Description:

In a word, a close-out. Just one that runs for 300 yards at warp speed over almost dry fire coral. The best close out in the world then.

History:

Surfers had watched the wave across the bay from One Palm Point for 20 years deeming it unrideable. They were right, kind of. Guys like Dylan Longbotton, Mikala Jones and Timmy Turner however took it on in the early 2000s, the results blowing minds.

Death Factor:

11 out of 10. Doesn’t break till its six to eight feet, and slabs heavily across a shallow ledge with no exit. You literally get locked into a freight train ride that 9 times out of 10 ends in disaster.

Logistics:

Still as difficult as anywhere to get to, Panaitian Island is a throw back to the good old days of Indo exploration. Get to Jakarta, then slowly and painfully crawl to a shitty boat to the island. Eat rice. Get tubed. Survive, just.

Why you must surf it?

You don’t, it’s for the insane only.

Season:

It needs a super solid swell to march into the Bay and so winter is the best time to catch this rare beast.

Expense:

The price is low, but the cost can be high. Dengue fever and malaria are just two of the concerns, before you even worry about the wave and the reef.