Surf Overview
The best season for waves is November to April. Swell is usually 2 to 6 feet but can be bigger. At the northern destination areas of Surf Solomons the best swell comes from long period north Pacific lows. Unlike some other surf options in the Solomons we offer an area with a very wide swell window open to the full range of NE to NW and E to SE swells. Its a rare day that we cannot find a wave to surf. There are no crowds - our groups will be the only people surfing the area. We also offer an exclusive Coral Sea surf camp on Guadalcanal - the same island as the capital Honiara.
ABOVE: North facing coasts of Solomon's many islands have wide exposure to Aleutian and North Pacific long period ground swells.
(Image source: Google Earth)
Guadalcanal weather coast.
North Pacific:
The best season for waves is November to April when the North Pacific awakens. Long period ground swells regularly hit exposed north facing coasts including Malaita, Ysabel and Makira. The same swells which hit the North Shore of Hawaii reach the Caroline Islands and then the Solomons some days later - at reduced size and very long period. Swell is usually 3 to 6 feet but can be bigger.
South Pacific (Coral Sea)
There are also less consistent southerly swells from the Coral Sea which reach south facing islands including Gizo and South Guadalcanal. The swell window between Australia and New Caledonia is quite narrow but straight southerly swells that tend to miss the east coast of Australia in late winter can sometimes reach the Solomons. On its day there are great waves to be had.
Tropical depressions in the coral sea and Western Pacific can generate localised swell from the north and south.
Toi
This is considered the premier wave by many who come on our trips. Its an outer right hand reef set up about 2km from the nearest land. So its very sensitive to wind. In the right conditions its a fast, powerful, right. Has barelling sections, works well on NW to NE swells. Catches all available swell and is often bigger than other breaks in the area.
Gnali nuts
This is a consistent left on most swell directions and sizes. Its best with light offshore or no wind but can handle cross shore conditions. The break has two distinct peaks that sometimes connect making for a long, powerful, walling wave. On bigger swells it comes into its own. Its a great walling wave on most tides. This wave suits all types of surfing (short board, fish and mals).
Is a long peaking left which at its best goes through 4 distinct bowling and then reforming sections. At mid to high tide this is an easy walling wave that can handle large swells. On small swells it can get a bit fat and higher tides can stop breaking all together. On low tide its a completely different wave with ledging take offs, fast, hollow walls and a very shallow reef. Needs glassy conditions to surf on low tide.
This reef passage is a real swell magnet and there is pretty much always a wave to be had on the incoming tide here even if its flat everywhere else. It breaks more like a beach break with shifting left and right peaks - but it is a reef and can be shallow on the inside. On a good day there can be some fun, peaky and fast waves. Its surfable up to 4 foot. Bigger than that and it becomes too unpredictable as you have to be prepared to get caught inside on this wave. Best on small days at 2-4 foot.
Ngali nuts rights
Across the passage from the main left hand break at Ngali Nuts is a right. Its a bit fickle and hard to catch in the right conditions. But when its clean this can be a fast wave that is fun on smaller days. Generally the left is looking better on bigger swells but there is a lot of potential to explore this wave further and get it at its best.
Kwanala
Swell direction and wind have to be just right and when they are this right is one of the best waves in the area (N to NE swells with glassy conditions). On lower tides it can be a very hollow wave with the wall of the wave increasing as it runs down the reef. On smaller swells and at higher tide it breaks wider on the reef and is a very fun, punchy wave. There is a lot of sea life around this break.
Mathouwa
This is a fast hollow left. Its a very shallow wave and when its over 4 foot is for experienced surfers only. It requires a solid swell from the NW to start breaking and so its not a consistent spot but worth keeping an eye on. There is a nearby wave well suited to beginners.
Never surfed
There are dozens of lefts and rights in the areas of our expeditions that have great potential but have never been surfed. The break on the left is 'Kilu', an open ocean peak, and has not ever been surfed. A unique opportunity is there to be the first person to ever surf a reef break.
