Simeulue

## The spot Simeulue is an island off western Sumatra that has emerged as an alternative to the crowded Mentawai chain, offering high-quality reef breaks at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowd. The Peak is the island's signature wave: a symmetrical A-frame breaking over a flat coral and rock reef that produces a fast, hollow right and a longer, carving left. The island retains an untouched quality with traditional fishing communities and dense tropical vegetation right to the waterline. ## When it works The dry season from April through October delivers consistent south-westerly Indian Ocean groundswells. The wave activates on 3-4ft swells and handles up to 8ft before becoming too fast. North-easterly offshore winds are typical during the dry season mornings, providing clean conditions. The monsoon season (November-March) brings variable winds and less consistent swell. ## Where to sit The Peak breaks as an A-frame, so you can choose the right (shorter, hollower) or the left (longer, more workable). The take-off zone is centred over the shallowest section of the reef where both directions originate. Sit on the reef edge where the deep-water channel meets the platform. The right requires immediate commitment to the barrel; the left allows a beat before setting your line down the reef. ## Hazards Live coral sits below the surface and falls result in cuts. The reef is shallower than it appears from the channel due to the water clarity. Currents can develop across the reef on bigger swells. Medical facilities on the island are extremely limited; the nearest hospital is on the Sumatran mainland, hours away by boat. Bring comprehensive first aid supplies and antibiotics for coral infections. ## Parking and access Simeulue is accessed by ferry from Singkil on the Sumatran mainland (6-8 hours) or by small plane from Medan. Basic guesthouses and surf lodges in the village near The Peak provide accommodation. The paddle-out from the beach to the reef takes 5-10 minutes via the channel. Motorbike rental is the standard transport around the island. ## The crowd Simeulue receives far fewer visitors than the Mentawais, with 5-10 surfers in the water on a good day being typical. The local community is welcoming and the atmosphere is relaxed. The A-frame naturally splits the crowd between the two directions. The island's relatively difficult access keeps numbers low. ## Local tips The right-hander at The Peak is shorter but significantly hollower than the left. If you want barrels, sit slightly deeper on the right side. If you want length and carving, favour the left. The reef is most forgiving on a mid to high incoming tide. Low tide exposes coral heads and the wave becomes dangerously shallow. Bring everything you need; supplies on the island are limited. A standard shortboard works well for the right, but a slightly longer board helps generate speed on the left.