The Surf Window

Boulders

Savai'i, Samoa

Reef breakAdvanced

A raw, powerful right-hand reef break on Samoa's western island of Savai'i, Boulders breaks over a shallow reef scattered with large volcanic boulders and delivers intense, hollow waves in a remote and beautiful Polynesian setting.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)

Wind

N

Offshore

Tide

mid-high tide

LowMidHigh

Season

June–August

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Right

Bottom

Coral reef and volcanic boulders

Shape

Fast, hollow right, the reef produces a sharp, pitching wave with a demanding takeoff over a very shallow bottom

Length

50–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: Volcanic boulders and shallow coral reef create dangerous wipeout zones, experience and caution required.

Hazards

  • •Volcanic boulders throughout the reef, unique and severe injury risk
  • •Very shallow at low tide
  • •Remote Savai'i island location
  • •Sea urchins on the reef

Local Tips

  • •Boulders is best accessed from Manase or Salelologa on Savai'i, the ferry from Upolu takes 1 hour.
  • •Samoa's traditional fa'a Samoa culture is still deeply observed, always request permission from village chiefs before surfing reef breaks.

Location

Map showing the location of Boulders in Savai'i, Samoa

-13.5833, -172.3333