A beginner's guide - Lombok
Don Don surf spot guide for beginners
Brief spot overview: Don Don is a surf spot suitable for advanced beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers. For beginners, this spot works best on a medium swell. On a small swell it does not work and on a large swell it’s too big for beginners. This is an offshore reef break, accessible by boat from Gerupuk village.
What you’ll learn in this guide: This guide covers general spot info, wave characteristics, and the best surf conditions at Don Don.
The area
Location information
Surf spot name: Don Don
Geographical location: Don Don is located in Gerupuk Bay, a well-known surf area on the south coast of Lombok. Gerupuk village is a laid-back fishing village located in south Lombok, about a 20 minute drive from Kuta Lombok where many tourists stay.
There are several surf spots in Gerupuk Bay. The most well-known one for beginners is probably Gerupuk Inside Right, however Don Don is a good alternative for more advanced beginners that want to escape the big crowds on Gerupuk Inside Right.
Don Don surf spot is offshore, so you’ll need to take a boat from Gerupuk village to get here. Surf schools in the area offer round-trip transport to the break for a small fee, making access straightforward.
What you need to know
General spot information
Ability level
Works for advanced beginners and all levels beyond. For mid-beginners I instead recommend Gerupuk Inside Right, and for complete beginners I recommend Selong Belanak Beach.
Crowd factor
Moderate
Water temperature
Ranges from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) – a wetsuit is not needed, but I recommend that you wear a rashguard to protect yourself from getting rashes and irritated skin from the board if you surf on a foam board.
what the waves are like
Wave characteristics
Wave type: Reef break
Wave direction: Both left and right (A-frame). The right is more forgiving and better suited for beginners.
When to surf
The best surf conditions
The best swell direction
The best wind direction
The best surf height
The best tide condition
Basic facilities available
Amenities and facilities
Other activities
What to do in Lombok besides surfing
1. Explore Kuta Lombok: Enjoy cafés, shopping, and a laid-back vibe in this charming town.
2. See the Pink Beach: Visit Tangsi Beach, known for its unique pink-hued sand.
3. Hike Mount Rinjani: Trek to the summit for incredible views and a rewarding adventure.
4. Visit Sasak villages: Discover local culture and traditional weaving in villages like Sade and Ende.
5. Discover Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls: Take a scenic trek to these beautiful waterfalls.
6. Visit Bukit Merese Hill: Catch a breathtaking sunset with panoramic coastal views.
Test your knowledge
Surf spot quiz
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