The Surf Window

Gizo

Western Province, Solomon Islands

Reef breakIntermediate

In the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, Gizo is the jumping-off point for some of the Pacific's most undiscovered reef breaks, set among WWII history, spectacular dive sites, and authentic Melanesian culture.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–S 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

NE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

May–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Multiple reef passes with long walls

Length

100–300m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced to expert
  • •Why: Remote powerful reef breaks demand experience and self-reliance

Hazards

  • •Saltwater crocodiles in some lagoon areas
  • •Very shallow coral at low tide
  • •Medical evacuation is extremely difficult from this area

Local Tips

  • •Stay at Fatboys or Zipolo Habu Resort, they know the local breaks
  • •Kennedy Island is nearby, where JFK survived after PT-109 was sunk
  • •The WWII wrecks are world-class dive sites when surf is flat

Location

Map showing the location of Gizo in Western Province, Solomon Islands

-8.1055, 156.8414