Karamba Left (Bikinis), Mentawai
Mentawai surf guide › Karamba Left
Karamba Left, also known as Bikinis, is one of the friendliest waves in the whole region: a long, fun and fairly safe left, especially for intermediates and even beginners. It breaks across the channel from Four Bobs, in the Playgrounds area. Pure fun for beginners, intermediates and kids.
How Karamba Left breaks
Karamba is a long, easy-going left that gives you plenty of time to stand up, trim and practise your turns. It works with south swells and winds from the west quadrant.
It gets very shallow at low tide, so surf it on the edge of the channel at mid and high tide.
Who Karamba Left is for
Beginners who can already surf a bit, longboarders and intermediates, plus anyone looking for a relaxed, safe session. With Four Bobs just across the channel, a mixed-level group can surf side by side, each on the wave that suits them. Lots of kids love this wave.
Read our month-by-month guide: best time to surf Mentawai.
Local tips for Karamba Left
Karamba is all about staying in the right spot on the reef, and then just having fun on a very long ride.
- Surf the edge of the reef. Don’t sit too far inside: if you get pushed onto the inside part, it gets very shallow.
- Enjoy the length. Right on the edge of the reef the wave is very long.
- Bring the kids. Beginners, intermediates and lots of kids love this wave.
Watch Karamba Left
Karamba Left wave guide
More sessions on our YouTube channel.
Surfing Karamba Left 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 Karamba Left 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 Karamba Left the same evening.
Other waves near Hidden Bay
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Karamba Left FAQ
Where is Karamba Left?
In the Playgrounds area of the Mentawais, across the channel from Four Bobs.
Is Karamba the same wave as Bikinis?
Yes. Karamba Left is also known as Bikinis.
Is Karamba Left good for beginners?
Yes. It is one of the friendliest waves in the region: a long, fun and fairly safe left for intermediates and even beginners who can already surf a bit.
What are the best conditions for Karamba Left?
A south swell with winds from the west quadrant, at mid to high tide.
Is Karamba Left shallow?
At low tide it gets very shallow. Surf it on the edge of the channel at mid and high tide.
Surf Karamba Left with us
See the next Featured Trip dates, or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you honestly when Karamba Left is at its best for your level.
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