The Surf Window

P-Pass

Pohnpei, Micronesia

Reef breakExpert

Pohnpei's legendary left-hand reef pass, P-Pass (Palikir) is one of the most revered and perfect tropical reef breaks in the world, hollow, barrelling lefts over a shallow coral reef in the remote western Pacific.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

mid-high tide

LowMidHigh

Season

January–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Left

Bottom

Very shallow coral reef

Shape

Long, square-lipped barrel, the wave stands up hard on the reef and throws a thick, round tube that can be ridden for 100m+ on a quality swell

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert
  • •Why: One of the most hollow and shallow tropical reef breaks on Earth, the barrel is unforgiving over an extremely shallow coral shelf.

Hazards

  • •Razor-sharp coral reef (often less than 30cm deep at low tide)
  • •Very remote, Pohnpei is a 4-hour flight from Hawaii
  • •Limited medical facilities on the island
  • •Strong current in the pass

Local Tips

  • •Access is by boat from Kolonia, Pohnpei's main town, the boat ride through the lagoon is stunning.
  • •P-Pass is best surfed mid to high tide; at low tide the reef is dry and the wave becomes genuinely life-threatening.

Location

Map showing the location of P-Pass in Pohnpei, Micronesia

6.9667, 158.2333