Playgrounds Left Surf Spot
Playgrounds Left (and Right) is found in the middle of a triangle of islands in the heart of the Playgrounds in the Mentawai Islands.
Playgrounds Left goes by several names. Most commonly; Karangbat Left or Karamba. Less often; Bikinis, G-strings, Duckies or Floating House. This spectacular area is famous for its vast range of world-class surf breaks and incredible scenery. In this lineup, you can kick back, soak up the scenery and catch a few mellow waves before stepping up into the serious stuff that the Ments is so well known for.
Kandui Left
A-frames
Rifles
Chubbies
4 Bobs
Playgrounds Left
Waves
Wave type:
-
Playgrounds: Reef Break
Wave difficulty:
-
Playgrounds: Beginner
Wave direction:
-
Playgrounds: Left,Right
Wave bottom:
-
Playgrounds: Reef
Booties:
Playgrounds: Not necessary
Surfboard type:
Playgrounds: Longboard or fish
Crowd factor:
-
Playgrounds: Low Crowds
Hazards:
Playgrounds: Beginner surfers
Best swell direction:
Playgrounds: SSW
Best wind direction:
Playgrounds: NW
What tide is best:
Playgrounds: Mid tide
Best tide movement:
Playgrounds: Any
Wave consistency:
Playgrounds: Consistent
Best time of year:
Playgrounds: March – November
Lineup vibe:
Playgrounds: Mellow
Other names for spot:
Playgrounds: Karangbat Left, Karamba, Bikinis, G-strings, Duckies or Floating House
Paddling out at Playgrounds Left
Right in the middle of Playgrounds anchorage, Playgrounds Left is accessed by boat or a long but leisurely 400-metre paddle out from Karangmajat Island. Smooth, long, clean, predictable lefts are ideal for longboards and beginner surfers while a significant channel and sheltered bay provide a haven from open ocean swells.
What is the beach like?
The beach on Karangmajat Island consists of a thin strip of beautiful white sand beach, scattered with coral and seashells.
Where can I stay?
Kandui Resort
Kandui Resort has direct beach access to the heart of the “Playgrounds” surfing region and the closest to Playgrounds Left. 70% of their annual guests are return guests, with their philosophy being, put the guest first in and out of the water. By providing access to arguably the best surf in the world, all the comforts of the western world and an atmosphere that is one of a kind they certainly do more than putting the guest first in and out of the water. During your stay, your home will be one of only 8 “umas”, traditional thatched houses built in the traditional Mentawai style by local Mentawaian craftsmen. Each is clean, spacious, comfortable, and offers an unparalleled view to the waves, ocean, and islands that surround the resort. Hand-woven vaulted ceilings and the natural design features provide a sense of adventure and culture while the interior design features provide a feeling of home.
Kandui Villas
Kandui Villas has taken the Mentawai experience to a whole new level as it provides its guests with the extravagance of high-quality accommodation despite being located in this remote surfing haven. The amenities are outstanding, including an infinity pool, and spacious luxury Umas (traditional Mentawai buildings) for accommodations made from sustainably sourced and fine finished local hardwoods, each uniquely themed with carvings designed to highlight traditional art, culture, and the local environment. Decadent gourmet meals are prepared fresh daily by Kandui Villas Personal Chef, with made-to-order breakfasts served every morning. Surf Guides are all CPR/First Aid Certified and are ready to transport and accompany guests into any of the 20+ waves within a 30-minute speedboat ride from the Villas.
Faq
Are tsunamis a threat?
Both Kandui Resort and Kandui Villas take the unlikely threat of a tsunami seriously with well-planned protocols and effective measures in place to get their guests and staff to the highest hill in the centre of the island.
What else is there to do in the area other than surfing?
Floating Dock (Kandui Resort)
The floating dock is located in the channel between Playgrounds Left and 4 Bob’s. Literally within a stone’s throw of 4 Bob’s surf spot. Making it the perfect place for Kandui Resort guests to relax in between sessions. To top it off, Kandui Resort provide free Bintangs on the dock for their guests every afternoon, how good is that!
Experience The Mentawai Culture (Kandui Resort)
The local Mentawaiian experience is a major part of the Kandui Resort experience. At the end of every trip, the local shaman of the Mentawais makes the trek down from the jungle to visit the resort. Shamen are the traditional medicine men of the Mentawais and stop by to perform a traditional ceremony showcasing a unique mix of dance, drum beats and chants. They also offer guided tours of the resort’s local staff’s village on any day.
Games Room (Kandui Resort)
The Game Room is located adjacent to the restaurant and offers a quiet area to get online, watch movies, and hang out. Also included is an extra bar area, pool table and ping pong. Built in 2010 they had envisioned it to be the new hub of their resort, however, guests still seem to enjoy hanging out in the restaurant.
The Swimming Pool (Kandui Villas)
Kandui Villas is one of only a few in the Mentawai Islands with a swimming pool and they hired the best pool builders in South East Asia to do it. This pool is 25 metres in length x 18 metres in width, with wrap around benches along the entire interior of the pool. The infinity edge flows into a large kiddie pool with a stone deck encircling it. The Kandui Villas main pool is surrounded by a massive outdoor wooden deck, which connects to the Restaurant, Bar, Palapa and Games Room.
Gym & Yoga Uma (Kandui Villas)
Kandui Villas has built an incredible air conditioned gym and exercise room with quality workout equipment.. They have treadmills, an exercise bike, free weights, a multi-exercise machine, a multi-exercise cable machine, pull up bar, jump ropes, an inversion table, exercise balls, and yoga mats.
Location
Where is Playgrounds Left?
Playgrounds Left is located in the Northern Mentawais on the sheltered Eastern side of Karangmajat Island, the opposite side of the island to open ocean waves Kandui and Rifles.
How to get to Playgrounds Left?
For specific information on how to get to the Mentawai Islands check out our FAQ section on the Mentawai Islands Surf Spots page.
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