The Surf Window

Malaita

Malaita, Solomon Islands

Reef breakAdvanced

Malaita Island in the Solomon Islands is one of the Pacific's last true surf frontiers, a rugged, traditional island with unexplored reef passes and a culture so deep and authentic it changes how you think about travel.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

NW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

May–Oct

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Various, reef passes with lefts and rights

Length

100–250m on the best passes

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Remote reef breaks with no support require complete self-sufficiency

Hazards

  • •Very remote, nearest hospital hours away
  • •Saltwater crocodiles in lagoon areas
  • •Traditional land ownership requires permission before surfing

Local Tips

  • •You must go with a local operator who has community relationships
  • •The island is home to the artificial island villages of Langa Langa, a UNESCO-level cultural experience
  • •Expect to be among the first to surf many of these breaks

Location

Map showing the location of Malaita in Malaita, Solomon Islands

-8.7919, 160.8736