Lacerations Surf Break

Lacerations is a fun, punchy right-hander in the channel off Jungut Batu, a few hundred metres from gentle Playgrounds and the heavier Shipwrecks. At the right tide it is one of the most enjoyable steps up on the island for surfers moving on from the beginner waves — a proper reef wave, but a forgiving one when you pick your moment.

The wave

The take-off has a bit of punch and the wave runs down the reef with enough shape to link a few turns, but it is not the fast, unforgiving ledge that Shipwrecks can be. At mid to high tide there is water over the reef and room to make mistakes, which is exactly what makes it a good intermediate wave — enough to push you, not so much that one fall ends the session. This is a wave for confident intermediates who can paddle into unbroken waves and hold a line.

When to surf it

Like the rest of the channel, Lacerations is at its best from May to September, when the south-east trades blow offshore in the mornings and the dry-season swell arrives in clean lines, though it breaks year-round. Tide matters: mid to high is the window, with enough water over the reef to keep it friendly. Towards low tide the reef gets shallow, so most surfers wait for the water to come back. For the wider seasonal picture, read our best time to surf Nusa Lembongan guide.

Hazards

It is a reef break, so booties are a good idea and it pays to watch a few sets before you paddle into one — especially towards low tide, when the reef sits closer to the surface. Respect the locals in the line-up, and if you are unsure whether it is your day, take your first session here with someone who knows the wave.

Getting there

Lacerations is a short paddle or quick boat ride from Jungut Batu Beach. Most surfers take the boat — it saves your arms for the session and drops you in the channel beside the peak rather than walking the reef flat.