Karang Nini is a raw and rarely crowded beach break tucked along the coast of Central Java, Indonesia. It breaks over a mix of rock and sand, dishing up fun and occasionally challenging waves that can peel for up to 100 meters – perfect for smooth carves and punchy manoeuvres.
This exposed break is best suited to intermediate to advanced surfers who know how to handle themselves when things size up. While Karang Nini doesn’t always fire, it offers fairly consistent swell (6/10), and you’ll often score it with only a few others out (crowd factor: 3/10).
Surf Conditions & Ideal Setup
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Best Tide: Mid to high
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Wave Size Sweet Spot: Head-high to overhead
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Best Swell Direction: South, Southeast, Southwest
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Best Wind: North, Northeast, Northwest
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Wave Type: Beach break with both lefts and rights
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Bottom: Sand with some rock
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Board Choice: Regular shortboard or something bigger when there’s a solid swell running.
When a solid south swell rolls in and meets those clean northerly offshore winds, Karang Nini comes alive. The setup creates long, workable walls with playful ramps that can surprise you with a bit of power. The surf is best between November and the end of the Wet Season (November–April), with April offering the most consistent clean conditions (41% clean days).
Know Before You Go
While it’s far from a death slab, Karang Nini does have hidden rocks and rips, so take a second look before paddling out—especially on bigger days. Bring a buddy if you’re unfamiliar with the spot, and always check the forecast for local winds and tides.
Karang Nini might not be a name-drop spot on everyone’s Indo hit list—but that’s exactly the point. If you’re chasing something a little more remote, a little more raw, and a lot less crowded, Karang Nini should definitely be on your radar.
Yeeew! 🏄♂️
