2. Banda Seri
Northern Begawan
Sumatra
Kuala Lumpur
Singapore
Mentawai
Jakarta
Central Java
Southern Lombok
Sumatra &Sumbawa
West Java
East Java
Dili
INDIAN OCEAN Bali
Sumba,Flores
&Timor
1500km
1. Mentawai Islands and North Sumatra
Get a group together and experience the Mecca of surf destinations
by coral barrier reefs that pick up consistent swell
Overview : from the Indian Ocean. The sheer num-ber of
the little passages, reefs, bays, inlets and points is
unsurpassed anywhere on the planet.
A trip to The Mentawai Islands for any surfer Considered the most consistent area of surf in
worth his salt is an absolute necessity. Any surfer the world, the Mentawai can get surf year
who reads surfing magazines or watch-es surf round, but is most consistent time for Surf Tour is
videos will definitely have fantasized about from March to November.
booking a trip to the Mentawai.
The most popular way to surf the Mentawai
The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy Islands is by charter boat, but there are also a
islands and islets off the west coast of couple of great resorts if you prefer land-based
Sumatra in Indonesia. There are 4 main islands and accommodation or are planning to travel with a
the rest are small islets. The islands lie ap- non-surfing partner. We recom-mend Wave park
proximately 150 kilometres off the Sumatran coast in the Playgrounds region of Siberut as well as
and are widely regarded as one of, if not the HT‟s Surf Resort and Aloita in Sipora. Travel to the
premier surf destination in the world. The Mentawai resorts from Padang is either by charter flight or
chain spans about 160 kilome-tres. There are overnight ferry. Charters generally depart
literally thousands of surf able options for every Padang in the af-ternoon or evening of the first
standard of surfer. The 49 named breaks are some day, and return on the morning of the last day.
of the most famous waves in the world. The islands
are fringed
3. www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
North Sumatra
From the Mentawai you can access the more remote islands of Nias, Telo‟s &
Banyaks. Most charters in the Mentawai region will run trips to these areas, but with
dedicated charters and surf camps / resorts in the area, you can be sure to get a local
perspective of the regions.
Banyak Islands
The Banyak Islands in remote North Sumatra has been a closely guarded secret, so could be described as
one of the last surf frontiers in
Indonesia! It is a surfer‟s paradise with some still untapped breaks setting the scene for any kind of
surfer /adventurer. The safest and best way of getting around is aboard an air-condi-tioned surf
charter vessel.
The majority of surf breaks have remained nameless and there is still more exploring going on. There is
a wide range of lefts and rights, hollow and performance waves, so ex-pect your back-hand and fore-
hand to both get a solid workout. There are waves for all styles and ability levels ranging from
dredging deep barrels, fast down the line peelers, per-fect peaks or long cruisy walls for long board-
ers or mellow crew.
The Banyak Islands are located approximate-ly 60 miles off the northwest coast of Sumatra, Indonesia‟s
northern most and largest Island. There are two main islands in the Banyak Is-lands- Treasure Island and the
island of the
Bay Of Plenty. Both harbour incredible breaks perfectly aligned to catch the clean, consist-ent swells
of the Indian Ocean.
Surfing charters in North Sumatra and particu-larly the Banyak Islands are less likely to en-counter
crowds like in the Mentawai‟s. You will never feel lonely though, as these islands are exposed to pretty
much the same swell as the Mentawai Islands, giving you plenty of surf days to keep you well busy.
Uncrowded barrels, plenty of swell, untouched natural rainforest, wildlife, epic Sumatran sun-sets; remote
islands and warm tropical water await you. You can also go fishing, snorkelling, spearfishing, jungle-
trekking-no mass tourism here, just fun and adventure in the comforta-ble luxury of an air-conditioned
motor yacht.
Nias
The Nias Islands of Indonesia are one of the most consistent surfing travel destinations in the world. The
perfect right-hander at Sorake Bay on the island of Nias was the first world-class wave discovered in the
Sumatra region. Nias was first surfed in 1975, by Aussie surfers.
The recent earthquake actually improved wave quality in the Nias region, raising the high tide mark
4. and ensuring most reefs gen-erally pick up more swell, and are surf able on all tides!
Its broad exposure towards the vast southern
Indian Ocean ensures these majestic islands are remarkably consistent pretty much year round.
Keyhole Surf Camp‟s goal is to provide any surfer the opportunity to score the best waves of their lives.
Surf Nias has the experi-ence and local knowledge to get you to the best possible waves as quickly as
possible and in complete safety.
www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
Surf breaks spots)
Mentawai
from North to South (main surf
Burgerworld
Burgerworld is a mushy
point break right -
hander. It can offer
hollow sections at E-Bay
times, but usually it E-Bay is a hollow left
offers a long, rippable that barrels on the take-
wall with multiple off and offers a short
cutback sections. wall down the line. A
great option when
there‟s plenty of swell.
Four Bobs
Four Bobs is a small
peak when there is Bank Vaults
heaps of swell, or if you Bank Vaults is a heavy
are looking for a right-hander that bar-
mellower option. rels and spits. Usually
Mainly a right with a bigger than most spots
short barrel off the in the area. Watch out
takeoff, but it tends to for clean-up sets.
die off into the
channel. There‟s an
even shorter left, but
it‟s not usually worth
the effort.
Scarecrows
Icelands Scarecrows breaks off of
an island just south of
Icelands is another
Telescopes. Good lefts
consistent left-hander
but a bit unpredict-able
when the swell is
and shifty. It‟s a short,
smaller. It usually offers
wedgy wave that works
some rideable waves, best on a dropping high
even when other tide.
breaks are flat.
5. Telescopes
Pit Stops Telescopes is a perfect
Pit Stops is the right off wrapping left reef. Long
the peak at E-Bay. A walls wrap around the
playful right that can reef with very few
offer some cover-ups on sections on larger days.
the take-off, but it is It generally breaks in
generally a high per- pretty deep water, but it
formance wave with air can get heavy and
sections at the end. shallow on the inside on
Ends in a sandy big days.
channel.
Hideaways
Bintangs Hideaways is a very
Bintangs is a short and hollow left that can be
hollow right across the very shallow at low
channel from Lance‟s tide. The waves come
Left. As the wave ap- out of deep water,
proaches the reef, the then unload on a
bottom drops out be- shallow section of reef
fore barrelling towards before barrelling
the channel. towards the channel.
No Kanduis
Lance’s Left No Kanduis is a long
barrelling left that wraps
Lance‟s Left is a long around a small island.
left wall that wraps Usually very sectiony,
down the point before but can line up on very
hitting the last section, big swells. Many bar-rels
which is the main take- on offer, but usually only
off area. Great hollow makeable for one or
section after the take- two sections before
off. A bigger board closing out.
helps on the large
days.
www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939
0890
Surf breaks
Mentawai
from North to South (main surf spots)
Rags Right
Rags Right is a shorter, hollow right on the
southern end of Rags Island. Similar to HT‟s
only a little shorter, but just as good. It can
be fickle, but it‟s one of the best rights in
6. the is-lands.
Thunders The Hole
Thunders is another The Hole is another very
large left that both hollow left off a small
picks up, and can hold island in the southern
the biggest swells. It‟s a end of the Mentawais.
top to bottom wave on Starts barrelling from
the outside, that gets a take off, but never
bit mellower on the really stops until a close
inside section. Another out section at the end
wave that usually has a of the reef. Definitely
lot of water mov-ing not a place to
about, so a bigger straighten out at.
board can come in
handy.
you take off. After the
initial barrel ride, the
Rags Left wave offers one of the
most rippable walls to
Rags Left is a sick
unleash any manoeuvre
lefthander that can hold
you can think of during
the biggest swells. It is
your Surf Trips.
very hollow and can
often dish out some of the
heaviest hold-downs in
the island chain. Usually a
bit more water mov-ing
around so a larger board
can be useful.
Rifles
Rifles is one of the best
waves in the Menta-wais.
A very long right-hander
that wraps around the
other side of the same
island as No Kanduis.
Rarely makeable from
start to finish, but even
just from section to
section you can score
epic rides up to 100 yards
or longer. Nice and
hollow when it‟s a few
feet overhead, but
usually a little sectiony
when it‟s smaller.
Macaronis
Macaronis is one of the
most perfect waves in
the world. A very hollow
wave with various
shallow spots. Lefts start
peeling way up the
point, and then
gradually slow down as
they approach the
channel. The further up
the point you paddle,
the faster it barrels when
7. Bank Vaults Hollow Trees (HT’s or
Bank Vaults is a heavy Lance’s Right)
right-hander that bar- Hollow Trees (HT‟s or
rels and spits. Usually Lance‟s Right) is an epic
bigger than most spots right-hander that has been
in the area. Watch out all over the surf mags and
for clean-up sets. videos during the last ten
or so years. The main
takeoff spot is up the point
Nipussi where most of the waves
Nipussi is a shorter right start barrelling and peel
that breaks down the flawlessly down the reef.
point from Bank Vaults. On larger swells it can be
Definitely fun and very shifty and hard to
rippable. Usually has read. It can shift more to
fairly deep wa-ter from the end bowl where it can
the takeoff to the break, reform, then bowl
inside. Ends in a riptide again into the channel. The
that sucks all the water inside is very shallow and is
back out to sea. A of-ten referred to as the
good option for Surf “surgeon‟s table” due to
Travel when there‟s not
the many reef-cuts doled
much swell, and
out to travelling surfers.
usually the most
consistent spot in the
area.
www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939
0890
Surf breaks
North Sumatra
Banyak Islands
Migila’s
Migila‟s is located inside of “The Pig.” Migila‟s is a right-
hand peak with a short perfect barrel on take-off before
slowly peeling off to the beach.
Warren’s
Warren‟s is a fun right-hand peak opposite
Cobra‟s. It breaks over a combination of reef and
sand which can finish on the beautiful white sandy
beach.
Toytown Lefts The Pig
Toytown Lefts is a perfectly shaped peeling left The Pig is a deep water right-hand break
located deep in the bay. It really only starts to exposed to all possible swell. Rarely below
work on larger swells. You can cruise down the head-high “The Pig” provides some
line or hit the lip over and over again. exhilarat-ing drops and big open faces.
Indies 1 and 2 “Indies” 1 and 2 get their
Indies 1 and 2 names because they are the outside breaks
and in-dicators for “Treasures”. These two
8. waves are for experienced surfers only and Lizards Nest
produce heart-pumping barrels over shallow
Lizards Nest is somewhat fickle, but if the el-
reef. The bigger the swell the better! ements come together you will experience
one of the best waves in Indo. Known to
pro-duce a magic 10-second barrel
leaving any of those who have surfed it or
even seen it totally awe-struck!
Joysticks
Turtle’s Joysticks is a super fun right-hand peak
Turtle‟s is a fun, playful left-hand peak that which produces a perfect barrel on the
peels along and also winds up on the beauti- take-off be-fore backing off into a nice
ful white sandy beach. A great take-off and wall allowing for some turns. If you have
workable wall that can produce a nice bar- enough speed you can link up into the
rel also depending on swell direction. inside bowl for a nice long ride.
Cobra
Gorilla’s Cobra is a world-class left-hander that can
Gorilla‟s is an untamed right-hand beast that produce an epic 8-10 second barrel or nice
is rarely surfed. It is the type of wave that will ripable face depending on swell direction.
really deflate your ego if it smashes you. Cobra‟s clean blue lines peel down the
Make sure you pack your peanuts! reef into a channel, which can provide a
perfect photo opportunity.
Mini’s
Mini‟s is located deep in the bay “Mini‟s” is Treasure Island
a playful right which peaks up and delivers Treasure Island is one of the best right-hand
a short barrel and workable face. It only point breaks in Indo, consistently offering up
starts working on larger swells, as it picks up to four mesmerising barrels per wave with a
half the swell of Treasure Island. nice almond-shaped rippable face. This is
one of the jewels in the crown of sheer Indo
Clarets perfection running a few hundred yards
Clarets is a beautiful long left-hand point down a perfectly shaped reef. Always a fa-
which peels down the line offering a per- vourite amongst guests as it satisfies all abili-
fect open workable face. You will be able ties. A taste of “Treasures” has you hooked
to perfect your big carving turns or hunt for years to come.
down some inside barrels.
www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
Seasonalit
y
9. thunder-
storms,
but they
generally
don‟t last
long and
occur
mostly at
night.
The best
time for
Mentawai
Surf is
from
The March to
Mentawai November
Islands . This is
experienc when the
e low pres-
consistentl sure
y high systems off
temperat Antarctica
ures and push
humidity, ground
with swells
barely
any
change in
temperat
ure year
round,
due to the
chains‟
close
proximity
to the
Equator.
The dry
season
runs from
March to
Septembe
r, and the
wet
season is
from
about
October
to
February,
but even
during the
dry
season,
you will
often find
there can
be brief
10. season
when the
trade
winds
tend west
and north-
west, you
can still
find some
great, fun
waves as
the swells
can still be
quite
regular.
The winds
are
variable
throughou
t most of
the year.
Favourabl
e easterly
trade
winds that
blow
side/offsho
re on the
main
breaks are
predomin
ant from
May to
Septembe
r. March,
for April,
thousands Septembe
of miles r and
up October
towards often
the equa- experi-
tor. The ence light
Roaring winds and
40‟s are glassy
the swell conditions.
source the Water
Mentawai temperatu
are re is fairly
directly constant
exposed at about
to. Even 27-28C.
dur-ing
the off
www.theperfectwave.c
11. om.au Tel: +61(2) 9939
0890
Mumbai INDIA
Thiladhunmathee Atoll
INSET
Chennai Miladhunmadulu Atoll
SRI LANKA
Faadhippolhu Atoll
Colombo
MALE
North Male Atoll
THE MALDIVES
MALE
Central Atolls South Male Atoll Mafuri
Felidhe Atoll Haru Haru
Mulaku Atoll
Kolhumadulu Atoll
Hadhdhunmathee Atoll
Fulidu
Southern Atolls
Rakidu
Huvadhoo Atoll
Havaru
Foammulah Atoll
Gan
Addu Atoll
INSET Hitadu INSET
400km
2. Maldives Island Nation
The perfect destination for a couples’ getaway or a family holiday to remember
other does a multi-tude for other activities,
enjoys world class spa treatment or just lazes by
the pool. Most of the resorts in the Maldives
Overview :
aren‟t geared to ser-vice surfers, so make sure
you are staying at a resort with a surf program so
that you can ac-cess all breaks in the region you
are staying.
The Maldives is a perfect Surfing World for a The resorts in North Male that service surfers
couples‟ geta-way or even a mind blowing
family holiday. With so many resorts in the
Maldives there are options for everyone.
However as a surfer it is essential to ensure you
have a wave at your front door. That way you
can squeeze a wave in while your significant
12. day Inn Kandooma and Anantara. We be-
lieve that the surf program at Kandooma is
the best in the Maldives, but we are biased,
as we run the program ourselves. There are a
few options in the Central atolls with resorts in
Meemu and Laamu. The pick for us is the Six
with surf programs and expert surf guides are Senses in Laamu that is just amazing and with
Dhonveli , Four Seasons Kuda Huraa & Hud- Ying Yang surf break across the channel, you
huranfushi Resort. Other resorts will be able to have all bases covered.
assist you to surf, but don‟t have dedicated
surf programs. In South Male you have Holi-
www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
But if a resort is rience the
not what you Maldives Surf is
are after the by boat
new way to charter. Boat
experience the charters
Maldives is to guarantee you
stay in a guest get to really
house on a local maxi-mize your
island. The first of surf time. Boat
these was set up charters are
by our partner best when you
Brian James. have a group
Brian set up of mates or a wat
Cokes Surf few families er
Camp on that you can bun
Thulusdhoo. travel galo
Since then they exclusively with. ws.
have been But if you want The
popping up to just jump on Mal
eve-rywhere, a charter, there dives
but be careful are normally has
as many will plenty of mixed som
promise things charters, where e-
they can‟t you can meet thing
deliver, so make new friends. for
sure you get a ever
referral before The Maldives y
making your are a group of bud
decision. over 1200 islands get.
In our opinion formed from Ther
though the best coral and e
way to expe- located south are
west of India in local
the Indian islan
Ocean. It is a d
tropical is-land surf
paradise with cam
pristine clear ps,
waters and or if
beautiful world you‟r
renowned e
resorts with over- not
trav
13. elling with a them the is
non-surfing freedoms also
partner then holiday makers the
the best way to require without coun
get the most compromising try
out of a surfing the islands‟ with
trip in the deep Muslim the
Maldives is to faith. The lowe
get yourself on Maldives is the st
a surf boat smallest Asian high
charter. country in terms point
This is life of both in
stripped down population and the
to simplicity – area; it is the worl
bright blue skies, smallest d, at
all-year sunshine predominantly 2.3
and fantastic Muslim nation in metr
div-ing and the world. The es.
snorkeling in Maldives is
lagoons the unique. The
temperature of islands are on
bath water. The average only
country 1.5 metres (4 ft
embraces 11 in) above sea
travel-lers from level, it is the
around the lowest country
world allowing on the plan-et. It
www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
Surfing Maldives higher, so exposure is reduced.
There are three main surfing areas
During the last decade, surfing in the 1. The North and South Male Atoll, best dur-
Maldives has attracted plenty of Aus- ing the South-West Monsoon season, from
tralian surfers and crew from all over the April to October. From May to August
world. The same swells that hit Indonesia waves are strongest.
deliver the goods to the Maldives, the
2. Central Atolls offer predominantly long,
only difference being that the latitude is clean rights varying in size between 3 and
14. 6ft. During the Australian winter (April-Oc-
tober), it‟s never flat
3. Southern Atolls best from February to April
and from September to November. There
are always waves in the area, but the
winds become very strong at other times.
North & South Male Atoll
The most famous breaks are in North Male‟ At-
olls. These points offer rights and lefts. Always
something for beginners or for professional
surfers, with waves from ranging from 1 to 3
meters with long point breaks. Surf spots can
be accessed in two ways; by surf charter, or
by dhoni transferring surfers from the resorts.
Although not all the spots can be accessed
from the resorts.
Usually surfers prefer the surf charters to reach
the different points in North and South Male‟
Atolls, as they have no constraints and can
choose among the most famous breaks.
Don‟t leave without surfing Cokes, Jailbreaks
(Himmafushi), Honky‟s, Sultans and Tucky
Joes!
Central Atolls
Around 140kms south of Male lie the Central
Atolls. This area was explored by seaplane on
an Oxbow expedition in 2004, and from
there the first Central Atolls surf charters
began. To this day few boats canvas this
area, so it‟s perfect for those wanting to
experience un-crowded surf.
Southern Atolls
There are atolls, about 340kms south of Male,
with at least a dozen high level reef breaks.
Only just recently increasing in popularity,
these atolls are less travelled due to their dis-
tance from Male. An extra domestic flight is
required to get there, which is great news for
those looking to get away from the crowds.
Due to wind conditions these atolls are best
surfed from February to April and from Sep-
tember to November.
www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
15. Surf breaks North Male Surf breaks
walled, super fast
section called the
„Pinnacles‟. Rides
are 100 to 150
meters. It is best on
high tide with any
Lohis wind from W to N
Lohis - Good and and is only
hollow left-hander accessed by boat.
with two sections.
It requires big SE
Sultans
swells and high Sultans - Easy spot
tides to work best. located off
NW-NE offshore Thanburudhoo
winds are ideal. island on the
This is the break other side of
at Hudhuran Honkey‟s.
Fushi Resort. Excellent and
long right-hander
that can provide
Chickens
long walls and
Chickens - even hollow
Eastern reef of sections during
North Male Atoll. big swells from
This long, the south. One of
excellent left- the most con-
hander has two sistent waves of
sec-tions with an the Male atolls
enjoyable, thin, that never closes
peeling, racing out, even on
lip. Best winds are large swells. It is
NW-NNE best at high tide
(offshore). It was and with west to
named because north winds.
of the poultry
farm on the island Ninjas
and is only Ninjas - North
accessed by Male Atoll break
boat. out the front of
Club Med Resort.
This slow right-
hander is good
Honkeys for beginners and
Honkeys - One of long-boarders.
the most Best on W-NW
consistent waves winds with a
of moderate Sth
North Male Atoll swell. It was
off the island of named Ninjas
Thanburud-hoo due to the
which is Japanese rid-ers
uninhabited. This is that love the
an excellent, long, break. However
world-class left- can be a serious
hander. The take- wave when a big
off is a steep SE swell hits it.
outside peak
called „Phantoms‟,
which slingshots
into a very long,
16. and a few cover
up sections. One
of the most
popular breaks
due to the fact it
isn‟t a heavy
wave and is
normally a little
smaller than its
cousin Honkey‟s
across the
channel.
Cokes
Cokes - Also at the
eastern reef of
North Male
Atoll, this wave is
a short, intense
ride with a steep
barrelling take
off, followed by
a very shallow
inside section
that opens up
even more than
the takeoff. Ideal
on a straight
south swell and
Jails NW winds.
Jails - Jails is Named after the
actually the Coca-Cola
break off the factory on the
island island, there‟s a
Himmafushi which beautiful view of
used to actually the palm fringed
have a jail on it. beach from the
The jail has surf zone. To best
moved to a new experience
one, but the Cokes, you can
name stays. This stay at our surf
wave is a perfect camp right on
right-hand reef the point of the
break with a big break itself.
wack able wall
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Surf breaks
South Male Surf Breaks
Kandooma
17. Right
Kandooma Right is
at your doorstep if
you‟re staying at
Kandooma Resort.
You could throw a
cricket ball to the
take off zone from
your villa. A fast
breaking right with
two take off spots,
the first an easier
Natives/Foxys
option with the Natives/Foxys -
sec-ond a more This wave is very
critical take off. fast and hol-low
This wave breaks breaking over
over relatively relatively shallow
shallow reef for 100 coral. It‟s “Goofys
meters and Paradise” or if
provides many you‟re fast on the
barrel backhand you
opportunities. It is will love this
best on a mid tide wave. Breaks for
and is one of the 100 to 150 metres
best waves in the and provides
Maldives at 3 to many barrel
6ft. It likes a SE opportunities. Best
swell direc-tion with SE swell and
and is offshore in NW wind. On
any W win. transfer you will
visit both Foxy‟s
and Rip Tides, so
you get the best
of both worlds.
winds. It was
named after the
Quarters resort workers‟
quarters on the
Quarters -
island.
Gulhigaathuhura
a, uninhabited
island attached Twin Peaks
to Anantara Twin Peaks - Iyaru
Resort. Eastern Faru near the
Reef of South island of Gul-hi, an
Male Atoll. The inhabited island,
wave has two eastern reef of
sections; the South Male Atoll.
outside is a fat, Sectiony left and
slow and mean- right, that picks up
dering wave more swell than
perfect for long most of the breaks
boarders and in South Malé Atoll.
even beginners. Can have a good
The inside section end section on the
is a re-ally nice, left in a big
fast little right- southerly swell. The
hander that picks right is a real
up less swell than mixed bag and
most other rarely delivers the
places, but on its goods. Best in N
day delivers winds, and the
perfect barrels. higher the tide, the
Best in W to NW better.
18. Kates
Kates - Riptides
Boduhuraa, Riptides - A right
uninhabited hander breaking
island near the for 150 meters on a
Anantara Resort, reef in the middle
eastern reef of of a channel.
South Male Atoll. Need a transfer to
Small short left, this wave even
best in NW to N though it is very
winds. This wave close. The wave is
is fickle, but with aptly named as
the right some-times very
conditions is a strong currents
very fun option. can sweep you
seaward so we
always check
current con-ditions
before settling in
for a session. Great
wave for
longboarders and
shortboarders as
well as low or
intermediate
surfers, providing
very carvable
walls and the
occasional hol-low
section. Best in Sth
swell and SW wind.
Tucky Joes /
Boatyards
Tucky Joes /
Boatyards -
Considered by
those “in the
know”, to be the
best break in the
Maldives on its
day. The take off
can be steep. A
very fast reaction
is required to set
up for the freight
train ahead. Up
to 200 mtrs long it
offers several
barrel
opportunities,
sometimes linking
to offer long
intense rides out
of the sun. On a
perfect day you
will get 3 barrel
sections, the best
being the last if
you have the guts
to take it on. The
reef is shallow
and low tide can
stop play. Prefers
19. light NW wind day.
and SE swell. Not
for the faint
hearted on a big
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Central Atolls
The Meemu, Thaa and Laamu Atolls
offer spots exposed to all wind directions
and for all levels. All spots in the Meemu
Atoll are on a coastline facing to the
east. There is always a left or a right
hander well protected from the
predominant south westerly wind, but
south easterly or even easterly winds
may affect all spots negatively. All spots
are close to each other so you can
change spots within a few minutes!
The Thaa Atoll picks up south east
swell and may be even bigger than
spots on east fac-ing coastlines of
other atolls. Due to its seclud-ed
location it is almost guaranteed that
you will not even spot another surf
charter during your stay. The spots are
well protected from North to
Northwest winds. Conditions may be
fickle in other wind directions. This
area will be chosen only in very stable
weather condi-tions.
Spots in the Laamu Atoll are spread
from the south facing coastline along
the east fac-ing up to the north east
corner where waves wrap around. As
a result you will find spots protected
from all wind directions except a rare
20. straight easterly breeze. The first resort
on the atoll has now opened and you
can now stay at the luxury Six Senses
Resort, which is directly across the
channel to Ying Yang surf break.
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Central Atolls
:
Veyvah
Veyvah -
Perfect left
hander with
long wall.
Easy take
off with
several
options with
Meem long rides.
u Atoll Not
heavy
too
-
great fun.
21. Mulha
Mulha - The
left here is a
pretty
shallow, fast
wave. Works
only in
certain types
of conditions.
Mulha
Mulha -
Right hander Muli
that can Inside/F1
hold bigger
Muli Inside/F1
swells, easy
- A very fast
to ride even
right, with
when it is
long walls,
big. Good
hollow,
for
barreling,
intermediate
can be
s and even
shallow, but
beginners.
still with a
safe ending.
Very well
protected
from south-
erly winds,
needs bigger
swells to
work.
Muli
Outside/M
ushrooms
Muli
Outside/Mu
shrooms -
Picks up
more swell,
good in SW
winds, right
hander with
long walls,
can max
out easily,
easy exit on
the corner.
southeast
and the
swell is large
Thaa from the
southwest
Atoll : you should
head to the
Malik’s island of
Malik‟s - Hirilandhoo.
When the The left
wind is from hand reef
the pass there
22. can
produce
some great
barrels on
long and Finnimas
speedy
Finnimas -
walls.
Speedy,
shallow left
Outside that can
and Inside pro-duce
Mikados some firing
Outside and waves.
Inside When it is
Mikados - on it can
Powerful provide
waves with some
fast, hollow greenroom
walls. Can time.
produce
some Adonis
awesome Adonis - This
barrels. right hander
Catches needs
more swell bigger
than other swells as it is
spots in this more
area but is protected.
less Can get
protected fast and
to winds. hol-low,
When it is shallow
on, it can sections. If it
give you is on the
the surf of rides can
your be pretty
lifetime. long.
Finnimas Timarafuri
Finnimas - On
Timarafuri -
the other Pretty
side of the straight reef.
island there is Tends to
a right close out.
hander that Can be fun
sometimes in a
breaks. sectiony
swell with a
beach
break style.
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.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
Central Atolls
23. with safe
rides in
deep
water.
Refugee’s
Right
Refugee‟s
Right - Fast
and shallow
take off,
barreling,
spitting,
perfect
wave. Only
for those
who can
handle the
speed!
Quite dan-
gerous
wave,
Tsunamis
usually works
Laamu better.
Atoll : Langon
Bank
Langon
Refugee’s Bank - This
Left right needs
big easterly
Refugee‟s
swells but is
Left - Heavy
very well
left that
protected
tends to from south-
close out erly winds.
picks up a This spot is
lot of swell. rarely surfed
due to a
Ying Yang lack of
Ying Yang - anchorage.
one of the
most
consistent
spots in the
area and
loves a solid
southeast
swell.
Yin Yang
has a long
inside
section and
can
produces
some
incredibly
hollow
barrels.Out-
side is a
mellow wall
24. hand wave
is just
perfect. It
has three
parts to it.
The outside,
corner and
the inside.
All three
parts are
connecting
when the
swell is right
and make
the wave
tons of fun.
Usually you
take off at
the outside.
The reef is
pretty
straight here
and you
can pull into
the barrel
just af-ter
take off.
When you
are fast
Opposite enough you
Tsunamis get to the
Opposite corner
Tsunamis - where
This left picks waves are a
up prob- bit mel-
ably the lower and
most swell of give you a
all east little break
facing spots to do perfor-
in the mance
Laamu atoll. turns. Stay
As the reef is on from
quite there to the
straight it inside and
tends to you will get
close out another
though. long and
When heavy bar-
Tsunamis is rel section.
too small this Unfortunatel
left can be y this wave
fun. It is well is always
pro-tected smaller than
from Ying Yang
westerly to and has its
northerly flat spells.
winds. Also currents
can get
very heavy
Tsunamis to make this
Tsunamis - impossible
When the to surf.
swell is big
this right
34. o
w
w
a
l
l
s
t
o
s
o
f
t
a
n
d
n
e
v
e
r
e
n
d
i
n
g
p
l
a
y
f
u
l
w
a
v
e
s
.
slamming straight onto close-out sections of
coral. Beacons is flanked by an unnamed
left across the chan-nel, which have its days
Beacons in a big swell and tend to go unridden.
Beacons - This break is 3 hrs away from the
air-port, at the first southern reef pass. Touted
as the Maldives‟ gutsiest wave, Beacons
pow-erful right tubes onto a shallow
unforgiving reef. SW swells will break down
the reef, but a SE swell will create peaks
35. phone. A sort of fat ride on the takeoff
and if the swell direction is right can link up
with another sec-tion on the inside where it
Dhigulaabadhoo / Castaways produces a bit more speed and power,
needs same wind as Beacons and can be
Dhigulaabadhoo / Castaways - Across the surfed on all tides, plenty of marine life
channel from Beacons, this left is called
around here common to see whale sharks.
Dhi-raagu after the phone company in the
Mal-dives as the island is shaped like a
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Southern Atolls
style wave, it
has good a
length of ride
and nice
bowly sections
for
performance
moves. All
swells, all tides
Gaafu and all sizes.
Dhaalu
Atoll : Kaededhdh
oo or
Airports
KH - KH Kaededhdhoo
KH - KH is or Airports - Fun
almost east right hander
coast and when the swell
the two is large. As it is
distinct take on the west
off spots link side of the atoll
together in it doesn‟t
bigger swell receive as
and tide much swell as
conditions. the other
breaks. Lucky
Blue Bowls punters will
or Voodoos score good at
Airports with a
Blue Bowls or
strong S-SW
Voodoos -
swell and
Blue Bowls is
NE wind.
the most
flexible right, Love
tucked inside
the pass and Charms
pro-tected Love Charms
from SW-W - are actually
Winds. More several
of a point reliable lefts,
36. which can
handle E
winds and
any size of
swell. Low
tide is the
best when it is
small, soft
and broken
into two
distinct
sections. Big-
ger swell
morphs into a
long, hollow
wall, with
protected
pockets.
Gani Point
or Five
Islands
Gani Point or
Five Islands -
Five Islands is
an-other
righthander
that breaks Koodhoo
hard and hol- and Viligili
low on the Right
shallow reef
inside. The Koodhoo and
outside Viligili Right -
section East facing
encourages lefts, very well
deep protected
takeoffs into from
racy walls dominant
and handles westerly
the biggest winds.
swells at all
tides Booga Reef
or Two Ways
Booga Reef
or Two Ways -
Left and right-
hander - with
the right
usually
coming up
bet-ter but it
needs a big
swell to hit its
protected
position,
making it at
favourite with
interme-
diates. Fun,
peeling, long
walls with a
bit of depth
to the water.
37. Rockets or committing to
an inside tube
Tiger Stripes
section that
Rockets or wraps and
Tiger Stripes - peters out in
Named after the channel.
the narrow Un-impressive
gouges in the when small, it
reef that give always seems
a striped to be bigger
effect, Tigers is than
a real everywhere
growling left in else. All tides,
a strong swell. all vari-ations
Tricky take offs of S Swells and
into a long any N Wind.
speedy wall
before
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Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
Southern Atolls
Addu Atoll :
The Addu Atoll is basically not
described at all yet. Nevertheless
some adventurous surf-ers have
discovered the area and found
several spots on the south but
also at the west and east facing
parts of the atoll. Es-pecially the
left hander on the island of Vil-
ingili and the right hander just
south of Gan are known to offer
good days. The Addu At-oll
doesn‟t have the perfectly
shaped soft breaking waves. It is
technically more chal-lenging as
it requires more flexibility to make
the sections or to get enough
speed out of the less powerful
faces. The swell exposure is the
best of the whole Maldives.
Vilingili
Vilingili - This right needs swell
from westerly di-rections to stay
38. open. Clean and small swells
work the best at this spot.
Mulikede / Kanda Muli
Mulikede / Kanda Muli - Beach
break type reef as it is too
straight for a point break. Can
be fun with small swells. Then
there are tons of peaks
favouring lefts.
Hithado / Kottey
Hithado / Kottey - Left Hander
beach break type reef. Works in
easterly and southerly wind
directions. The spot is accessible
by land. Take a cab from
equator village or hire a
motorcycle. The spot is in front of
a dump and can have its heavy
days.
Gaukendi Bridge
Gaukendi Bridge - Works best
when all other spots are too
small. Then it may offer some
short but fun left hand rides on
the south side of the bay.
Airport Lights
Airport Lights - Very fast and
powerful right-hander that tends
to close out unless you are really
fast. If you make the sections you
will be rewarded with nice
39. barrels, if you are not, you will
definitely end up on the shallow
reef. The spot is well protected
from west to south west winds
especially if the swell is large and
once you can surf the more
northern parts of the reef corner.
Outsides can be really throw-ing
and intimidating.
Vilingili / Madihera
Vilingili / Madihera - This spot picks
up a lot of swell but tends to be
fickle. In the right wind directions it
offers a fun lefthander with differ-
ent sections and take off points.
The waves hit from deep water
and provide some heavy barrels at
certain spots of the reef. The bot-
tom of the reef is a bit uneven
which makes the wave funny at
times and changes from heavy to
soft within a few meters. For those
of you that can adapt quickly the
Vilingili left can be tons of fun and
high quality. Once the winds swing
around more to the south east the
end section of this wave can be
firing.
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Seasonality
Temperat
ure is
consistent
40. the whole rainfall
year and
round 29 - lower
32‟C hu-
during the midity.
day and The tides
25-26‟C and
during the currents
night. The
place a
Maldives
very
climate
important
can be
role in
divided
defining
into two
the surfing
periods,
conditions
characteri
in the
sed by
two
monsoons
.
1. The
South-
West
Monso
on,
from
May to
No-
vemb
er, is
humid
and
with
persist
ent
rain-
falls. In
this
period
the
sea is
heavy
and
winds
are
strong.
2. The
North-
East
Monso
on,
from
Dece
mber
to
April,
has
very
little
41. reef of the
atolls
creating
the best
conditions
for surfing.
The
swelling
lines are
usually
perfect
and the
waves
keep the
same
shape with
all the
tides.
The surf
throughout
the
Maldives
generally
ranges in
size from 4-
8 feet,
however
bigger
days have
been
experienc
ed. The
best
waves in
Maldives. North Male
All the can be
breaks experienc
occur near ed from
the tight May to
channels October,
of the with the
atolls. The biggest
currents swells likely
through to oc-cur
these in
channels June/July/
can August.
become The best
very waves in
strong. South
Dur-ing the Male
south-west usually
monsoon, come July
currents to
go to- October.
wards the
external
43. www.theperfectwave.c
om.au Tel: +61(2) 9939
0890
IN
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La U s
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waii
BI
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LA
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44. UNITED STATES OF
Washington D.C.
AMERICA
ATL
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MEXICO AN
Maxico City
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45. SC
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48. Kahanam
oku in the
1920‟s,
Ove whose
stat-ue
rvie can
found on
be
w: Waikiki‟s
waterfront
.
Kauai,
Surfing Oahu,
was first Molokai,
document Lanai,
ed here in Maui and
1779 but in Ha-waii‟s
all Big Island
likelihood are the six
the main
Polynesian islands
people that
had been create
surfing Hawaii
here since and every
400AD. one has
Hawaii it‟s own
truly is the distinct
birthplace individuali
of surfing. ty that
Initially a entice
sport re- people for
served for anything
royalty, from the
the ultimate
ancients honeymo
would on, to
move from adventure
their winter activities,
homes in or
the north amazing
shore to shopping.
their
summer
retreats in
the south
of the is-
lands to
pick up
the best
waves all
year
round.
Surfing
was
popularise
d by
Olympic
swimmer
Duke
49. surfer if
you have
not made
it on the
North
Shore.
Look in
any Surf
mag and it
will not
take you
too long to
find a
Located in picture of
the a Ha-
Pacific, waiian
not too far wave. It is
off the a place
shores of truly
the blessed
mainland with top
USA, quality
Hawaii will waves and
offer a swell.
paradise Hawaii
like no receives
other and numerous
should not swells from
be missed. October
You have to March,
not made gen-
it as a
world class
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om.au Tel: +61(2) 9939
0890
erated from deep lows
tracking across the North
Pacific. The swells can be
anywhere in the region
of 10-30ft - now that is big
surf!
Unfortunately due to the
surf size and the lo-calism,
a surf trip to Hawaii might
be better spent away from
the North Shore and there
are no shortage of spots
and less crowding
elsewhere. The other side
of the island gets frequent
3-8ft waves so you will not
be missing out trying out
other lesser known breaks.
50. If you are keen for the
North Shore, stay at Turtle
Bay Resort so you can go
out with their surf guide. If
you want to learn to surf
though or are trav-elling
with a non-surfing partner
or your family, and want to
be closer to the „non-surf‟
action, you are best off
staying in Waikiki. Here
there are plenty of tourist
activities and amazing
shopping to amuse your
travelling compan-ions.
You can find surf at the
local beaches or hire a
car and go cruising the
coast. For be-ginners,
there‟s no shortage of
Learn to Surf operations in
the main areas of most of
the
islands. More people
learn to surf on Waikiki‟s
beach than anywhere
else in the world. The
small rolling waves that
come into Waikiki are the
perfect waves to
experience surfing from
the first time.
51. www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
Surf breaks
The swell that rolls into these islands is from
the intense lows that circle the earth south of
Aus-tralia, blessing the islands with a
generous SE to SW groundswell (March to
September), team-ing this with some of the
most consistent trade winds (South Pacific
Trade Winds) generally from the east with
slight variations. The North Pacific delivers
some intense lows that send in NE to NW
swells (October to March). This makes these
island gems in the perfect posi-tion to make the year. But watch out for the winter months
use of the swells with perfectly cut out bays, when the big swells hit as even the most
banks and reefs set up and wait-ing for you. expe-rienced surfers will have a challenge.
Oahu from October through to March is re- Hawaii or the „Big Island‟ is not as well known
nowned for its monstrous waves and has for its breaks however there are some excel-
host-ed many a world surfing championship. lent set ups at Waipio on the north coast and
Trav-elling surfers are attracted to Haleiwa, Papeekeo just north of Hilo on the east
one of the surf capitals of the world and the coast.
gateway to Oahu‟s famous North Shore There are scattered breaks around
breaks. Along the 7 mile stretch of beach Keauhopu south of Kailua that will also keep
there are some 40 surf breaks including you enter-tained for a while.
Sunset Beach, Waimea and Banzai Pipeline - In Maui, the best spots for surfing are off the
without a doubt the best known break in the north shore between Hookipa Beach and
world. For beginners head down to Waikiki Baldwin Park (summer surfing is good) and
Beach where you will find some of the Napili Bay. Beginners will find Kealia Beach in
easiest beach breaks to get your first ride. Kihei (west coast) a great place to learn. Winds
Consistency on Kauai is awesome for begin- pick up in the afternoons so if you are not ex-
ners and reliable waves on the south coast perienced, go early. Body surfing is good at
at Poipu is fortunately protected majority of Lahaina harbour.
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Backdoor
Surf breaks Backdoor - The same take off zone as Pipe, but
a right hand barrel that breaks over very
North Shore Breaks shallow reef. It‟s hollow, fast and powerful.
No Kanduis
Ehukai Beach Park - A hollow, fast and pow-
erful right and left that can break furiously.
When the sand bars have formed correctly
this break will give you the tube ride of your
life over shallow and soft sand.
Log Cabins
Log Cabins - Fast, powerful, very long, and Haleiwa
can get epic. Haleiwa - First stop on the Triple Crown of
Surf-ing Circuit. The right is more consistent
Rockpiles and can get hollow and heavy. There are
Rockpiles - Hollow, ledgy and powerful right also some lefts that come through that are
and left reef break. fun and rippable when it is smaller.
Rocky Point Sunset Beach
Rocky Point - A hollow, fast and powerful Sunset Beach - Site of the second stop of the
right and left reef break. Triple Crown of Surfing, this wave is also one of the
more famous breaks in surfing history. There is
Off The Wall nearly a 200m takeoff zone, with three main spots:
Off The Wall - Generally a hollow, fast and The Point, The Main Reef, and Backyards.
powerful right tube. The odd left that tends Generally hollow, fast, powerful and ledgey right
to close out on the inside. reef breaks, with some lefts at Backyards.
Velzyland barrels. When it gets really big, there is a
Velzyland - This wave is an amazing right left called Freddies on the south side of the
hander with rippable walls and long same bay, and behind them both is a big
53. wave spot called Phantoms. Banzai Pipeline
Banzai Pipeline - Pipe is a legendary wave
that demands a surfer‟s respect. It is the
final stop of the Triple Crown of Surfing as
well as the ASP World Tour. It‟s a super fast,
ledgy left hand reef break with one of the
best tubes in the world.
Turtle Bay
Waimea Bay Turtle Bay - On the west side of the resort, a
Waimea Bay - One of the first recognised hollow, fast and powerful right reef break
big wave surf spots in the world, and site of when the swell is up, and a fun longboard
the only ASP sanctioned big wave contest wave that can take you over a hundred
– “The Eddie.” When the North Shore is yards when its smaller. On the east side of the
closing out, Waimea Bay starts to come resort there is a right called Rainbows that
alive. It is a right point break that holds gets fun when there is more east in the swell.
swells up to 30ft. When it is not big enough Further east from Rainbows is Baggers, a very
to work, another right called Pinballs can long and hollow left tube over shallow reef.
be surfed on the inside close to the rocks.
South Shore and Waikiki Breaks
Ala Moana Bowls Long, hollow, powerful, fast and ledgey left tube.
Kaisers A ledgey, fast and powerful right and left reef break.
Three’s A long, fast and powerful right and left reef break.
Canoe’s Short, easy right and left reef break.
Queens A fun right and left reef break.
Publics A consistent long left
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Seasonality
With two
distinct
seasons,
big wave
season hits
54. the north
shores of
all islands
from
Novem-
ber to April
and is
produced
from the
winter
storms
around
Alaska. As
there is no
land mass
between
the
continent
and the
islands, the
waves
grow in
strength
on their
5000km
jour-ney.
During
summer,
the north
shore goes
flat, the
focus shifts
to the
south
shore.
Tropical
storms
waves
around
that hit
the south
the north
pacific
shores,
send the
but the
swell north south
in the coast of
Summer, Oahu
reaching (including
the ex- Waikiki
posed Beach)
southern and Kauai
shores (Poipu
from May Beach)
til have
October. particularl
These y favour-
waves are able
not as conditions
intense as for surfing.
the winter
Summer
temperat
ures are
55. usually west-erly
around winds.
25-29°C, Temperat
with June ures range
and July from
being the approxi-
driest mately 23-
months. 26°C and
During the drop
winter, the another
temperat 10° after
ure is the sun
usually a goes
few down.
degrees
cooler,
with north
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om.au Tel: +61(2) 9939
0890
SOLOM
ON
ISLAND
S
TUVALU
TOKELAU(N.Z)
SAMOA
TAHITI(FRANCH
VANUATU POLYNESIA)
F
I
J
I
COOK ISLANDS
T
O
N
G
A
N
E
W
74. to keep the little ones busy and babysitting
at bargain prices so Mum & Dad can have a
holiday too!
Whilst the likes of Cloudbreak, Frigates Pas-
sage and Namotu are well known and photo-
graphed, it will be the „as yet undiscovered‟ or
unpublicised gems of the outer islands and
reefs that will ensure this country continues to
grow as a surfing destination of choice. Most of
the islands are surrounded by barrier reefs
which makes the water quite calm but there
are some amazing breaks that allow the full
power of the Pacific Ocean to crash in. Most
reef breaks around the islands are accessed
by boat transfers and live aboard surf boat
charters have not really taken off here,
which keeps the crowds down.
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75. Surf breaks
Fiji has a renowned reputation amongst the international surf community. There are a half
dozen spots that have proven to have world-class surf, and that is just the beginning with more
unnamed and un-ridden surf spots wait-ing to be discovered. Almost all of the named breaks
are off the main island of Viti Levu or the nearby island chain known as the Mama-nuca
Islands.
The surf, which is generally all outer coral reef and overhead high, can be challenging for
inexperienced surfers. For this reason surfers need to be competent and confident. There
is a beach break near Sigatoka river mouth, but it‟s said to be quite challenging and we‟ve found it
to be shark infested and muddy brown water. Alternatively, the less experienced surf-er can be
catered for at Little Daku at Naninya Island Resort or Shifties which you can access from Matanivusi
off Veti Levu(see below).
Recommended surfboards would be a „hot-dog‟ short board and a larger semi-gun for the
bigger days. Board shorts can be worn year-round, a rashie and sunscreen are needed for sun
protection and booties are optional for the reef.
76. www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
Surf breaks
Mamanuca Islands Breaks
Mini Cloudbreak
Mini Cloudbreak - Powerful, fast wave. The
best wind direction is south-east. Best
around high tide.
wave though, and
Desperations will definitely sort the
Desperations - A crowds out when it
classic wave that gets over 6ft.
doesn‟t really work
until its 4-5ft but just
keeps getting better
the bigger it gets. A
left and a right with
length, speed and
nice hollow sections.
Restaurants
Restaurants - This is a
good, fast left hand
reef break for pros
or kamikazes only.
However, with the
new laws prohibiting
the exclusivity of surf
breaks you can now
surf this awesome
waves any day you
want.
Cloudbreak
Cloudbreak - The
world famous WCT
loca-tion is one of
the best lefts in the
world. With the new
laws prohibiting the
exclusivity of surf
breaks, you can now
surf this awesome
waves any day you
want. This is a serious
77. channel.
Wilkes Passage
Wilkes Passage - This Namotu Left
fun right-hander is Namotu Left - A left
great for most levels of that breaks all year
surfers & is best at mid round, best from
to high tide. Like most October to April with
of the breaks in the lighter winds. When
area, it works best with its under 6 ft, it will
S - SW swell. The only even suit longboards,
access is by boat. but becomes very
Unfortunately, it is very challenging over 6 ft.
exposed and prone to Namotu itself is a
being blown out by quality wave, but
the prevailing trade remember to kick off
winds. Afternoon at the end of your
glass-offs, though rare, ride - don‟t fall into
can be a truly the trap of going for
wonderous sight as that final barrel sec-
clean right hand tion - no one gets out
barrels peel off of it.
mechanically into the
safety of the deep
www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2)
9939 0890
Surf breaks
Viti Levu Breaks
J’s
J‟s - J‟s is a hollow, fast wave that breaks
from 2‟ to 6‟. It‟s best around the high tide
with winds from NE to W. It needs some west
in the swell to run down the reef.
Vunaniu
Vunaniu - Vananiu is a short wedging right
which has a bowl section at the end, usually
smaller than other breaks. This would be a
good option for the kids. It does get good.
It‟s best at high tide.
Shifties
Shifties - This wave has a deep water take off
making the break a „not too threatening‟ ride.
This outside point of the barrier reef picks up all
the swell and can be double the size of J‟s and
Vunaniu. It is powerful and thick.
When everywhere else is flat, you can almost
guarantee a 4-foot wave at Shifties. It can
be surfed at all tides. Again, a wind of the
north quadrant is needed.
Hideaways
78. Hideaways - Hideaways is a right hand reef
break, only a short paddle in front of Hidea-
way Resort. It‟s a hollow, fast, ledgey barrel, but
only good around high tide. Starts work-ing at
less than 3ft and holds up to 6ft plus. Year-
round wave, although it is more consist-ent
from May to October. Recommended for
experienced surfers only.
Frigates
Frigates - Definitely a world-class left that can
rival Cloudbreak for power, size and consist-
ency. Because of the gradual tapering of the
reef, it can handle all swell sizes. The SE trade
winds are offshore, so when the inside waves
near Matanivusi are blown out, there is al-ways
the consistent Frigates. Because it‟s out in the
ocean, about 20 kilometres from Ma-tanivusi, it
picks up all swell. However, some west in the
swell can make it a bit dicey. It definitely makes
the end section stand up! Frigates is accessed
by a number of resorts and can get crowded.
However, once the swell gets up over 10‟,
there is a drop in the numbers tackling the
waves. A longer board is recommended to
tackle the big drops and strong offshore winds.
Naninya Island Breaks
The Bombi King Kong Right
The Bombi - 10 minutes from Naninya Island Re- King Kong Right - This is often 6ft plus face
sort by boat, can be seen from the resort deck. height. This is an exciting very fast tube for a
more advanced rider. The trade winds are
onshore for this break, but the summer wind
Little Daku (north easterly) is offshore. It is best early
Little Daku - This break is often suitable for the morning before the trade winds start, or late
less experienced surfer. This is also an excel- afternoon if the trade winds die down.
lent area to enjoy a free “getting started”
surfing lesson by Naninya‟s surf guide. King Kong Left
King Kong Left - This is a 40-metre long wave that has
Middle Daku a take-off in deep water, reducing risk of coral
Middle Daku - Daku is the Fijian name for the scratches and is good for intermediate to advanced
beautiful sandy beach. In the middle of the surfers. The average size is 3 ft to 5 ft offshore, but it
beach, 60 metres from the sand, is a coral can hold up to 15 ft plus. It was named King Kong
break. It breaks both right and left but the right because of the famous 1935 movie which was part-ly
is generally better. The trade winds are on- filmed underneath the mountain Nabukelevuira. This
shore/across this break but the summer wind mountain also has a moderating effect on the wind
(north-easterly) is directly offshore. It is also best at the King Kong Left break so that it is still op-erating
early morning before the trade winds start. when other areas are blown out.
www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
79. Seasonality
consistent
clean
groundswel
ls. Most of
the south
and south-
westerly
swells from
these lows
are
blocked by
New
Zealand
and hence
Fiji
generally
receives
south-
easterly
swell from
the lows
that have
passed
east of
New
Zealand.
South-
westerly
swells arrive
at the
islands after
piecing the
gap
between
Australia
Fiji and New
generally Zealand.
receives South-east
swell year trade
round, winds also
although dominate
April to the
October is weather at
the this time of
preferred year,
surf season, which
when deep means the
lows
tracking
across the
southern
ocean
south of
Australia
and New
Zealand
pro-vide
80. consistent.
North
Pacific
winter
swells do
arrive at
the is-
lands,
though
have little
impact on
the main
reefs that
all lie on
the south
facing
coasts of
Viti Levu
and
Kadavu.
Also at this
time of
year, South
Pacific
tropical
cyclones
can
produce
good
swells. If
you‟re
lucky
enough to
have one,
blow up in
wind is the right
convenien location,
tly blowing particularly
directly off- those
shore at forming
the world between
class Papua
breaks New
such as Guinea
Frigates and
and Australia
Restaurant that track
s. From south
November giving
to April, days of
these consistent
south westerly
swells are swell.
smaller
and less
81. www.theperfectwave.c
om.au Tel: +61(2) 9939
0890
Water temperatures are
very warm with virtu-ally
no seasonal variation
from about 27-28°C,
apart from the
easternmost islands,
which tend to have
slightly cooler water
during the south-ern
hemisphere winter, but
no need to pack rubber.
Air temperature is
determined by its location
in the South Pacific Ocean
and has tropical mari-time
climate without extremes
in temperature.
The hotter season in January,
February is usually no more
than 3 to 4 degrees hotter
than the cool season of
July and August. Although
the hot season is the rainy
season and higher
humidity can make this
season feel much hotter.
Rainfall in Fiji is largely
determined by the time of
year. For example, the wet
season is November to
April and experiences a
much larger amount of
rainfall that the other
months of the year. Es-
pecially the larger islands
that generate clouds and
precipitation.
82. www.theperfectwave.com.au Tel: +61(2) 9939 0890
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