The Surf Window

Avana Passage

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Reef breakAdvanced

On Rarotonga's eastern side, Avana Passage is where the ancient Polynesian voyagers launched their canoes to settle New Zealand, and where modern surfers find a reef channel with surprisingly consistent swell for a lagoon island.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–E 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

NW

Light to N under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Apr–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Left-hand reef break, fast and hollow

Length

80–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Hollow reef break over shallow coral demands experience

Hazards

  • •Shallow reef at low tide
  • •Currents through the passage
  • •The lagoon itself is calm but the outer reef is serious

Local Tips

  • •Canoe hire from the outrigger club nearby is a unique way to explore the area
  • •The Cook Island cultural center in Avarua has fascinating context on the ancient voyaging tradition
  • •Paddle out through the passage channel, it's the only safe route

Location

Map showing the location of Avana Passage in Rarotonga, Cook Islands

-21.2500, -159.7333