G-Land
History
A Journey Through Surfing History
Nestled in the heart of Alas Purwo National Park on the remote southeastern coast of Java, Indonesia, lies G-Land — one of the world’s most revered and awe-inspiring surf destinations. Known for its world-class, left-hand reef breaks, G-Land has earned its place as a surfing legend, both for the unparalleled waves it offers and the rich history that surrounds it.
For over five decades, G-Land has been a symbol of adventure and discovery, drawing surfers from around the globe to experience its perfect barrels and untouched beauty. But the story of this legendary spot is much more than just the waves — it’s a tale of surf exploration, pioneer spirit, and the deep connection between surfing and nature.
The first surf explorers to stumble upon G-Land were a small group of adventurous surfers from Bali and Australia. Among them was Bob Laverty, an Australian surfer, who, while flying along the coast of Java, spotted what appeared to be a perfectly shaped reef break from the air. Intrigued, Laverty made his way to the spot with fellow surfer Mike Boyum, an American surfer who had already developed a reputation for exploring remote breaks.
The Early Days
Discovery and the Birth of G-Land
The story of G-Land begins in the early 1970s, a time when surf exploration was on the rise. Surfers were venturing beyond the familiar breaks of Hawaii and California in search of new, pristine waves in more remote locations. It was during this era that G-Land, or Grajagan Bay, was discovered.
Nestled in the heart of Alas Purwo National Park on the remote southeastern coast of Java, Indonesia, lies G-Land — one of the world’s most revered and awe-inspiring surf destinations. Known for its world-class, left-hand reef breaks, G-Land has earned its place as a surfing legend, both for the unparalleled waves it offers and the rich history that surrounds it.
The Golden Years
Rise to International Fame
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, G-Land grew in reputation as surf media — magazines, videos, and photos — began to showcase the perfect waves that were breaking daily in Grajagan Bay. G-Land’s waves, often compared to Hawaii’s Pipeline for their power and intensity, offered some of the longest and most consistent left-hand barrels in the world.
In the early years, only a select group of surfers could make the pilgrimage to G-Land, but as word spread, the break began to attract bigger names in the surfing world. Pro surfers like Tom Curren, Kelly Slater, and Andy Irons became regulars, making G-Land a dream spot for surfers from all corners of the globe.
The mystique of G-Land only grew as surf films and documentaries featured the wild waves and the jungle backdrop. The break became known for its perfect walls of water and its mechanical nature, with sets rolling in consistently, creating an endless canvas for surfers. The iconic sections — Kongs, Money Trees, Launching Pads, and Speedies — each offered unique challenges, with some of the biggest barrels in the world to be found in the right conditions.
During the 1990s, G-Land also became the host for major surf competitions, such as the Quiksilver Pro, which further cemented its place in the elite surf world. Surfers flocked from all over to take part in these events, testing their skills on G-Land’s powerful and demanding waves.
