Ujung Bocur surf break South Sumatra
Ujung Bocur or Karang Nyimbor? Though there is much debate over the original name of this wave there is no debate that it is the most consistent wave in the area. On the best days it's 150 meters long with wally carving sections and the odd shallow barrel. Depending on the day Ujung Bocur has 2 to 3 sections and takeoff zones all seperated with a possible pulloff point. You can choose to surf the section that suits your skill level.
Unfortunately irregularities in the reef make this wave very fickle. It often breaks wide, sections and can't handle a swell over 2.2 mtrs.
On average 1 in 3 swells will be correctly lined up for this break. On a trip less than 4 weeks you may not see this break perfectly lined up.
All too common 2.4 mtr Ujung Bocur breaking wide
| Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Quality: | Excellent. Can produce World Class waves. |
| Wave Type: | Reef |
| Direction: | Left |
| Best Wind: | E to SE |
| Best Swell: | S to SW |
| Best Tide: | Incoming or Outgoing - Mid Tide |
| Access: | Paddle out |
| Crowd: | 20 to 50 off season 30 to 65 in season |
| Dangers: | Shallow reef, sea urchins, breakwall at high tide |
Vibe in the water
Gird your loins !
The laid-back Tanjung Setia surf community is not willing to lay down the rules in the water so surf etiquette is almost non existent at Ujung Bocur. No matter what the swell size you will have to compete for waves and endure some pretty bad behaviour.
During the season when the swell is under 2 mtrs you will encounter crowds of 30 to 65, inexperienced surfers ditching their boards in front of you and others staring you right in the eye as they snake you or drop in.
Paddling out
There are two main places to paddle out, best place depends on swell size, tide & current.
North side of reef
There is a small channel on the north side of the reef and this seems to be the most popular way out for visiting surfers. However if you drift or are washed out of the channel you will be in for a long hard paddle and risk being washed into a nasty reef affectionately called the "Surgeon's Table".
South side of the breaks outside section
This route is used by many locals and as long as the swell is not huge it only requires patience and good timing. On most days this is the easiest route. There are sea urchins so booties are recommended.
The construction of a 1.8 mtr high breakwall in Feb 2024 has made the paddle back in on higher tides dangerous.
