Jackals Reviews and Ratings
(Simeulue Island, Indonesia)
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Visitor reviews of Jackals surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“The break is actually known locally as "The Peak" not Jackals. It is by far the most consistent peak on the island. During my two weeks there the wave was extremely crowded when it was firing. With two surf resorts right out in front with at least 30+ surfers and surfers from other camps and locals surfing it it can get very crowded for a single peak with only short 2-3 turn rides.
Wave quality can get perfect but more often there are frequent close out sections. The wave is super consistent 6ft but not a wave machine, it attracts more swells than all the other nearby reefs. There is a 10 minute wait regularly between the 2 wave sets making the hassling and positioning for waves amongst crowds of 20+ not much fun. The reef on the inside is a live reef and very unforgiving, it can easily break boards and people once the swell gets to 6ft+.
This place is challenging to get to, the locals are amazingly friendly and real characters. There's loads of plastic rubbish on the roads and beaches here but there's plenty to do when the waves are not firing if you want to get out and about and explore. You will stand out as an outsider here as almost no one speaks English.
NOTE: Strict Sharia law here, NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS OR HAPPY ENDING SHENANIGANS. The local cops were trying to sell weed to tourists undercover to entrap them...You have been warned.”
Daniel Kane from NEW ZEALAND - 24 Sep 2018
Jackals Ratings
Overall: 4.0. Based on 5 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.2(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 4.8(1: Jackals is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 4.3(1: Jackals is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Simeulue Island. 5: the best break in Simeulue Island). |
Difficulty Level: 3.2(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.7(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Jackals can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 1.3(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Jackals, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Jackals are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Jackals is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.2(1: Getting to Jackals requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 5.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Jackals for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at Jackals is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.7(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Jackals is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 1.7(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Jackals, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 1.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Jackals where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Crowded as resort right out front that jams as many people in it as they can. Can be small often as are most breaks in
Simelue. But once four to five foot will break boards.”
Trav from INDONESIA - 13 Oct 2017
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