Crowd & Localism
Rarely crowded, largely because the Playgrounds area serves up far heavier options that draw the boat crews and experienced surfers away. Expect a mellow atmosphere. Basic surf etiquette applies, but localism is not a concern here.
Kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai, Mentawais, Indonesia
Chubbies
-1.895, 99.315
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against Stormrider
At a glance
- Chubbies is a right over reef, fat mellow right-hand reef wrap.
- Beginner to intermediate ability, working 2-6 ft.
- Peak April to October, water 27-30°C.
Right · ReefBeginner → Intermediate2–6 ftApr – Oct
A fat, forgiving right-hander wrapping around the north side of a tiny sandy island in the Mentawais, Chubbies earns its name from the soft, full-faced waves it produces when SE to SW swells bend around the back of the island, losing size, speed, and power in the process. Offshore westerly winds groom the surface, and the wave works across all tides on its submerged reef bottom. Running 50m or less, this is not a long-waller, but it is one of the most approachable waves in the Playgrounds area, genuinely suited to beginners and surfers building confidence on reef. Crowds are rarely an issue here, given the abundance of quality waves nearby pulling more experienced surfers away. Bottom: submerged reef. Season: consistent through the southern hemisphere swell window. Consistency: medium. Bring a longboard or a mid-length, as the fat takeoff rewards volume over performance rocker.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Apr – Oct
J
F
M
A
M
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Character
Fat mellow right-hand reef wrap.
Conditions
When it worksSwell window
SE
SE - SW
Offshore wind
W
Westerly
Optimum tide
All tides
Size range
2-6ft
Medium
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
27° to 30°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
- Longboard or mid-length for the fat takeoff
- Fish or egg on small days
- Avoid high-performance shortboards under 6ft
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
No parking, no facilities. Access is by boat only, as with all Mentawai surf spots. No fresh water or food on the island. The single palm tree (and reportedly a snake) on the sandy speck is the landmark. Kandui resort is a short paddle away for those staying there.
Nearby Alternatives
When Chubbies is flat or too small, the Playgrounds anchorage has options at every skill level. More experienced surfers can step up to Kandies Left or one of the heavier reef passes nearby when swell fills in.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Chubbies surf forecast
Loading forecast...
Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
More breaks in Mentawais
If this isn't your wave
Losmen Right
wedging submerged reef right with barreling sections · Right · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Suicides - Central Mentawai
fast hollow right-hand reef barrel · Right · Reef
Advanced
Macaronis Right
carvable walls with throwing tube sections on submerged reef · Right · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Nipussi
punchy walling right with barrelling inside shelf · Right · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Pitstops
short hollow right-hand reef barrel · Right · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Lances Left
long walling left with ledgy barrel sections over shallow coral reef · Left · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Bankvaults
heavy ledgy right-hand reef barrel with ramp sections · Right · Reef
Advanced
Thunders Mentawais
heavy hollow shifting left reef · Left · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
E-bay
fast hollow left-hand reef barrel · Left · Reef
Advanced
Promises
fast hollow right-hand reef barrel · Right · Reef
Advanced
Telescopes
long rippable barreling left on submerged reef · Left · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
4 Bobs
short punchy reef, hollow at low tide · Right · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Plan a trip
Build a trip around Chubbies
Tell us your dates, skill, and crew. We match camps within boat range and forward inquiries.
Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Chubbies
What skill level is Chubbies suited for?
Chubbies is a reef bottom, fat mellow right-hand reef wrap, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Chubbies work best at?
Working size is 2 to 6 ft. Below 2 ft the swell goes flat. Above 6 ft it gets heavy and the lineup thins out.
When is the best season to surf Chubbies?
Chubbies fires from April through October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Chubbies need?
Chubbies switches on with a se - sw groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the westerly.
What are the main hazards at Chubbies?
Main hazards at Chubbies: no concerns. Reef booties are common kit.
What type of wave is Chubbies?
Chubbies is a right-breaking wave over reef. Fat mellow right-hand reef wrap.
Where can I stay near Chubbies?
4 camps sit within easy reach. The closest is Kandui Villas, 2.1 km from the lineup.
Sources
- Stormrider
Chubbies
Pick the camps you want quotes from.