Simeulue · Indonesia
Surfing Tea Bags
A right reef in Simeulue, Indonesia, for intermediate surfers.
Tea Bags is a fast right on Simeulue that breaks over shallow reef and can run for up to 150 metres. The name comes from the nearby river, which stains the water brown like tea.
It's one of the best-known waves on the island, with long walls and hollow sections. It works on a south-west swell with the north-east season winds, and mornings are usually glassy. It suits intermediate and advanced surfers who are used to reef.
Local kids often share the waves, and the losmen cook whatever was caught that day.
When to surf
Tea Bags
Tea Bags is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, E-NE wind.
April to May: Good
The season builds, lineups are empty and camps charge shoulder rates
June to August: Prime
Peak power at Lagundri and Krui: the classic window
September to October: Good
Clean swells continue, crowds drop off
November to March: Quiet
Rainier and smaller but rarely flat, and cheaper
The year across Sumatra-Nias
Waves near Tea Bags
Thailands
2 kmSimeulue · Left Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Afulu
154 kmNias / Lagundri Bay · Left Reef · Advanced
Asu
193 kmNias / Lagundri Bay · Left Reef · Advanced / Pro
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: The surf resorts cluster around Nancala on the southeast coast, in front of Teabags and the reefs, all small, all personal, most sold as packages with airport pickup from Sinabang (45 min). Rooms are limited island-wide: match your booking to the Wings Air schedule before paying for either.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Simeulue guide.
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