Overview
Bono is Indonesia's take on a river bore wave, a freshwater tidal surge that rolls up the river at Teluk Meranti in Riau Province. It breaks over sand as a river-mouth wave that peels both left and right, and it is predictably world-class in its own strange way. Different sections give very different rides: long, speedy walls suit a shortboard, while the heavier, shallower sections close to the riverbank can throw the occasional barrel.
When It Works
The Bono draws swell from southwest through southeast, with northeast swell the best match, and it is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. Consistency is moderate, but the timing is unusually predictable: a big Bono and a small Bono alternate between night and day on every full and new moon, adding up to as many as 100 surf days a year. The wave usually arrives within 15 minutes of the predicted time, and the early and late months of the year are often the best.
Wind and Tide
Look for a southwest offshore wind. This is a tide-driven wave, so high tide is the call, with a rising tide generally the better of the two.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate wave, and you can expect a moderately busy lineup when it runs. It suits almost any craft: shortboards on the fast walled sections, plus longboards, SUP, kneeboards, kayaks and surf skis all getting in on the fun. The ride runs roughly 40 km from Pulau Muda to the deepwater sections either side of Teluk Meranti, and the record for a single continuous wave is just over an hour, so even experts pumping a shortboard will tire. When river levels are low, expect to spend time in the whitewash dragging fins through the mud. Riding the zodiacs to pick up fallers and get back in front of the Bono can be a battering as you negotiate the crosswaves and smaller following waves. Watch for floating logs and trees; crocodiles tend to keep clear of the Bono and the boats.
Access
Paddle out from town, or take a BonoSurf boat.
