Beginner Longboarder - Nias or Lombok?

[surfguin]

I am a weekend surfer and I am planning a surfing trip to Indo for two-three weeks in April. My level is beginner even though I have been surfing for the last few years. (I call my level a 'forever-beginner'.)

For my surfing trip, I am looking for a less crowded spot.
Based on my research, Lombok is a more popular destination for all levels of surfers while Nias is mainly for more experienced ones. When I asked the Nias surfing school, they said there are spots for beginners, too.
I would love to go to Nias if the condition is right. But reef bottoms sound scary and the barrels that I see in some videos are terrifying.

I would appreciate feedback from those who have been to Nias or know the conditions there.

Thank you!

[jaffa1949]

Surfguin, interesting choice about Nias / Lagundri area and comparison with Lombok for your self assessed level ( a lot more honest assessment than most)
So let‘s start, April is the start of the shoulder season so wave size and frequency jumps up, and the crowds start to thicken!
beyond Bali not quite as much, but it is an epic trek to Nias a couple of days will be spent in travel. Lombok a 30 minute flight or a one day ferry ride ( interesting experience requirement a day in Bali to connect , fast or day ferry) both require a drive to the surf coast!
Lagundri flights and ferry andover island drive.

Shoulder season Nias, kiddies corner will be getting bigger, everything is over reef, except deep in lagundri bay, sand beginner beach the outside breaks experts only to you.
Consider the expense and time to get there, as factors!

Lombok, go east along the coast, quite a few option there and particularly Gerupuk and if you want another option check Heaven on the Planet at Ekas full service and the beach break and Inside Ekas good value!
Have look talk more

[jaffa1949]

I am always a little puzzled and saddened when a post with a question is asked, the OP stays around for a few minutes bit not long enough to see the replies so never see their question answered.!

[surf patrol]

They have been back since, a thumbs up for good advice would be nice.
Hopefully they found your information useful, as others will no doubt.

[jaffa1949]

Thanks I noticed that hope it helps them
I must have been having a grumpy day!

[TeeBee89]

Thanks I noticed that hope it helps them
I must have been having a grumpy day!

For the record found the advice extremely helpful. Sold on going to Heaven on the Planet at Ekas next trip, in fact deeply regret not even considering during last trip.

[jaffa1949]

TeeBee , if you get to HOTP, the owners are Kerry and Moira say Good Day for me, both are interesting people if you walk to the beach be prepared to negotiate a lot of steps from the cliff top Calf strengthening!!!

There was big fire a couple of years back so quite a lot has been renewed and refurbished since then !
Zen Ahmed is one of the people who will look after you, let me know I and when you go again. More details then,
Cheers

[TeeBee89]

TeeBee , if you get to HOTP, the owners are Kerry and Moira say Good Day for me, both are interesting people if you walk to the beach be prepared to negotiate a lot of steps from the cliff top Calf strengthening!!!

There was big fire a couple of years back so quite a lot has been renewed and refurbished since then !
Zen Ahmed is one of the people who will look after you, let me know I and when you go again. More details then,
Cheers

Will do! I followed your post-fire updates on HOTP with great interest.
Friends have been on me to visit, but wasn't sure where to setup. What you said of Ekas, it sounds mellow enough (I hope anyway).
Maybe September-October. Thinking about Bruce Hansel for a custom, the "Middles." Unless someone has another suggestion, just feel like getting back to a single as I like the speed and moving around on the board. Open to suggestions!
Terima kasih banyak!