Check The Surf

Surf Conditions Papua New Guinea

Surf Conditions Legend

Surfer Level   Surf Conditions  
Beginner 1-3 Excellent  
Intermediate 4-6 Good  
Advanced 7-9 Fair  
    Poor  

DESTINATION level Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec  Note

Papua New Guinea

Admiralty Island Charters - PNG over 4











 Brand New Frontier -Nth Swell produce surf
Nusa Island Retreat - Kavieng over 4











 Fantastic user friendly waves -crowds are controlled by SAPNG
PNG Frontier Surfaris - Remote Far North Eastern PNG over 5











 New Frontier with uncrowded world class perfection
Rubio Plantation Retreat - New Ireland over 4











 Endless Possibilities on the remote East Coast of New Ireland
Tiki Tu New Ireland Charters over 4











 New Hanover adventure
Vanimo Surfaris - PNG over 4











 Consistent waves Nov to Mar

 

Admiralty Island Charters - PNG

over 4











Level Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

The Admiralty Islands of PNG are positioned perfectly to take advantage of the predominent North swells that occur in the Pacific Ocean from October till April.  There are many reef-passes located on the NE side of atolls that are off-shore in the predominent NW trade-winds that co-incide with the Nth swells over this period.

The Northern fringe of the airport island hosts a number of reef-passes that are worth checking out on-route to/from the 'Horny Islands'.  The Horny Islands are located approximately 2 hours steam from the airport island and are the major surf region that we surf on our 7 night charters.  The set-up in this region is not dis-similar to the Playgrounds region of the Mentawai Islands or Nth Male' atoll in the Maldives with 5 or 6 breaks located within approx. 1 hour of each other. 

Only 3 breaks in this region had been surfed as of mid February 2007.  These breaks were discovered on the World Surfaris/Surfing Life Magazine exploratory mission with Shaun Levings, Troy Brooks, Adam Neilsen and Peter 'Joli' Wilson onboard the MV Kamai with Tim Rowland in February 2007. There were 2 or 3 other breaks in the region that just didn't quite have enough swell to surf at the time however these breaks got Troy Brooks amped enough to declare on inspection of one of the potential lefts "I would return just to get that left on !". These breaks still have naming rights available so no doubt by November 2007 these will be named by some lucky World Surfaris passengers. 

The 3 surf breaks that were surfed could be described as follows: (by Shaun Levings).

Twiggies Right: A classic right hand point/reef set-up with an outside peak that with 3' plus swell will connect with a middle section that runs down the line and barrels perfectly for another 100 metres.  Will offer long barrels at 3' plus swell and could do a fair impression of Kirra with the conditions in place.  Definitely an A grade wave that will no doubt become well known over the next few years.

Canoes Left: A hollow medium length left that will throw a very make-able barrel then a wally section for some hack time.  On a solid swell this place could get quite heavy and challenge even the pros.

Shifty's Peak: Coming out of deep water it then jacks up when it hits the reef and throws an A-Frame that can be back-doored for a neat barrel from the take-off followed by a wall grows in size the further down the line you take it.  Just don't stay on too long as the end section goes dry !

Keep your eyes peeled on this page from late November 2007 for more updates as they get discovered !

Nusa Island Retreat - Kavieng

over 4











Level Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

The peak surf season is from November to April.



There are several breaks in the immediate to local vicinity. The best breaks are those closest to the camp, and if the swell is lacking, a few small (uninhabited) islands nearby get more swell the further you go out.

The swell is usually a consistent 3-5 foot getting up to 6-8 foot occasionally and sometimes bigger! All the waves are reef-breaks with some being more challenging than others. All the breaks can be surfed on any tide.

You will be transported to the surf in Yamaha longboats. Due to the variety of waves in the region you will have the choice of various left and right hand set ups, depending on conditions.

Papua New Guinea is a great place for a holiday in a beautiful and untouched environment - nice warm weather, good waves, good fishing, cool locals, and "Nusa Islands Retreat". Discover Australia's unique neighbour and be one of the first to surf some world class waves in total serenity.

The maximum number of surfers at any one time is 20. With 3 boats and guides available and a variety of breaks this number of surfers can easily be accommodated. This max. surfer number is governed by the SAPNG (Surfing Association of PNG) and ensures the place remains unspoilt and uncrowded !

PNG Frontier Surfaris - Remote Far North Eastern PNG

over 5











Level Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

These were discovered on our visits throughout the year but mostly late October and another in November when huey sent some swell. There are many more miles to explore. No one has surfed these waves before; it’s a good feeling to hear the locals say the first person to ever surf the si bruk (sea break) standing on foam and fiberglass is me. This is obvious by the crowds that gathered to watch as I surfed.

The following waves are a short dory (longboat) ride from the boats mooring in a lagoon at Nae Village eastern side of Mussau, near the most southern part of the island.

Lookouts - left hander that hooks around the point at Nae. There is a fast hollow take off peak out the back, which links up with an inside peak. Charging down the line, this inside peak horseshoes’ creating a great barrel section. This is a critical wave, care taken to pull in, in time so as to avoid the impending reef. It works best on an outgoing tide, moderate N/E to N swell.

Lobsters - Another left-hander at Nae Village is much more mellow than lookouts but so workable and tons of fun. Lookouts and lobsters doesn’t get the prevailing N/E swell as much as the breaks further north, so it presents a great option for the less advanced surfers in a moderate to large swell.

    Click here for PNG fishing gallery


    The following waves are a dory ride from the mooring, further up the east coast of Mussau.Tasitel - A right-hander. This wave is best at three to four feet, any bigger and it tends to close out. This wave is heaps of fun! Perfect for all abilities.

Coconuts - This breaks 8 miles north of lookouts, and faces a North-easterly direction, and so is open to a more northerly swell than lookouts and lobsters. Only been surfed at a high tide on both trips. First trip was only about three feet but the second was easy four to six feet. I managed to get one good one on the head and it gave me an unexpected hiding, the footage was too shaky to put on disc as my partner, Jude was shitting herself whilst the skipper was trying to get in close for her to film. Up to six feet this break can handle no worries. Double-ups are very frequent creating a nice hollow section then dissipates into a deep channel. The wind was slight this day, so sea conditions were glassy. Coconuts breaks onto reef fringing out from beach at Tavol village.

The Meadows - Right-hander, unsurfed to date, half a mile north from Coconuts. It is a longer, but quicker wave than Coconuts but was closing out on the bigger second trip. Magean Point – A hollow right-hander that wraps around a point on the far north eastern Quarter of Mussau Island. This wave is by far meant for the experienced surfer. This unexpected place was found on our November (most recent) trip. I regretfully ‘softed it’, deciding against surfing solo. The possibility of injury and being the captain of the ship got to me. Excuses excuses!

A successful takeoff at this joint looks to me like a mindless pit would be the reward. There are two sections, an outer barrel section with a nice middle part to race and pick a line for a second pit on the end section. Of the twenty minutes or so we were filming I saw quite a few link up, and barrel all the way around the point. I just can’t believe this place exists and no one has ever surfed it! I love this place.

 

Rubio Plantation Retreat - New Ireland

over 4











Level Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec


Rubio Plantation Retreat has many good surf spots close by. Some are within walking distance, with Rubio directly out the front of the dining area! The surf season is from October to April. The retreat has access to waves ranging from mellow long board waves to fast hollow tubes. There are both rights and lefts and are open to many swell directions.

The retreat has boats and vehicles available to take you out to the many excellent breaks on the offshore islands or along the coastline of New Ireland. There is one small island ten minutes from the retreat and two groups of islands further out with endless possibilities.

Click here for Rubio surf gallery

The surfer numbers are limited to ten surfers at the retreat and another ten overall in the region with so many breaks zero crowds are guaranteed.A description of a few waves in the area. For privacy reasons the retreat does not name breaks, just tells there proximity to the retreat.

Rubio left - The left is fast and hollow all the way through. It is shallow and can be very challenging. 40 mins from the retreat a left which is located 40 minutes from the retreat. It's a fast hollow and shallow it needs a decent swell before it works.

Rubio right - The right is an easy wave which breaks along the edge of a channel with an easy paddle out. It has a hollow first section and then walls up. When it gets bigger it can be very hollow all the way through. Can be surfed on both tides.


20 mins from the retreat -
A steep drop with a easy right all the way to the beach. Good on any tide, the left on the north side of the rock is a best option.

Northern right -This right is north of the retreat. Good on any tide. When the swell direction is good it runs down the reef from the point and then bends and barrells on the last section. If the swell direction isn't good then just the end section works which is still good.

30 mins from the retreat - Fast wave that can get hollow. The end section is very shallow on a low tide. Only breaks on certain swell directions

10 mins from the retreat - A fast hollow right 10 minutes boat ride from the retreat

 

Tiki Tu New Ireland Charters

  

over 4











Level Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Malili - A fast, hollow left, with a long ride wrapping an island, similar to Restaurants at Tavarua. A mellower option on the larger days, and good for all abilities.

 Click here for Tiki Tu Charters surf gallery

Vala Vala - A right-hand reef pass close to shore, with a flat weed-covered reef, and a double bowl section. This is the best hot-dog wave in the islands. Very consistent due to the focusing nature of the swell.

Korongai (also known as Gas Chambers) - A slab reef located in the entrance to a bay, which breaks both left and right. Extremely hollow in both directions, but only for 25 metres. Paddle, pull in, grab the rail, then get spat out. A four second ride that is a guaranteed cover-up.

Naikasau (also known as Outer Kiddies) - A fast playful right, breaking off a beautiful point on an island. Short and shallow, but not too fast, just a lot of fun.

Clem’s Right - Potentially one of the best waves in the area. A peeling right-hander, up to a 100-yard ride, with a nice consistent wall, that just keeps pulling up in front of you. Very beautiful location.

Senta Pass - Extremely fast and hollow left. Goofy footers only, unless you really rip. One tube recorded at 11 seconds, followed by a trip to the Haus Sik (hospital). Get the picture?!!!

Anselim’s Reef - Not frequently surfed, but sheltered in an easterly wind. Needs quite a bit of swell before it kicks in. Outer island location.

Drain Pipe (for want of a better name) - Needs solid swell, very hollow crazy right. Excellent cover-up potential.

Two Trees - Very reliable, barrelling right-hander with a few sections. Good for all abilities.

Vanimo Surfaris - PNG

 

over 4











Level Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Vanimo enjoys very consistent surf from October to April with predominant North West and North Swells over this period. The surf will cater to all standards from low intermediate to advanced surfers to mellow cruisers. Definitely something for everyone.

Click here for Vanimo Surfairs surf gallery

A couple of years ago SAPNG hosted some top Aussie Pros including Darren O’Rafferty on a mainland PNG surfari from Madang to Vanimo and all the pros agreed that Vanimo was the PREMIER surf spot on mainland PNG.

There are 2 main surf breaks that you will surf that break off the end of Lido Village Peninsula.
Lido Rights: A down the line right with an easy take-off, followed by a work-able wall and a nice barrel section at the end.
Offshore conditions in the mornings with winds picking up and swinging around from the NW, with conditions on the left becoming offshore.

Lido Lefts: A nice drop into a long hollow left with wackable walls and a very easy barrel. Offshore conditions when the winds swing mid morning.

Between the 2 breaks you will enjoy all day offshore surf conditions.

There are 4 other breaks around Vanimo and at certain times your guide will have access to a Yamaha Longboat to venture to other breaks (only 10 minutes motoring from Lido Peninsula to 2 other quality breaks – you can see them from Lido lefts)

The surf will hold up to 8-10 feet however the consistent swell size is 4 to 6’ feet during the surf season.

Surfing Equipment:
Boards:
Short boarders: 2 boards – normal short board 1 other semi-gun (approx. 4 inches bigger than short board).
Long boarders: Normal everyday home board 1 other board suitable for bigger days.
Bodyboarder: Normal everyday home board 1 other board suitable for bigger days.
All surfing accessories, including spare leashes (legropes), tropical wax, ding repair kit, reef boots etc. There is NO surf industry in Vanimo.