The Surf Window

Rutaki Passage

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Reef breakIntermediate

Another of Rarotonga's reef pass breaks, Rutaki Passage on the southwest side catches south swells that have crossed the entire Southern Ocean, powerful, clean walls in a turquoise lagoon setting.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–S 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

NE

Light to E under 12 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

May–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Right-hand walls with long open-face sections

Length

100–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Southern ocean swells arrive with power, the reef is unforgiving

Hazards

  • •Very sharp coral
  • •Strong currents through the passage
  • •The outer edge of the reef drops off dramatically

Local Tips

  • •Time your paddle-out through the passage channel with the outgoing current
  • •The right peak near the passage wall gets the most consistent shape
  • •Avarua town is a 10-minute drive for supplies and food

Location

Map showing the location of Rutaki Passage in Rarotonga, Cook Islands

-21.2167, -159.7500