Overview
Ral is a remote reef break that sits in splendid isolation over live coral. When everything closer to home has gone flat, the long trip out here is the call, because it will usually have something to ride. Both a left and a right peel off the reef, so there's a choice of waves once you make it out.
When It Works
Ral stays open to swell from the west through north to the northeast, with north the best match, and it even picks up the northeast swells that leave other spots flat. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. On smaller days it's easy, fun and mushy, and the rights on the western fringe of the reef can be peaky or lined-up depending on the swell direction, which helps spread the crowd out. The left is the less reliable of the two. Once the swell pushes over head high, both sides turn punchy and heavy. It's a consistent spot, so there's usually a wave on offer.
Wind and Tide
Look for south offshore wind. The reef can work through low, mid and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Ral suits intermediate surfers, and you can expect a moderately busy lineup when it's working.
Access
Reaching it means a long boat trip from Nusa Island Retreat, so it's best saved for days when the swell is worth the journey.
