One Thong

One Thong

Overview of Location and Area

One Thong is a mellow left-hand reef break located on the south coast of Simeulue, not far from more serious waves like Tea Bags and Dylan’s. It sits tucked into a smaller bay and is largely overlooked by most surf travelers — unless you’re with a guide or staying nearby. The vibe is peaceful, with local kids playing on the beach and just the occasional scooter rumbling past. It’s ideal for rest-day sessions, longboarding, or intermediate-level progression.

About One Thong

This wave is a soft, peeling left-hander that breaks over relatively deep reef, making it forgiving and fun, especially on small- to medium-sized swells. The takeoff is mellow, with the wave standing up slowly and running down the reef with enough face for 2–3 good turns. It can get a bit fat on higher tides or small swells, but with the right size and angle, it becomes a clean, easy ride that’s perfect for cruising, logging, or building confidence on reef.

The name “One Thong” is said to have come from an Aussie surf traveler who lost a sandal on the beach and named the spot on the fly. Since then, it’s stuck.

Best Conditions for One Thong

One Thong works best on a SW swell in the 2–6 ft range, paired with light easterly or northeasterly wind. Too much size and it breaks wide or gets warbly. Mid to high tide gives the wave a smoother face and reduces reef exposure. On a fun-sized day with glassy conditions, it’s a dream for cruising and sharpening your rail game.

Getting in and out at One Thong

The paddle-out is easy — a short walk down the beach and a simple paddle through a reef gap into the lineup. There’s a small channel near the takeoff zone, and it rarely gets heavy enough to be dangerous. You can even walk out and jump off the reef on smaller days if the tide is high enough. Coming in is just as easy — this is a no-stress wave as long as you keep an eye on the reef markers.

Getting to One Thong

From Sinabang Airport (Simeulue), drive south toward Busung Bay, and One Thong is just a few kilometers further. Most surf camps, including Mahi-Mahi and others in the region, offer day missions or daily drop-offs here depending on conditions. It’s an easy wave to check by scooter or with a local guide, and usually completely empty.

Hazards to look out for at One Thong

The reef is relatively safe but can get exposed on low tide, especially on the inside section. Watch for urchins and coral heads, and time your entry on the pushing tide if you’re unsure. The main risk is underestimating how shallow it gets if you ride too far in or don’t kick out early. Other than that, it’s a low-risk, high-fun wave.