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 Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against 1 reference
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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D
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
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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
Plan a trip
Build a trip around Chubbies
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Frequently asked
Before you paddle out
Chubbies is a reef break suited for beginner to intermediate surfers. Confident beginners can give it a go on small days.
Chubbies
Coming Phase 2