The Surf Window

Noro

Western Province, Solomon Islands

Reef breakIntermediate

In Marovo Lagoon, the world's largest saltwater lagoon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Noro sits at the edge of where the outer reef meets the open Pacific, with waves as pristine as the coral systems beneath them.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size1.5–2.5m 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

Right-hand reef break with clean walls

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Powerful Pacific reef break in a completely remote setting

Hazards

  • •Remote location with no services
  • •Coral reef requires careful navigation
  • •Currents through the lagoon passages

Local Tips

  • •Marovo Lagoon itself is reason enough to make this journey, the surfing is a bonus
  • •Local communities manage access, always seek permission
  • •Wood carvings from Marovo artisans are among the finest in the Pacific

Location

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

-8.2422, 157.1988