The Spit surf break on Rote Island, Indonesia
T-Land's hidden neighbour

The Spit

A 50-meter gap in the reef, 200 meters south of T-Land, that produces mellow lefts and rights on high tide. Unknown to most visitors and a fun change of pace when the main break is too heavy or too crowded.

Type

Lefts & Rights

Level

Intermediate -- Advanced

Wave Size

2' -- 6'

Best Season

May -- October (when south swells run)

Water Temp

27degC / 80degF year-round

Access

Paddle from T-Land lineup or walk

The wave

200m south of T-Land's "The Point" · < 1 km (near T-Land)

The Spit materializes in a narrow 50-meter breach in the reef, just south of T-Land's outermost section (The Point). It's invisible at most tide levels -- the reef gap only creates a surfable wave near peak high tide.

Unlike T-Land, which favors south-west swell, The Spit responds to due-south groundswell. The left catches the energy and offers the more technical ride; the right is mellower and more forgiving, making it a good option for intermediates looking for something with a bit more character than Squeelers.

The wind requirement is strict: pure east. Any southeast shift introduces cross-chop into the narrow reef funnel and ruins the peak. On the right day -- south swell, high tide, east wind -- The Spit is a fun, uncrowded wave hiding in plain sight next to the most famous break on the island.

Best conditions

What you need for The Spit to fire. Swell, tide, wind, and timing.

Swell Direction

~180deg (South (pure))

Tide

High tide only (1.7--1.9m)

The reef pass is extremely shallow at lower tides -- coral exposed and wave nonexistent. Only activates near peak high tide (1.7--1.9m) when the water level rises enough to create a surfable peak in the 50-meter reef gap.

Wind

~90deg — East (pure)

Season

May -- October (when south swells run)

Before you paddle out

Safety

Narrow reef pass. Coral exposed at lower tides. Only surf at high tide (1.7--1.9m). The left is over shallower reef than the right.

Pro tip

If T-Land is firing but too crowded, paddle 200 meters south and check The Spit at high tide. You might find a fun wave with nobody on it.

Frequently asked

Common questions about surfing The Spit on Rote Island.

Location

The Spit

200m south of T-Land's "The Point" · < 1 km (near T-Land)

View on Google Maps
Get in touch

Plan your session at The Spit

We can help you find accommodation near the break, arrange surf guides, and make sure you show up on the right tide at the right time.

Plan your session