How to Surf Kampar River's Stunning Bono Tidal Bore

Often regarded as one of the most exciting and unique surfing experiences up for grabs in Indonesia, tackling the Bono tidal bore is not for the faint of heart. As one of the few river-based tidal bores on the planet and among the top bores in the globe, tackling Bono is a challenge that wave-riding enthusiasts based in Pekanbaru must attempt. From timing the visit to reading up in advance, here are some tips on surfing Kampar River's mammoth tidal bore during a getaway in Sumatra.

1. Do Your Homework

Those who are heading to Pekanbaru or Kampar River with the intent of experiencing Bono, the tidal bore, must first and foremost learn all they can about this unusual wave in the heart of the Sumatran jungle. Although tourists are only now realising the venue's surfing potential, locals based in the area have been surfing this mammoth wave for over seventy years on traditional canoes. Occupying pride of place in the heart of the forest, some 80 kilometres away from the ocean, Bono is counted among the finest tidal bores in the world and is also one of the most easily accessible bores on the planet. With land and seaside access, the Bono is found inside a peat swamp forest in an area known as Pekanbaru. World Stormrider Guide Antony Colas and his French bore riders first came upon Bono back in 2010 and it is this that propelled the surfing hub onto the global stage.

2. Time the Trip

As when planning any water sports adventure, it is crucial to travel during the right time of year so that the wind, water, and weather conditions are ideal for the types of activities you are interested in. Antony Colas and his team explored Bono during two different periods of the year and found that the waves were considerably smaller when they first came across the wave during a period when unequal diurnal tides were prevalent. It was when they came back in December that they witnessed Bono reach a height of more than 3 metres and the waves breaking over an impressive distance of nearly 50 kilometres. This is why the period from December to the end of March is considered ideal for surfing the Bono as legendary surfers Bruno Santos and Tom Curren both hit the tidal bore in March of 2011.

3. Find a Nearby Base

Travellers who wish to ride the tidal bore often during their trip should ideally find accommodation near the river. Whether it's the FOX Hotel Pekanbaru or any similar hotel in Pekanbaru, visitors should consider the resort's proximity to the Kampar River when making reservations in addition to exploring what creature comforts are available.

4. Sign Up for 6-Day Surfing Adventure

The only surfing operator available in the area is Bonosurf, which offers avid surfers all the amenities and tour packages required to have a fantastic surfing safari in Pekanbaru. Surfers will also find that the all-inclusive packages are a collaborative effort between Bonosurf and the restaurants and hotels on the banks of the Kampar River. Most tourists opt for the 6-day surfing extravaganza as it includes meal plans, hotel transfers, and even boat rentals while local permits are also part of the deal. Those who venture down to Bono will find that one can spend two hours at most per day riding the tidal bore as it can be both an exhilarating and fatiguing experience. It is quite possibly the longest wave most surfers will encounter in their lifetime.

5. Strictly Not for Novices

Tourists should keep in mind that riding a tidal bore is not suitable for beginners or intermediary level surfers as it requires both skill and experience to surf a wave of this magnitude.