Overview
Sawarna, also known as Ciantir, is a long left-hand reef that runs down the eastern headland of the bay from Tanjung Layar, with a curve of decent beachbreaks filling in behind it. The wave has many moods. Swells rear up out of deep water and shift around a little, sometimes throwing a hollow take-off but usually settling into a fast, powerful wall. It breaks over dead coral.
When It Works
The reef pulls in swell from south through west, and it lines up best on a southwest swell. It works from 1.2 m / 4 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft and is a consistent setup, so it turns on more often than not when there is swell in the water.
Wind and Tide
Look for a northeast offshore wind. The spot is fairly sheltered from the southeast trades, but a nasty cross chop builds through the afternoon, so it pays to get there early. It can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate-level wave, though the power and shifting peaks reward a bit of experience. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it is on.
Access
There is cheap accommodation in the village, or you can reach the spot by boat from Cimaja.
