Surf Seasons
Samoa has surf all year, generally divided into the two seasons of South and North swells.
The consistent South swells, generated by the winter storms deep in the Southern Pacific Basin, typically occur from April to early November (the southern hemisphere autumn, winter and spring), but can happen at any time of the year. South-East trade winds blow intermittently from around May to October, and are most frequent from June to September, but even in these months, conditions are typically calm and glassy in the morning and often in the late afternoon as well.
From November to early April, North swells arrive from the tropical storms and hurricanes of the North Pacific, often the same swells that have already hit Hawaii’s North Shore. Quality Southern swells are also common during this period, generated by regional cyclones in the mid-Pacific. In these months, the winds are predominantly North to North-West, with occasional South-East sea breezes.
In the shoulder season months of February-April and October-November, the perfect combination of swell and weather conditions can occur.
Water temperatures are warm all year round, averaging 24-28°C (80-85°F). On Sundays surfing is only permitted at certain breaks.
Salani Surfing
Located on the southeast coast of Samoa’s Upolu island, Salani Surf Resort gets swells from every direction. Southern swells (April to November) are most consistent, but good waves can be accessed year round. Nearby breaks are accessed by boat. When conditions are right, land transfers are provided to several other spots.
To ensure uncrowded surf and personal service, the number of surfers at Salani Surf Resort is limited to 12.
Salani Right and Salani Left lie directly in front of the Salani Surf Resort, off the reef pass created by the river. The right is a shorter, very powerful wave producing open tubes.
The left is a longer wave with some open face sections that requires calm conditions with good swell. Both are reached by a short boat ride.
Coconuts: fast, very hollow, right-hand wave that can handle swells up to 10ft – boat access only.
Siumu Inside: short, wally left hander.
Siumu Outside: longer, hollower left hander.
Boulders: super strong, left-hand point break that works with swells up to 15ft.
The Island: Just 25 minutes away by boat, off a small motu, this long, fast, powerful left-hand barrel can hold a 15ft swell. It’s a consistent reef break that works with a South or South-East Trade wind.
Tiávea: rugged right-hander gives a long, tubular ride; fast shallow left on the other side.
Fagaloa Bay: has a number of right hand point breaks.
Plum Pudding: short, sweet right-hand wave.