Bank Vaults, Mentawai
Mentawai surf guide › Bank Vaults
Bank Vaults, often written Bankvaults, is one of the heaviest waves in the whole region, commonly compared to Sunset Beach in Hawaii. It breaks at the tip of the island, where it works like a swell magnet: it is always bigger here. On the biggest days the waves reach 12 to 15 feet. It is 13 to 15 minutes by boat from Hidden Bay.
How Bank Vaults breaks
Like Sunset, Bank Vaults sits at the tip of the island and pulls in more swell than anywhere around it. It breaks better the bigger the swell gets. The best days come on a southwest swell, which lets the wave wrap along the reef, with mid tide, ideally on the rise. Good winds come from the north or northeast, at any strength.
It is a very temperamental wave. On the same day you can get the best barrel of your life or the biggest wipeout of your trip.
Where to sit: the local trick
You can take off from the start or the middle of the reef, but the best barrel at Bank Vaults is the one that breaks on the last section: a very wide, powerful tube that usually closes out at the end, while still giving you time to get out. That is why many pros and good surfers who know Bank Vaults sit closer to the channel and pick off that inside section.
When to surf Bank Vaults
Bank Vaults needs a big swell, so the April to September season is the time to see it at its best. Our guides watch the swell direction, tide and wind and only take experienced surfers out when it is right.
Read our month-by-month guide: best time to surf Mentawai.
Who Bank Vaults is for
Experienced surfers with big-wave fitness and the right boards. When it is good, it is a dream for them. On big days, the rest of the group can surf sheltered alternatives nearby, with their own guide.
Local tips for Bank Vaults
Bank Vaults has two peaks, and the best barrels are not where most people sit.
- Sit close to the channel. The outside peak works, but the inside section has much bigger, better barrels.
- Get out in time. That inside tube usually closes at the end, but gives you time to exit.
- Go big. It can get crowded, but on the big days not everyone wants to take it on.
- Know your limits. It is a very powerful wave. Paddle out only if you are experienced in big surf.
Watch Bank Vaults
Bank Vaults wave guide
Rifles, Bank Vaults and more, August 2021
More sessions on our YouTube channel.
Surfing Bank Vaults from Hidden Bay
We don’t run the boat by the clock. Our guides follow the forecast, the wind and more than 12 years of local knowledge to put you on Bank Vaults when it’s at its best, and on another wave when it isn’t. Featured Trips average 6 surfers per boat, never more than 8, and with so many breaks close by we can split groups by level.
Every session ends back in our private bay: a chef’s kitchen, ocean-facing rooms with AC and hot water, and a gym with a physical trainer. With the surf video package, we film your sessions, so you can watch your waves at Bank Vaults the same evening.
Other waves near Hidden Bay
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Bank Vaults FAQ
Where is Bank Vaults?
At the tip of an island in the northern Mentawais, 13 to 15 minutes by boat from Hidden Bay Resort. It works like a swell magnet, so it is always bigger than the waves around it.
Is it Bank Vaults or Bankvaults?
Both spellings are used for the same wave.
Why is Bank Vaults compared to Sunset Beach?
Like Sunset in Hawaii, it breaks at the tip of the island, pulls in more swell than anywhere around it, and has huge volume and power.
What are the best conditions for Bank Vaults?
A big southwest swell, mid tide (ideally rising) and north to northeast winds, at any strength.
How big does Bank Vaults get?
On the biggest days the waves reach 12 to 15 feet.
Where is the best barrel at Bank Vaults?
On the last, inside section: a very wide, powerful tube that usually closes out at the end but gives you time to get out. Many good surfers sit closer to the channel to catch it.
Who can surf Bank Vaults?
Experienced surfers only. Other guests surf waves that suit their level on the same day.
Surf Bank Vaults with us
See the next Featured Trip dates, or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you honestly when Bank Vaults is at its best for your level.
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