A few years ago Animals was one of those quiet undiscovered spots that no one knew about. A perfect big deep-reef A-frame where you could have the peak almost all to yourself and catch awesome 300-meter rides on a fun left-hand wall or a few fast snappy right-handers.

At a glance:

• Wave type: Reef break

• Wave direction: Lefts and rights

• Takeoff: Moderate

• Rides: 100 – 300 meters

• Level:  Intermediates / Advanced

• Paddle out: Long and easy

• Crowds: Medium

The peak at Animals is a long 300-meter paddle from Ahangama Beach through the channel and round to the right. The reef on the right-hand side is very shallow so it’s important to always get in from the middle of the beach outside Elita’s – and make sure to get out the same way!

To work, this spot needs swell so the wave can break on the outer reef, if it’s small it’s best to head to another break.