The Surf Window

Salani

Upolu, Samoa

Reef breakAdvanced

On Samoa's south coast, Salani is the country's premier surf destination, a remote river mouth and reef break setup that produces long, powerful lefts which have attracted surf camps and global travelers for decades.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)
Size–S 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

NE

Light to N under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Apr–Oct for southern ocean swells

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef and river mouth break

Bottom

Sand and coral

Shape

Long left-hander with multiple sections

Length

150–300m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Long powerful left requires experience to navigate the full ride

Hazards

  • •River mouth pollution after heavy rain
  • •Coral on the inside sections
  • •Strong currents near the river mouth

Local Tips

  • •Salani Surf Resort has been running camps here for 20+ years, a trusted resource
  • •The left runs along the reef then walls up on the inside for a long ride
  • •Faleolo Airport in Apia is 2 hours from Salani by road

Location

Map showing the location of Salani in Upolu, Samoa

-14.0333, -171.5833