Way Jambu surf break South Sumatra

Heavy and unpredictable day surfing Way Jambu Mauro Burgos Way Jambu Sept 2017

Way Jambu also known as Sumatran Pipeline is the best quality surf break in the Tanjung Setia area. Arguably it's the only classic Indo wave in the Krui, Tanjung Setia area. On overhead days it's a steep drop into a stand-up barrel. On the many smaller days it's a wave suitable for intermediate+ surfers.

Perfect day with only four surfers at Way Jambu World class day surfing Way Jambu

For Way Jambu to be World Class it needs to be 2.4+ mtrs with the wind blowing into the barrel otherwise it's sectiony, unpredictable and almost impossible to pick makeable waves.

Surfing an average day at Way Jambu Average smaller day at Way Jambu Tube riding Racing thick sectiony waves at Way Jambu 2013

Best surfed on a mid to high tide due to the reef which remains consistently nasty no matter what swell size.

  If your goal is to surf this wave make sure your trip coincides with suitable daytime tide heights.

Rating:★★★★
Quality:Excellent with World Class days
Wave Type:Reef
Direction:Left
Best Wind:ENE to ESE
Best Swell:S to SW
Best Tide:Incoming Mid to High
Access:Paddle out
Crowd:Shoulder season 15 to 25. Peak season 15 to 45.
Dangers:Shallow sketchy reef, sea urchins. Social Media "Legends" / Kooks.

Vibe in the water

In recent years Way Jambu has become the goto spot for Social Media "Legends" to throw themselves off the lip and wipeout in order to get their latest Hero / Kook shot. This phenomenon is turning Way Jambu into an extremely frustrating surf break for serious surfer.

On 1.8 mtr days you will find 15 to 35 intermediate surfers in the lineup and can enjoy the usual snaking and drop-ins. On World Class days when it's double to triple overhead and pumping the lineup is usually empty ... which says everthing that needs to be said.

Paddling out

North of break where the reef ends.