENE off 0.5m
6 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 11s 6 ENE off 0.4m
7 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 12s 7 E cross 0.3m
8 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 12s 6 E cross 0.3m
9 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 12s 6 E cross 0.4m
10 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 12s 8 E cross 0.5m
11 PM 1.1m 1.0m SSW 12s 7 ESE cross 0.6m
12 AM 1.1m 1.1m SSW 12s 7 ESE cross 0.7m
1 AM 1.1m 1.1m SSW 12s 5 E cross 0.7m
2 AM 1.2m 1.1m SSW 12s 6 E cross 0.8m
3 AM 1.2m 1.1m SSW 12s 8 ESE cross 0.8m
4 AM 1.2m 1.1m SSW 12s 8 ESE cross 0.7m

About Afulu

Afulu is a consistent reef break on the north coast of Nias, away from the well-trodden Lagundri scene, offering enjoyable rights with enough shape to keep intermediate surfers entertained for hours. The wave is generally more forgiving than the island's heavy hitters, with rolling walls that invite turns and the occasional smaller barrel. Its relative remoteness means the lineup is rarely crowded, giving you plenty of room to experiment. A surf trip to Nias combining Afulu with the southern spots is a great way to sample the island's variety.

Local knowledge

Hazards

The reef is shallow at low tide — live coral and sharp rock sit close to the surface on the inside section, so wipeouts can result in lacerations and sea urchin encounters; booties are worth considering. A rip runs along the channel on the north side of the break and can drag you off the peak if you're not paying attention, though it also serves as your easiest paddle-out route. Boat traffic is minimal but occasional fishing boats pass the lineup, especially early morning.

Getting there

Afulu sits on the remote north coast of Nias, roughly a 3–4 hour road trip from Gunungsitoli (the island's main town and airport) on roads that range from decent to rough — a 4WD or motorbike is strongly recommended. The break is accessible from the black-sand/rock beach at Afulu village; park near the village and paddle out via the channel on the north side of the reef to avoid the shallower sections. There are basic warungs in the village for food and cold drinks, but bring your own surf supplies as there are no surf shops in the area.

Board

A versatile shortboard in the 6'2"–6'6" range suits the rolling walls and occasional barrels on most swells; a fish or hybrid is a great call on smaller, punchier days to maximise fun on the softer sections. Only step up to a step-up or semi-gun if a solid north swell is running and the wave is pushing well overhead.

Localism

mellow — relaxed vibe.

Where to go now

Afulu vs. nearby, live
Spot Surf Swell Wind Now
Afulu Best now
this spot
1.2m
1.1m 12s
6 cross
Epic
4 km away
1.2m
1.1m 12s
7 cross
Epic
23 km away
1.3m
1.1m 12s
9 off
Epic
24 km away
1.3m
1.1m 12s
12 cross
Good

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Surfing in Nias

Full Nias surf guide →

Off the west coast of North Sumatra, Nias is one of Indonesia's true surf landmarks — home to Lagundri Bay, the right-hand point at the island's southern tip that put the country on the world surf map back in the 1970s. It's a place of pilgrimage, where a single peeling wall over coral has drawn travelling surfers for decades.

✈️Getting there

Most surfers fly into Binaka Airport (GNS) at Gunungsitoli in the north of Nias, usually via Medan (Kualanamu, KNO) on a short domestic hop with Wings Air or similar. From Bali or Jakarta you'll connect through Medan.

🛵Getting around

At Lagundri Bay everything is walkable — the losmen sit right along the point, and you can paddle out from the steps. Many guests don't need transport at all once settled.

🌤️Climate & season

Nias has a tropical equatorial climate — warm and humid year-round, with water temperatures sitting around 27–29°C, so boardshorts and a rash guard are plenty (boots for the reef, not warmth).