Suicides

Suicides, Mentawai, Indonesia is a powerful, hollow reef break in the Mentawai Islands known for its heavy, fast barrels and serious consequence. It’s one of those spots that can look almost perfect from the channel, but the wave itself is steep, shallow, and unforgiving.

Quick description

• Wave type: Reef break
• Best for: Experienced to expert surfers
• Style: Fast, hollow lefts and/or rights depending on the setup and sand/reef interaction
• Character: Punchy, shallow, and high-performance
• Hazards: Sharp reef, strong hold-downs, currents, and reef exposure at lower tides

What it’s like

Suicides tends to generate a very intense takeoff followed by a short, critical section that can throw hard and give very little room for error. It’s the kind of wave that rewards precision, commitment, and a good read on the reef and tide. When it’s firing, it can deliver world-class barrels; when it’s too big or too low tide, it can become extremely dangerous.

Conditions

• Swell: Needs solid swell to show its shape
• Wind: Light offshore or clean conditions are ideal
• Tide: Often tide-sensitive, with the wrong tide making it overly shallow or unruly
• Water quality: Tropical, warm water, but reef protection is essential

Local note

The name “Suicides” reflects the spot’s reputation for being especially hazardous. It’s not a place for improvised surfing—local knowledge, proper gear, and respect for the break are important.